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“Finding Autumn” – The Down about Down Podcast with Killyleagh author, Becky Grattson

In this podcast, host Chris Scott speaks to Becky Grattson about her debut novel titled “Forever Autumn.” This fantasy novel with elements of folklore, set in County Down, has been inspired by a love story of Mother Nature and Father Time. 

Becky, who works in the nursing profession and lives in Killyleagh, talks to Chris at length about her background and career. She is originally from Saintfield, studied nursing at Queen’s University and went to England. She would later move back to Northern Ireland with her husband Paul, and they settled in her native County Down. Becky is a learning disability nurse trained to provide specialist healthcare to people with learning disabilities. For the majority of her career she has worked in mental health services. 

Becky was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age and she recalls how she avoided reading and writing during her childhood years. She talks at length about her experiences with dyslexia and her early learning experiences at school. It would be in her teenage years that she got into reading when she picked up a copy of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” This was her introduction to the world of reading, and she enjoyed the experience. 

“Five years ago I wouldn’t have thought of myself of being able to write a book.” That would soon change for Becky. She explains how she grew up on Irish folklore mythology with stories like ‘The Children of Lir’ and ‘The Red Branch’.  She liked the similarities between Greek, Roman and Irish mythology. That, coupled with the inspiration from sailing around our rugged coastline, viewing the mountain ranges and absorbing the beautiful views around the shores of Strangford Lough, Becky’s first novel was underway.

Becky explains how she started to research local legends and myths. “I loved learning about the original placenames and the Irish, mythology and how the Celts moved around the world with their language and culture,” she told Chris.

“Finding Autumn” is set in Killyleagh, and features the castle, Strangford Lough, and Delamont. The story setting moves to the beautiful Mourne mountains, down to Rostrevor, Carlingford and Malahide, Dublin.  Inspiration for the book was drawn from the relationship between Mother Nature and Father Time. It is set in an era when witches were hunted and the world in which the main characters, Éabha and Clan, lived was encompassed by magic and dark forces. Clan believes Éabha is the witch he has been looking for but he is mistaken, and later discovers her true identity. Their journey of self-discovery includes battling with their enemies and uncovers their deep connections which may change their destinies. 

“Finding Autumn” is the first in a series of four books. Becky has the ending formulated for book four, but there is still work to do to complete the series. 

“All four books will take us through the creation of each season. How Mother Nature and Father Time learn and grow together to become such concreted spirits or elements within our world today,” explained Becky during the podcast.

Becky wanted the cover of the book to look timeless and traditional and she left this project in the hands of her talented cousin, Niamh Conlon came up with the unique design.

Chris finds out about some of Becky’s ventures as she travelled round various independent bookshops seeking bookshelf space for her handiwork. 

Becky’s book, ‘Finding Autumn’ can be purchased at Waterstones Online and Amazon.  Other local outlets include the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, Killyleagh. 

You can follow Becky on Instagram, TikTok and her new Facebook page – “Rebecca Grattson Author.” 

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Sunshine, Sunflowers and Song

The Down about Down Podcast at the 2024 Corner Stone Fest, Sunflower Cottage, Annacloy, County Down

On Saturday 10th August Chris popped along to the 3rd annual Corner Stone Fest, held in the beautiful surroundings at Sunflower Cottage, Annacloy, County Down.

Those who attended were treated to ten musical acts on stage from 12 noon through to 9pm. This was event that not only showcased local talent but raised much needed funds for the local LCCL Charity based in Downpatrick. The charity provides much needed services to help people overcome their mental issues, social isolation and addiction by offering a warm and welcoming environment for everyone of any age and background.

The sun shone brightly on Saturday, and the sunflowers in the adjacent field were beginning to show their faces! A nice touch to this well organised family orientated event.

Ten musical acts took to the stage across the day and entertained those who attended this year’s festival. Each of the singers and musicians had given their time entirely free of charge. 

Conal Montgomery, the organiser of the event, told Chris “I’m totally blown away by the turnout and by the musicians. There’s a peace about this place and everybody’s chilled.”

