Sir, - Christians in Ireland are preparing to celebrate the 1998 centenary of C. S. Lewis's birth. A centenary committee has been formed in Belfast to promote the occasion and to gather information about Lewis in his local setting.
As co ordinator of the search for "Lewis of Little Lea", I am anxious to hear from any who knew him during his work in England and who may be able to share with us signs of his interest in his homeland - in particular, his beloved Co. Down and the "village" of Strandtown, his birthplace. Any information would be gratefully received as a donation to our local celebration.
From personal links with the Lewis/Greeves family circle, student days at Oxford and for some years as Member of Parliament for the Strandtown district, I know how much we owe to the man, though Ireland has been slow to acclaim his greatness. In 1998 we are anxious to make amends, during what promises to be an event bringing together our whole community in shared pride for one of Ireland's greatest sons. - Yours, etc.,
Co-ordinator,
C.S. Lewis,
Local Centenary Project, 8 Thornhill,
Bangor, Co. Down.