Activities weekend honours naturalist and broadcaster

The second annual Olly McGilloway Autumn School takes place in Derry next weekend, and with activities including bird-watching…

The second annual Olly McGilloway Autumn School takes place in Derry next weekend, and with activities including bird-watching, countryside walks, painting and fishing, it should prove a fitting way to remember the environmentalist and broadcaster.

The theme of the weekend is "Nature's Way", the title of Olly McGilloway's first series of programmes broadcast in the 1980s. Throughout his career on radio and TV, he was able to communicate his love for nature to others, and several years after his sudden death, the programmes are still being shown.

Prof David Bellamy will give the opening lecture of the weekend on Friday, October 8th. The weekend is being organised by the Faughan Area Study Group, both as a way to promote tourism and to remember Olly McGillo way's affection for and knowledge of the River Faughan and its environs.

Over the weekend there will be a special rate for anglers who wish to fish the Faughan as the season nears an end, and there will also be a trip to a bird hide on the mudflats of the Foyle Estuary to spot the first of the winter visitors.

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A number of talks and woodland walks are also included in the programme.

The autumn school takes place at the Beech Hill Country House Hotel outside Derry - non-residential fee is £70, or £140 with two nights accommodation and all meals. Information from (08)01504 349279.