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'Amazing Grace' viewing point
opens in Buncrana
05.10.13
A VIEWING platform has
been unveiled in Buncrana as part of the ongoing
'Amazing Grace' initiative in the area.
Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA and
Junior Minister, Jonathan Bell, MLA officially
opened the viewing point, located on an existing
viewing platform near the town's Stone Jug, at an
event on Friday afternoon. The opening was also
attended by Nobel laureate John Hume, the town's
mayor and clergy.
The viewing point has been created as part of the
‘Amazing Grace Heritage Experience’ which recounts
how slave trader John Newton was inspired to write
the world famous hymn after taking refuge in Lough
Swilly from a violent storm in the Atlantic Ocean in
1748. |
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Cutting of the ribbon on the Amazing
Grace viewing point in Buncrana (left to right)
Jonathan Bell, MLA, Office of the First Minister,
Cllr Peter Mc Laughlin, Mayor of Buncrana, and
Martin Mc Guinness, MLA, deputy First Minister. |
Deputy First Minister
Martin McGuinness said: “As one of the world’s best
known hymns, ‘Amazing Grace’ has world-wide appeal
that will draw people to this beautiful part of
Ireland, where John Newton started his spiritual
journey.
“Opening the viewing point today reminds us that
history is part of our past but it also shapes and
helps to build our future. All those involved in the
Amazing Grace initiative are to be congratulated for
their vision in bringing together different
religious, social, cultural and economic interests
for the benefit of the whole community."
Mr Bell said Newton’s life story told of a
"remarkable journey".
"It is extraordinary to think that John Newton’s
safe delivery to these shores at Buncrana on that
fateful night of April 8, 1748 inspired him to write
one of the most well known and best loved hymns in
the world.
"I commend Buncrana Town Council and the Amazing
Grace initiative for the inspired approach that has
brought this initiative to life. I have every
confidence that it will be blessed with success," he
added.
Under the Leader programme the Inishowen Development
Partnership supported and funded the project as part
of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
“Buncrana Town Council and the Amazing Grace
Initiative would like to thank Inishowen Development
Partnership (Leader) and the Department of
Environment , Community and Local Government for
their support under the National Rural Development
Programme 2007-2013 in making this project happen,"
said a spokesperson. |
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