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COUNCIL FUNDING POWERS FREE AUDIO ADVENTURE FOR FAMILIES ACROSS DERRY AND STRABANE DISTRICT

The literary landscape of the North Coast has received a boost as local author and storyteller Robert Campbell today announced the immediate and free release of his latest work, Captain Timmy and Finn M’Cool’s Griddle. The creation and production of the high-seas audio adventure was made possible by a crucial Individual Artist Grant from Derry and Strabane District Council (DCSDC).

The grant enabled Campbell to professionally produce the tale as an engaging audiobook, ensuring this family-friendly story about local landmarks is accessible to everyone in the community at no cost.

“In Northern Ireland, support for individual artists is vital, especially for self-published writers creating work for local audiences,” said Robert Campbell. “The funding from the Derry and Strabane District Council wasn’t just a financial lift; it was an endorsement that allowed me to dedicate time and resources to production, ultimately meaning I can offer this story for free to the community that inspired it.”

Adventure Highlights Local Heritage

This third the installment in the popular Captain Timmy series takes listeners on a top-secret mission to find the lost griddle of legendary Irish giant Finn M’Cool. Without it, a mysterious feast at the iconic Dunluce Castle will be ruined.

The story serves as a joyous tour of the region, setting the action along the Causeway Coast and Lough Foyle. Key local landmarks like Culmore Fort, the Guildhall, and An Grianán are woven into the plot, making familiar territory newly mysterious and special for young listeners.

Campbell’s work is deeply rooted in local places. “It’s important for children to realise that where they live is special and maybe even a bit mysterious. Captain Timmy is our very own Northern Irish pirate, and the stories are designed to be good-hearted fun,” he added. Beyond the thrills, the story carries a light-hearted message about the value of dark skies and the importance of teamwork.

“As a self-published writer and creative, you have to be focused on the work you do. The main thing was getting the story written — along with the editing and rewriting! The support from Derry and Strabane Council made all of that possible.  Then I had the idea of recording an audiobook — and this made the story really accessible. But the most important thing for me, and for the long run, is getting out there and telling the story. That’s the key to my work’s sustainability: doing those performative readings that bring the whole thing to life. After that, we look at the really ambitious goals: getting it on the stage — but this needs buy in from other people and groups, or maybe tackling the huge undertaking of a traditional book—you’re talking at least six months of dedicated work for that. Or if I’m allowed to dream, maybe even a film or just a TV series — okay that’s maybe a be too far!”

Robert Campbell is a self-published author and storyteller based in the north-west. He is known for his Captain Timmy adventure series, originally written for his own children, which is set along the North Coast and Lough Foyle.

Campbell’s other published children’s work includes the children’s Christmas adventure Sled Down, a festive tale set around Derry where four friends must save Christmas after Santa’s sled crashes just before Christmas. 

Discover More: For information on books, storytelling workshops, art, and other creative projects, visit Robert’s personal website: http://www.robertcampbell.me