The idea for a Corner Stone Festival was formulated after Conal had a chat with the late Nigel Blair on Belfast 89FM. “It was Nigel who said to me on my first radio interview with him, he asked me what would I like to do in the future to get the word out. I said I would like to play a festival. He lent over the table and said - Just go and run your own son.”  The seed was sown. Conal takes pride in the fact that he can give those in the local music scene a platform to hear their music, when opportunities have been limited for them in the past. 

Chris chats to well-known TV and radio broadcaster, Robin Elliott who popped along to lend his support. Local Killyleagh artist, Duxy Leahy, was also lending his support in both manual labour and artistic talent. He has donated two unique paintings, which will be put up for raffle soon, with all proceed going to LCCL. The paintings feature two well-known lighthouses – Fastnet and St. John’s, and they have been painted onto two offcuts from the stage at the festival.

Also included in the chats with Chris are Ted Ellison, Zac Mac, Short Circuit, Rikki Jordan, Nicky Brown and Barry Shields.

The complete bill included Conal Montgomery & Co., First Ted on the Moon, Every March, Short Circuit, Rikki Jordan band, Take it Easy, Charlie Hanlon, The Thing is, Zac Mac and Black Dog Moon. 

Conal is hoping that the Corner Stone festival will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.  He told Chris, “Hopefully we can make this grow and give them (LCCL) more every year and make more and more people aware of that hub that is on our doorstep, because you don’t know when you’re going to need it.

Eva Rowan, singer and guitarist from “The Thing Is,” also spoke to Chris about how the idea for the Sunflower Cottage and the subsequent Sunflower Cottage Fest came about. The area is owned by her family. There are five weekends set aside when the public can visit and “explore winding paths” in the sunflower field together with some live music from local artists. The event is in support of Cancer Fund for Children and Chest Heart and Stroke.

For further details on the events at Sunflower Cottage go to –

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085277680028

The Down about Down Podcast can be contacted via email at [email protected]

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From Goal to Goal – The Down about Down Podcast with Kaitlyn Morrison. Dundonald’s International Ice-Hockey, Inline and Ball-Hockey player.

In this podcast Chris speaks to 21-year-old Kaitlyn Morrison from Dundonald about her career and successes both on and off the rink.

Kaitlyn was introduced to the ice rink at the tender age of four by her dad Mark Morrison, who was one of Belfast’s local sporting legends with the Belfast Giants. 

Kaitlyn talks about her early career with the Junior Belfast Giants who had teams regularly playing in the Scottish League.  She was fortunate to be selected for Team Scotland Under 15’s and within a few years had played games with Solway Sharks Under 16 girls at the age of 13 and she was also selected for Great Britain Under 16’s.  This was a first for a female ice-hockey player from Northern Ireland. 

Whilst playing for the Scottish Conference Team in a tournament at Sheffield in 2017, Kaitlyn was spotted by a representative of the Ontario Hockey Academy which led to a scholarship and placement at the academic-athletic developmental hockey training school in Canada. She told Chris “It is an amazing opportunity for anyone who gets the chance.” She made the Under 18 Great Britain Women’s team and played in the World Championships held in Dumfries where she attained a bronze medal. Kaitlyn returned to Northern Ireland in 2019 and played with the Junior Belfast Giants Under 20 team and Belfast Giants Scottish National League team. 

Kaitlyn continued to pursue her studies and attained her A-Levels which secured her a place on a Sport and Exercise Science degree course at the University of Ulster. She will be starting her final year in September despite a busy schedule on both national and international rinks during this next season.

Kaitlyn scored her first international ice-hockey goal for GB Under 18 team in November 2019 at a four-nation tournament held at Dumfries, Scotland. She also represented Great Britain at the 2023 FISU World University games held in Lake Placid. In July 2023, Kaitlyn travelled to Belgium with the senior Inline Hockey Ireland women’s team to play at the European Championship. It was during this event that she made history, scoring a goal which gave her and the team their first international goal. 

