26 September 2002
Passengers on the Newtownabbey to Belfast bus route may find their journey is ‘poetry in motion’ if their driver happens to be Robert McCullough!
For Robert, who is from North Belfast, has been crowned Translink’s ‘Bard on the Buses’ since his poetic skills were discovered by a leading book publisher. Coerced by his son-in-law, Robert entered some of his work into a national competition and was delighted to learn one of his poems is to be included in a new book entitled ‘A Passion for Poetry’!
“I enjoy reading and dabble in creative writing,” said Robert, “but my first love has always been poetry. I type with two fingers and I’m sure my punctuation is not always correct, but when I’m inspired to write about something, the words seem to flow, and I keep going until I’m happy with the end result.”
Having worked for Translink for 22 years, Robert has had plenty of opportunity to consider life in the North Belfast area:
“Through my work as a bus driver I come across with many different situations – and everyday I see something new in the sights and landscapes I pass. My job also gives me the chance to meet people from a variety of backgrounds, all of which provides me with ideas for my poetry.”
However the source for the poem which is to be included in the new publication is a famous institution overlooking Belfast Lough:
“The poem is called ‘Angel’s Call’ and my inspiration was the Children’s Hospice, which is now a landmark on the hills surrounding Belfast. I was struck by the important service that the Hospice provides to children and their families and the affect it has on their lives. I want to dedicate this poem to all those who benefit from the services of the Hospice and also to the staff who work so hard for this great cause.”
‘A Passion for Poetry’ will be published in Spring 2003 and while Robert is delighted that his work has been recognised, he insists he won’t be giving up his day job.
“I’m happy to remain a full time bus driver and will continue to look for inspiration from the people I meet each day as I travel between Newtownabbey and Belfast!”
Ends
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