Former Crumlin resident returns for book signing

A FORMER Crumlin resident is coming back to the town in August to sign his new book.

‘Natural History Encounters’ by David Melville is described as ‘a quirky memoir of surprising natural encounters, changes in technology, moving countries, relationships and faith.’

David Melville will be visiting Northern Ireland in August to promote the new release this year from Olympia Publishers.

They say: “This smorgasbord of short stories captures the joy of getting close to nature, the health benefits and a desire that we may all do more to protect the natural world for future generations.

“Originally from the province, it is not surprising that five of the 25 stories and poems focus on Ulster and particularly his impressionable years living in Crumlin, Belfast and visiting Rathlin.

“During his trip to old home, he will attend libraries where the book is available – Crumlin and The Linen Hall – as well as specific indie book shops.

Mr Melville is described as ‘a natural author and storyteller, outdoorsman, teacher, and lover of nature’.

“In this charming book, he recalls all his most significant encounters with the natural world and its wildlife. In so doing, he lays a foundation for an interest in the conservation of our natural heritage in current and future generations. He also shows us how important it is to be aware of all the natural life that surrounds us every day, whether we live in an urban or rural environment.”

The book is recommended as ‘compulsory reading in schools, to teach the children at their most impressionable age how important and beautiful nature is to all of us here on Earth.’

David himself explained: “I was born in Antrim 1957 and lived in Crumlin from then until I went to Strathclyde University in Glasgow in 1979.

“I went to both the primary and secondary schools, was in the local silver band, I am still musical and recently took a lead in a song in an award-winning Gospel choir, at their concert in Lewes a few Saturdays ago.

“I attended the local church and enjoyed fully the annual community events.

“My first casual work was on local farms, which I adored and also mentioned in the book.

“Unfortunately I was one grade short to get into Greenmount Agricultural College so ended up working an apprenticeship in Mackies Textiles in Belfast.

“Day release and evening classes were where I was able to develop and become a draughts person and seek further education, eventually getting my degree in Scotland.

“Since I have changed careers in England and now spend part of my time time teaching and linking children to nature though school and church activities in biodiversity.”

Mr Melville has been teaching for over twenty-two years, initially secondary geography/RE but latterly in primary schools which coincided with discovering 'Natures Classroom’.

What started as an after school Wildlife Club became a passion that led to many voluntary roles and a staff position with a Christian conservation charity in west London, rising to the dizzy heights of London Education Manager.

“Being paid for something you love is a true blessing.” he said.

His time is now spent teacher training for the outdoors or running sessions part time, complemented with classroom teaching.

Mr Melville’s ‘Enriching Environmental Encounters’ is a programme for primary school-aged children, promoting holistic learning, hands-on teaching and experiential fun.

He added: “For eight years I was the environmental educator at a Christian conservation charity in west London engaging thousands of children at hundreds of events ranging from Country Parks, Community Gardens and also school orchards.

“I have even had the privilege of arranging field trips to Knepp Castle to study the micro-climate around the turrets as well as arranging trips to their eco-safaris.”

Mr Melville’s book signing in Crumlin will take place on Friday August 18th at 2.30pm and there will also be readings and a Q&A.

A few books will be available on the day, with details of where to purchase.

Anyone who cannot make it can log on to olympiapublishers.com/books/

natural-history-encounters

or /www.youtube.com/@

booktasterVlogs/videos