April may have been memorable for the summer like weather we had and the Royal Wedding of William and Kate but its importance in the historic life of Dungannon will last long into the future with the capture of 'The Snapshot' a photographic record of Dungannon landmarks and characters taken from the book during that month.

Launched on Tuesday evening at a special reception, hosed by the Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Mayor Kenneth Reid, the book was the brainchild of Dungannon Enterprise Centre who commissioned the services of Dungannon and Cookstown Camera Club to help select and compile the images of all aspects of life in the town in April 2011.

Featuring over 130 images, the souvenir guide records social, sporting, shopping, business, architecture and landscape photography.

Mr Reid said: "As Council we have had an excellent working relationship with Dungannon Enterprise Centre throughout its 20 year life span. Indeed it is a classic example of the type of partnerships, which Council have been and are endeavouring to promote in the field of business regeneration and development.

"The 'Snapshot' showcases the creativity, vision and foresight that the Enterprise Centre has displayed throughout its twenty years. "The ongoing regeneration, business birth and growth, together with our rich cultural and architectural heritage are portrayed in the photographs displayed. I congratulate the Cookstown Camera Club for capturing the spirit of Dungannon so well."

As part of the Enterprise Centre's 20th birthday celebrations, the Board of the Centre decided to publish "The Snapshot" a photographic record of Dungannon town, its people and history taken in April 2011.

Speaking at the launch reception Brian MacAuley, Chief Executive of Dungannon Enterprise Centre praised the support of the Dungannon and Cookstown Camera Club, as well as contributions from members of the public.
He said: "Whilst most of the photos record the architecture and trade within the town, they also capture the spirit of Dungannon through its residents.
"In the month that the photos were taken Dungannon, like many small rural towns in Europe, has been struggling to overcome the impact of an economic recession.

The photographers did not let local Assembly and Council elections nor the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which occurred during the month, distract them. They have give us a journey that we hope you will want to follow and also gain an understanding of what life in Dungannon has to offer.

It is hoped that the book of photographs will inspire people to appreciate the importance of the two and in another 20 years the changes will bring back forgotten memories of April 2011.

There are a limited number of the books on sale priced £10.00 from Cuddy's Newsagents, Gibson's Gift shop (Treetops), Dungannon West Renewal, Enterprise Centre Reception and on Amazon.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 29th June 2011