A project is being launched to try to record memories of Manx poet, short-story writer and playwright Kathleen Faragher.
Born in Ramsey in 1904 Faragher was apopular writer and performer by the 1950s, particularly through her humorous poems in Manx dialect.
She published seven books and 25 years’ worth of poems and stories in the Courier before her death in Glen Mona in 1974.
However, despite her popularity and phenomenal output, very little was written of her and her life. This is to be addressed by a new project funded by Culture Vannin.
James Franklin, who is behind the project, said: ‘In reading any of her poems, stories or plays, it is clear that you are reading something very special. The quality is obvious, and the importance of her work to the Isle of Man would be hard to overestimate. It would be a tragedy for Manx culture if we did not do everything in our power to preserve all we can of her memory.’
Now, over 40 years since her death, it is becoming increasingly important to capture the memories of those who knew her or came into contact with her. But the first thing is to find the people who have these important memories.
‘Kathleen Faragher was a very sociable person and gave recitals all over the island. She was involved in a great deal of organisations, including the World Manx Association, the Guild, the Manx newspapers, the churches and schools at Ramsey and Glen Mona, the Women’s Institute and the the Ramsey Male Choir.
‘Very many people would have known her well and would have information which I am very keen to preserve for future generations.’
Anyone with memories of Kathleen Faragher or the reception of her work - no matter how slight - are being asked to to contact James Franklin on manxliterature@gmail.com or to visit the website www.manxliterature.com for further details.