Victims group members thank public for book and CD sales

MEMBERS of a local victims' group have thanked the public for buying their book and CD, Tears and Memories.

The book and CD, released by Rathfriland group TEAR (Together Encouraging and Remembering Victims of the Troubles) have been placed in libraries, schools and churches not only in Northern Ireland but in England, Scotland and Wales also.

Tears and Memories records the personal stories of the group’s members but secretary Rita Ross told The Leader that not all of the group’s membership were able to contribute their stories to the book as revisiting such a painful place in the past proved too much to take.

"Recording the stories was not an easy task because of the depth needed in the detail which means there are many more stories still untold not only within “TEAR” but of other innocent victims who have been sorely affected as a result of the terrorist violence," said Rita.

The Troubles has left many scars in this province and TEAR feel that the structure now developing around the victims/survivors sector has become so business like the human cost of it all is lost in the bureaucracy.

"While TEAR is a small befriending house group, they wrote the book knowing the workload and emotional strength it entailed and did so in the hope that it would be a lasting memorial to the courageous innocent victims of a small rural area who served in the security offices.

"The members were keen to tell their stories personally and no shadow writers were involved, instead they were written directly by the innocent victims."

TEAR have decided to share their recieved donations with what the members believe to be worthy causes, namely Newry Hospice as some of the members have benefitted from the service. The Beacon who are based in Rathfriland and work with the younger community providing a safe friendly environment for young people of all backgrounds to meet also received some of the donations.

Copies of Tears and Memories can be obtained by contacting (028) 406 30240 or by visiting the website www.tear.org.uk

Related topics: