On today’s show, I talk with Connie about why she chose to live in Sligo.
- How to get involved with the Sligo Environmental Network
- What Connie loves about living in Sligo and what she would like to see more of in the area.
Connie was also An Taisce Climate Ambassador 2018
More about Connie and the Sligo Environmental Network here . . .
After growing up in Germany, I came to Ireland for an Erasmus year in 2001. I stayed for several years and came back in 2016, to live in Sligo. In between, I have lived in Bolivia, Spain and Scotland. I have a PhD in Social Anthropology and for my fieldwork spent over a year in a small Andean community. No electricity, no road access. It’s nearly 10 years ago now but lately, I’m thinking back to that year a lot! I have also worked in theatre and am now mostly interested in social ecology, community development and creative environmental action.
Sligo Environmental Network is a voluntary community group for all individuals and groups who are interested in environmental matters in Co. Sligo. We are producing the participatory arts project ‘Sligo Climate Generations’ at the moment which is a follow-up of last year’s ‘Sligo Climate Wisdom’. In ‘Sligo Climate Generations’ older people (65+) and teenagers will enter into dialogue and develop a piece of work to be shared in the community.
Connie first came to Sligo for a summer job in 2014 (the other two options being Dublin and Cork). I enjoyed that one month so much that I came back here in 2016 with my partner and we haven’t left since.
What do you love about living in Sligo?: I’m having long summer days, leaving cars & doors unlocked, cycling to work & peaceful nights living on a road of no street lights. :)
If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: I don’t think Sligo is missing any of these things. My magic wand would maybe try and make people more aware of that. Pride of place: not so much the beauty of the place, but rather pride of place as in being part of a community that has so much potential.
What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: All my work now is about connections between people. So I’m really looking forward to going back out there and producing projects and facilitating workshops that foster connections and networking. The same goes for my personal life. The last few months have reminded me of who’s really important to me. To be able to have face-to-face encounters with them again is what I’m looking forward to. I'm also looking forward to keeping up some of the habits that I've developed since lockdown!
What are your must-do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: live music (Sunday to Thursday!), beaches, lunches, sunsets, depending on whom I'm recommending to
How can people find you online? Would you like to make a special offer available for listeners?: [email protected];
Facebook.com/SligoEnvironmentalNetwork; Twitter @TheConnieNell
I’d love people to get in touch if they’re interested in workshops on sustainable development, active hope, climate action & creativity and/or if they would like to participate in ‘Sligo Climate Generations’.