Kaitlyn signed for Whitley Bay Beacons, a women’s ice-hockey team, at the beginning of the 2023 season. This ensured she was playing ice-hockey on a regular basis at the highest level in the UK and at the end of the season Kaitlyn picked up the team’s ‘Best Defence Award.’ Inline Hockey Ireland recently awarded her with ‘Female Player of the Year Award 2024.’

Kaitlyn talks to Chris about her up and coming attendance at the trials in August for the Senior GB Women’s Ice-Hockey team and her selection in April to represent Team Ireland Senior Women Inline at the forthcoming World Skate Games this September in Italy.

A podcast not to be missed with a determined lady who not only scores goals but attains them!

The Down about Down Podcast can be contacted via email –

[email protected]

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“On the record” - Conal Montgomery, Black Dog Moon and The Corner Stone Fest 2024 on the Down about Down Podcast with Chris Scott 

The latest Down about Down Podcast features Killyleagh’s very own talented singer/songwriter Conal Montgomery.

Chris talks to Conal about his rock group – Black Dog Moon who are due to launch their debut album on Friday 19th July 2024 at The Pavilion Bar, Ormeau Road, Belfast. Support acts include Philip McCarroll, John Devlin and the Revolvers and Arc Dakota.

Conal dreamt of forming his own rock group which would eventually record their own material. That dream has now come true and the guys are now taking the local rock scene by storm. In Conal’s own words, “There’s a tornado going on and it’s blowing us in the right direction.” 

Conal talks to Chris about how the group first formed. Black Dog Moon consists of Conal Montgomery, Stephen Glackin, Daniel Martin, Nicky Brown and Dylan Kelly.

The new album consists of nine pieces of original material which is available not only on streaming platforms and CD, but on vinyl! Why name a debut album using the group’s name? Well Conal talks about that and a lot more in this podcast.

Conal explains the background to some of the new material. There is everything from heavy rock to a celtic bluesy rock number titled River Maiden. This song was penned by Conal after a memorable experience in Dublin whilst attending a Who concert in June 2015. Conal had accidentally fallen into the River Liffey. “I fell in between the pontoon and a wall off a ladder. I had a couple of bangs before I hit the water. I was in the water and I remember coming to…. I was underwater and I was looking up and I could see a light.” Thankfully a friend pulled him out before a tragedy unfolded. Conal goes on to explain that this gave him the idea for the song which encapsulates a mermaid rescuing him and bringing him to the surface. There are three titles of Who songs in the chorus. Recently one of the group’s videos featuring the song “Rainy Night in Belfast” appeared on Ulster Television’s UTV Life programme. 

In part two of the podcast Chris talks to Conal about his third annual Corner Stone Fest. This year it will be held at Sunflower Cottage, Loughinisland Road, Annacloy, County Down. It will feature ten acts with a lot of local talent including Every March, First Ted on The Moon, Short Circuit, Rikki Jordan Band, Take it Easy, Charlie Hanlon, The Thing Is, Zac Mac and Black Dog Moon.  This unique music festival runs from 12noon to 9pm. Tickets, priced £30, are now on sale and money raised will be donated to local charity LCCL Pop Up Art, based in Downpatrick. This charity supports those affected by mental health, addiction and isolation. The Corner Stone Fest starts the sunflower season at the Sunflower Cottage during which a series of Sunflower Sessions will commence. Monies raised from these sessions will be donated to Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke and Cancer Fund for Children.

Exciting times ahead!

For further information on the album launch check out the Black Dog Moon facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090149589998

or Conal Montgomery Music facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/conaleaf

For further details on the Corner Stone Fest 2024 and other events go to the Sunflower Cottage facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085277680028

You can contact Chris at The Down about Down Podcast via email -
[email protected]

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“Back to the drawing board” - Portaferry Artist, Rebecca Dorrian, on The Down about Down Podcast with Chris Scott 

The latest Down about Down Podcast features Portaferry artist, Rebecca Dorrian who has returned to the art scene after 32 years.

