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15/10/2009
Plaque Pays Tribute To Sam Hanna Bell
A versatile writer who was absolutely committed to Northern Ireland culture has this morning been honoured for his work, writes Carla Liébana.
The writer and broadcaster Sam Hanna Bell was officially recognised in a ceremony today in Belfast, to commemorate his 100th anniversary of the birth.
NI Culture Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured) unveiled an iconic 'blue plaque' at the house where this novelist, short story writer and broadcaster lived when he wrote his most famous novel, December Bride.
Mr McCausland said: "Many of Sam's novels and short stories brought to life the Ulster-Scots language and culture to a variety of readers across Northern Ireland and around the world. They are an extremely valuable part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage. "
Published in 1951, 'December Bride' tells a story about Ulster rural life. The plot follows a young servant girl who becomes pregnant after maintaining a tragic love affair with two brothers.
She refuses to reveal the name of the father, attracting the wrath of the local community.
Despite the controversies that this book aroused, it was eventually considered an essential modern fiction book and in 1990 was made into a film for Channel 4 by Thaddeus O'Sullivan.
Hanne Bell wrote a great deal about the theatre and some more novels, like The Hollow Ball or A Man Flourishing.
The writer also worked for the BBC in Northern Ireland for 25 years and he made a lot of programmes about life in the country and persuaded the BBC to pay more attention to folklore, country customs and traditional music.
His most popular radio programme was 'This is Northern Ireland' in 1949.
Referring to this, the Minister stated: "Sam was one of the first to recognise that grassroots local programming is needed to address the needs of local people. He collected and broadcast folklore and folk music from remote areas, and ensured its preservation for future generations."
Hanna Bell was born in Glasgow in 1909, to an Ulster Scots Family.
His father died when he was only nine and then, the family moved back to his mother's family farm near Strangford Lough.
In 1921, he moved to Belfast, and he lived there until his death, aged 80.
To mark the centenary of his birth, a committee has organized a series of commemorative events throughout 2009.
(CL/BMcC)
The writer and broadcaster Sam Hanna Bell was officially recognised in a ceremony today in Belfast, to commemorate his 100th anniversary of the birth.
NI Culture Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured) unveiled an iconic 'blue plaque' at the house where this novelist, short story writer and broadcaster lived when he wrote his most famous novel, December Bride.
Mr McCausland said: "Many of Sam's novels and short stories brought to life the Ulster-Scots language and culture to a variety of readers across Northern Ireland and around the world. They are an extremely valuable part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage. "
Published in 1951, 'December Bride' tells a story about Ulster rural life. The plot follows a young servant girl who becomes pregnant after maintaining a tragic love affair with two brothers.
She refuses to reveal the name of the father, attracting the wrath of the local community.
Despite the controversies that this book aroused, it was eventually considered an essential modern fiction book and in 1990 was made into a film for Channel 4 by Thaddeus O'Sullivan.
Hanne Bell wrote a great deal about the theatre and some more novels, like The Hollow Ball or A Man Flourishing.
The writer also worked for the BBC in Northern Ireland for 25 years and he made a lot of programmes about life in the country and persuaded the BBC to pay more attention to folklore, country customs and traditional music.
His most popular radio programme was 'This is Northern Ireland' in 1949.
Referring to this, the Minister stated: "Sam was one of the first to recognise that grassroots local programming is needed to address the needs of local people. He collected and broadcast folklore and folk music from remote areas, and ensured its preservation for future generations."
Hanna Bell was born in Glasgow in 1909, to an Ulster Scots Family.
His father died when he was only nine and then, the family moved back to his mother's family farm near Strangford Lough.
In 1921, he moved to Belfast, and he lived there until his death, aged 80.
To mark the centenary of his birth, a committee has organized a series of commemorative events throughout 2009.
(CL/BMcC)
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