Gies Peace - Comic Workshops

We're doing some work with the anti-sectarian project Gies Peace just now - working on a comic strip with a local school, and from this weekend (15th March), if you fancy getting involved creating a comic strip - you can!

Interested in Graphic Novels? Want to create something amazing to help raise awareness about sectarianism in your community??The Gie’s Peace Anti-Sectarianism project is currently seeking creative individuals to take part in a team writing initiative. Explore how comics and graphic novels tell stories, get involved in designing your own characters and create a short comic strip as part of a team. If you are interested contact Laura at Trust Volunteering Inverclyde on (01475)553334 or email laura.Mathieson@the-trust.org.uk

We were originally going to be running the session at Dutch Gable House, but it's right busy down there all through March - don't miss Violet Skulls Market this weekend. So the sessions will be at 7 1/2 John Wood Street Port Glasgow.

Remember, if you want Magic Torch to work with your group to help tell your story in a new way, that's a thing we can do...contact aulddunrod@gmail.com

Minnie Dean

These are 2 pages we scripted for the Identity Graphic Novel, about the sad and sinister case of Minnie Dean, Greenock born woman, hanged in New Zealand for murdering children in her care.

Minnie remains a bit of a "bogeywoman" for many in New Zealand, but as is often the case in such situations, some doubt is now cast on her guilt. In 2009, a headstone was finally laid at the spot believed to have been her previously unmarked grave. The traditional Maori ceremony brought together both descendents of Minnie and her supposed victims.

Hats off to Greenock punk legend Louis Pastore  (now turned Pirate folkster in Shinbone Al)  who first alerted us to this story. Check out Louis's own local heritage researches on GreenockPunks77 and Kingdom of Strathclyde.

Identity - Graphic Novel

The Archivist...bet he knows a few stories....

As part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Identity project, the project team have worked with local schools to produce a graphic novel charting the heritage of the area. The project is focussed on migration, but there are a few wee folk tales that have been handed down which have been included in the graphic. The 64 page book will be released later in the year, and so far, it looks fantastic. Follow the Identity facebook page or blog for regular project updates.

Magic Torch got to provide a few pages based on the story of Minnie Dean, but this preview page below is a retelling of a Mermaid story we've always enjoyed...

We really like The Archivist from the graphic novel, but he is of course a fictional character. This week however, Inverclyde Council's real life Archivist played a bit of a blinder and uncovered a secret cupboard full of centuries old books. Hats off to you sir.