Rebecca, on her Instagram and Facebook sites “Rebecca Dorrian Art” describes herself as a self-taught portrait and seascape artist.  Chris, who first noticed her works of art on social media, invited her to appear on the podcast, which has now in excess of 23,000 downloads.

Rebecca, originally from Moy in County Tyrone, talks to Chris about her early influences with art, including memories of her grandfather, a sign painter, encouraging her to draw at an early age.

She did excel at art at school and eventually went to England to do a foundation in art for a year. Life would eventually take a different direction for Rebecca, and the brushes and paints were put aside.  In her day job she works as a Dementia Navigator with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The painting started when she was off work with covid several years ago. This was to be the first time in 32 years when she had last visited the canvas.  “It was a ping moment for me. I forgot how this made me feel,” she told Chris. That was January 2022, and she hasn’t looked back.

“Painting is a release for me and it is my therapy,” she explained. “I paint at the weekends when I finish work and I don’t think about anything else.” Up until two years ago Rebecca had never painted a landscape or seascape.

The beautiful scenery around the Portaferry area cannot be ignored, and Rebecca now regularly paints scenes from that part of County Down and beyond.

“Window to Paradise”, one of her favourites, is used as a backdrop to her Facebook page, and was the result of a sunset scene she photographed from the Lough Shore area of Portaferry.

Rebecca has been commissioned for portraits and she has recently sold one of her landscape paintings at her first outdoor stall at Art on the Rails in Holywood. To her surprise she has also just been approached by an art gallery. “This is honestly unreal for me. If someone had suggested a year ago that I’d be approached by a gallery I’d have laughed at them!” she recently posted on her social media.

Rebecca is an inspiration to anyone who has the slightest inkling of taking their talent to the next level.  To listen to this inspirational and talented lady tune in to the Down about Down Podcast, available on the usual media platforms.

Have a look at Rebecca’s Facebook and Instagram pages – Rebecca Dorrian Art. You can also contact her on email – [email protected]

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Music to Your Ears – The Down About Down Podcast with Mourne Community Choir 

Community singing has always been an enjoyable experience in the Newcastle area. Chris relates the story of “Singing Sally” from the area, who appeared in a Newry Courthouse in April 1866 for disturbing worshippers at a local chapel with her singing!!

In this podcast, 158 years later, Chris makes his way to Newcastle, County Down and visits Mourne Community Choir whilst they are in a practice session at Newcastle Community Cinema. 

Chris has a chat with Frances, Mary, Marie, Justine, Nick and Síle, all members of the choir.

The Mourne Community Choir were formed a number of years ago and have gone from strength to strength with a membership of around 50 members presently. The membership includes both young and old from across the Mourne District, stretching from Killyleagh to Kilkeel. 

People from all backgrounds getting together with one common bond – they all love to sing!

The choir, under the guidance of Careen Starkey, are currently practising for their latest gig on 11th May, 2024 organised by the Lions Club. 

The choir are also raising money presently through a raffle which assist in expense payments and they will be also giving a donation to The Well in Kilkeel, a community wellness hub that provides a range of services to support mental health.

Long term choir member Frances states, “This is quite aligned to our own choir, in that it is all about our mental health. People in this choir maybe have nobody living near them. They could be isolated and they come here on a Monday and let the hair down and really enjoy each other’s company.”

For anyone who is thinking about joining and isn’t sure, Marie, who joined the choir a year ago, gives a few words of encouragement. “Come and join. You go home feeling completely different. You feel more relaxed and in better form. It is just enjoyable.”

You don’t even have to read music to join! “If you can sing and hold a tune” you are more than welcome to go along to a practice session and give it a go. 

The choir meet each Monday evening, between 7 – 9pm at the Newcastle Community Cinema, located at St. Mary’s Hall, Main Street, Newcastle, County Down. 

You can hear the choir in action at the Newcastle Community Cinema at 3pm on Saturday 11th May.

