Inquiry
Updates
Bloody
Sunday Trust Newsletter- March 2000
The
Bloody Sunday Inquiry
The Bloody Sunday Centre
Cúnamh Counselling and Support Services
Volunteers Needed
Centre Staff
The
Bloody Sunday Inquiry
Photograph-
Paul McErlane (Reuters)
The
Bloody Sunday Inquiry will open on Monday 27th March in Derrys'
Guildhall.
An application for judicial review on postponement of the starting
date had been lodged in the Belfast high court by Lawyers representing
the families and wounded but this was withdrawn following negotiations
with Counsel for the Inquiry. Lawyers representing the families
and wounded had stated that they were not in possession of vital
evidence, but agreed that, following Christopher Clark's (Counsel
for the Inquiry) opening statement, the inquiry would adjourn
until September to allow this material to be received and disseminated.
The Inquiry solicitors have revealed that to date they have received
5000 photographs, thousands of pages of documents, 46 videotapes
and 23 audiotapes. They have also interviewed 610 soldiers, 729
civilian witnesses, 30 journalists & photographers, 20 government
officials, politicians, and senior military and police staff.
To date 175 of the 610 soldiers' statements have been received,
with only one of which was a soldier who fired shots on the day.
At 7.30PM on Sunday 26th March the opening of the Inquiry will
be marked by a candlelight procession, assembling at Free Derry
corner and proceeding to the Guildhall square.
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The
Bloody Sunday Centre
The
Bloody Sunday Centre in Shipquay Street has been open since the
end of September 1999 and during that period of time has attracted
over 2500 visitors from places as far afield as Australia, New
Zeland, Palestine, Guatemala and every European country, as well
as many local people.
The exhibition provides a range of visual and oral exhibits to
help explain what happened on Bloody Sunday, and its enormous
significance for human rights, the impact on the city and the
people on the islands of Ireland and Britain. The
feedback from visitors is that this project is long overdue.
Local people who were on the march in 1972
have said that they appreciate the opportunity to look back at
photographs and video footage, knowing that they can share their
experiences in a safe and understanding environment. The
Centre has hosted groups of students from schools in Derry, Manchester,
London and American and Australian university students studying
history. We have also provided information to curriculum advisory
teams, academic researchers, authors and journalists.
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Cúnamh
Counselling and Support Services
Cúnamh
is a community-based and led project established by the Bogside
& Brandywell Initiative
in 1997. It is designed to address the lack
of support currently available to victims and survivors of political
conflict. During the course of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry,
Cúnamh will work with those experience emotional trauma as a consequence
of the Inquiry. This service, whilst specifically targeted at
the relatives of those killed and those who were wounded, is also
available to the many civilian eyewitnesses
who will testify, and to the wider community. The counselling
and support service acts as a base for the city-wide community
to come together for support and share their experiences.
It
provides:
-
A safe place to come and meet others sharing similar experiences;
- A drop-in centre to come and see the exhibition and stay for
a chat with staff members;
- A listening ear service, which is a telephone line offering
confidential support, advice and information;
- Counselling services within the centre with trained counsellors
or support workers who will offer practical and emotional support
on issues of bereavement and other stress related issues;
- A home visit services for those who are not comfortable with,
or are unable to visit the centre;
· Regular relaxation and de-stressing activities.
Cúnamh
will work in tandem with the Counsellor employed by the Bloody
Sunday Trust in delivering this range of services. Further information
can be found on the Cúnamh website- (www.freederry.org/cunamh).
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Volunteers
Needed
With
the volume of visitors to the centre expected to increase dramatically
as the Inquiry gets underway, we are seeking to increase the number
of volunteers to assist in the building. We
need people to work at reception, guide visitors around the exhibition,
answer phones and generally help out. If you are able to
spare a morning or afternoon each week, or more if possible, we
would be grateful for your time. All you need is a willingness
to help and we can show you the rest! Contact Patricia MacBride:
(028) 7136 0880.
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Centre
Staff
The
staff in the Bloody Sunday Centre provide a range of services
for the families of the deceased and the wounded of Bloody Sunday,
the general public, media, student groups and interested individuals.
Contact information is as follows. Centre Manager: Patricia MacBride
Family Liaison Workers: John Kelly Michael McKinney Counsellor:
Noella McConnellogue Address: 39 Shipquay St. Derry, BT48 6DL
Phone: 028 7136 0880 FAX: 028 7136 0881 Cúnamh Listening Ear:
028 7127 9997 Cúnamh Direct Line: 028 7128 8868
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