A book in braille produced by prisoners in Maghaberry Prison chronicling the History of the Ulster Division has been presented to the Somme Museum in Newtownards.
A group of prisoners spent the past year typing the book, The History of the Ulster Division, in the braille unit at Maghaberry Prison. Eight volumes including appendices, index and maps were completed in braille and large text, for use by visually impaired visitors to the Somme Museum.
Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour said:
"This is an excellent example of how we are supporting people to change and make a real difference to their lives through rehabilitative activities.
"I hope these books will complement the work of the Somme Museum and will prove invaluable to visually impaired people. The braille unit at Maghaberry Prison works exceptionally hard to produce various books and bibles and I am delighted to present their latest work to the Somme Museum.”
Mark Mooney, Braille Instructor in Maghaberry Prison, said: “We are always looking for new ways to motivate offenders and the prisoners involved in this project have put in a lot of hard work. It’s been challenging for them but they have shown incredible commitment to see it through to the end.”
Carol Walker, Director of Somme Association, said: “This is the first ever book in braille at the Somme Museum and we are indebted to the Northern Ireland Prison Service and in particular the braille unit at Maghaberry.
“I have no doubt the book will be appreciated by the many visually impaired groups who visit the Somme Museum.”
Notes to editors:
- All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
- PHOTO CAPTION: A book in braille produced by prisoners in Maghaberry Prison chronicling the History of the Ulster Division has been presented to the Somme Museum in Newtownards. Pictured at the presentation are Ronnie Armour (right), Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Mark Mooney, Braille Instructor at Maghaberry Prison, Carol Walker MBE, Director of the Somme Association, and Hazel Flannigan, a blind volunteer at the braille unit in Maghaberry.