Chris can be contacted via email – [email protected]

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Chilling out with Killyleagh Community Music Group

The Sir Hans Sloane Centre, located at 23 High Street, Killyleagh, is the setting once again for the Killyleagh Community Music Group. Professional musicians from Killyleagh, Neil Foster and Paddy Anderson, are the project facilitators for the six weekly sessions, held on a Tuesday night at 6pm. 

The funding for the project has been provided by the Community Relations Council. 

Chris visited the group on week two of the weekly sessions and spoke to Neil, Paddy, participants and parents about their experiences to date.

One of those parents present, Helena, was asked by Chris about her view of the evening session. “It was really engaging. Arthur seemed to have a really good time and got to play a vast variety of instruments that we wouldn’t get to play anywhere else. We had a really good time and everybody was really friendly.”

Acoustic and electric guitars, African drums, tambourines, keyboard, harp and a variety of percussion instruments were available to try out throughout the evening, in the form of a “jamming” session. The formality of music lessons is not on the agenda here.

“There is no sense of wrong notes here,” Neil explained. “You leave that space, take off the pressure, and give everyone time.” 

Neil, a professional musician and composer, is also a trained music therapist. He understands the need to explore music freely and build confidence in a non-pressurised environment. “This is a different space to interact with your child and other mums, dads and other kids. I think it really takes pressure off different corners of life.”

Paddy, an accomplished professional flamenco guitarist, teacher and composer, has found that the group is a positive experience for him. “This is brilliant for me because it is a beautiful way of looking at music and what music is.” He believes both Neal and himself have a similar philosophy and that music is there to enjoy, promote wellbeing and expression. “The goal is to see a smile on the face of a child that is communicating with music. Their face lights up,” Paddy told Chris. 

One of the participants added, “I used to find music lessons quite stressful, but this is more relaxed. It really encourages you to learn more when you really enjoyed it.”

Neil and Paddy encourages anyone who has an interest in joining the group to call into the Sir Hans Sloane Centre to call in, have a look and have a go! Week three of the six week course was held on Tuesday 21st November.

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Clearing the clutter with the Declutterbird, Catherine Hamilton Cooper.

Crossgar lady, Catherine Hamilton Cooper, talks to Chris Scott on the Down about Down Podcast about her business “Declutterbird.”

Catherine is a professional declutterer and organiser and is clearly passionate about her business. This is a new concept to Northern Ireland and there is certainly a need for this service. Catherine explains, “Our lives are getting busier, our possessions are becoming more and more and we are accumulating so many more things. We are buying much more online. All of these things are coming into our house and we need to make sure we manage that.” 

When the clutter grows, the problem starts and that is when Catherine can be called on for assistance. 

Catherine, a member of APDO, the UK’s membership association for decluttering and organising professionals, talks to Chris about her background and the reasons why she decided to start her own business. 

Catherine is well aware of the problems that clutter can cause in the home and how it can negatively affect people’s lives. She explains how she provides a realistic and friendly service and takes time to understand her client and their difficulties. “They will start to see a weight being lifted off their shoulders and can see a light at the end of the clutter tunnel,” she added. 

Catherine discusses some of her techniques and tips, which she uses in her business. Earlier this year, in April, she was a highly commended winner of the Mighty Women Brunch Award  and in September she was a finalist in the Northern Ireland Social Media Awards. Currently the Declutterbird facebook site has a following of over 16000 followers. Catherine has a private Facebook group with 2300 members where they can ask questions, seek advice and share ideas online. Catherine believes that there is a positivity in helping each other. “It is amazing the members who have made astonishing progress in their home just from the group alone.”

Catherine also mentions some of her plans for the future, including the launch of the Declutterbird membership on Facebook in 2024. This will include monthly training and accountability sessions. Recently she has published a book titles “Decluttering DIY – Home Decluttering Planner.”  This is a comprehensive guide to decluttering, based on Catherine’s trademarked signature decluttering system, “The Cleared System.”

A thought-provoking and interesting conversation – not to be missed!

For further details go to the Declutterbird Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Declutterbird

Website : www.declutterbird.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

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Taking a gander at "A Wee Dander" painting exhibition by Killyleagh artist - Duxy Leahy (October 2023)

In this episode of the Down about Down Podcast, Chris is in conversation with talented Killyleagh artist, Darren 'Duxy' Leahy who has his latest works of arts displayed at the prestigious Saint Patrick Centre, located at 53A Market Street, Downpatrick. 

Duxy has named his latest exhibition - "A Wee Dander" and he describes the display as  "Places I'm going and things I have seen. Walks I took part in and places I've been."

The paintings on display portray a number of local scenes, both from the countryside and seasides. You will instantly recognise many local places of interest including Downpatrick Cathedral, Saul Church and Struell Wells. You cannot fail to notice an unnamed figure out for a stroll in some of the paintings. Duxy refers to him as "the dandering man." There may well be a likeness to the artist, but he refuses to be drawn on this!  Some time ago it was suggested to Duxy that he should put a figure into the paintings, but he admits that he struggled with figure painting at that time.  " When you are teaching people to do art, and the mindfulness art classes that I do, you tell people to step out of their comfort zone. That is how you learn. I wasn't doing it myself," he told Chris. After a rethink, it was time to overcome that struggle, and the dandering man appeared on the canvas. 

Despite having a number of exhibitions under his belt, Duxy still finds the experience a little nerve wrecking. "It's a little bit nerve wrecking, but an honour to have paintings hanging in the galleries where a lot of great artists have displayed their works."
Duxy believes that a little bit of self doubt is grounding. He has spoken to Chris about this on a number of occasions in previous podcasts.  Earlier in his career, he had always dreamt of having an exhibition but he felt that his paintings were not up to standard. "I thought my paintings weren't good enough and I wasn't worth it. There was a time when things in my life had slipped very badly and I had reached my lowest point." Duxy sought help for his severe depression and anxiety and he managed to change his life around, continuing his journey in a new direction.

In this podcast, Duxy shares some valuable words of wisdom with the listeners. "If you can change one thing in your life, change it. It will lead to other thins changing."

The beauty of our surrounding County Down countryside is captured perfectly by the brushstrokes of one of her talented sons.

The exhibition continues at the St. Patrick Centre, Downpatrick throughout the month of October.  Do call in and support home grown talent!

For further information on Duxy's work go to his Facebook page (My Gallery. Duxy Leahy) - https://www.facebook.com/Duxyartgallery

For details on The Saint Patrick Centre go to - https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsaintpatrickcentre

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In this podcast Chris chats to Andrea Murtagh, a mother of three, from Killinchy, County Down, Northern Ireland. 

Andrea started a series of sessions, on Sunday 13th August 2023, of Meditation and Journaling at Ballygowan Village Hall, County Down. 

The aim of her Meditation and Journaling Circle is for individuals to find their peace, their people and their purpose. 

Andrea, a certified mediation teacher and life coach, talks to Chris about how she got started with meditation and journaling. Andrea struggled with  the first nine months of motherhood and she found it to be a difficult time. She tried to find ways to make life easier during her struggles.   

Andrea is also a volunteer with The Parent Rooms, a charity specifically set up to assist parents who navigate the challenges of mental health. Andrea participated in their peer support training. 

Later, she attended a meditation teacher training course to further her learning, and very quickly realised that it was not only beneficial to herself, but she had the idea that she could bring these ideas and concepts to others. 

Andrea is also a self-published author and has put together a couple of books. The 21 Days to Journaling publication is available to purchase online. 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/21-Days-Journaling-changing-lifetime/dp/B0BMT439TH

Andrea also talks about how her work has been an inspiration to others.
"I do what I do because I want to make a difference to people."

Listen in to find out more!

For further details on The Real Life Hack go to
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LifeHackAndrea
Website - https://www.thereallifehack.co.uk/

email: Andrea@The RealLifeHack.co.uk