RFQ2025/52 - NMANDD PEACEPLUS “Thriving Together” Community Led Shared History and Culture Programme Martin Waddell Project

NMDDC wishes to celebrate and interpret the work of Martin Waddell, one of the most renowned children’s authors worldwide. Martin has over 220 titles to his name, including internationally recognised classics such as Owl Babies, Farmer Duck, The Park in the Dark, and the Little Bear series. He has received numerous awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal (2004) and the An Post Irish Book Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his profound contribution to children’s literature. Importantly, Martin has lived in Newcastle, Co. Down since childhood, with the Slieve Croob landscape and surrounding areas providing inspiration for many of his stories. This project will use Martin’s works as a creative platform to engage communities, strengthen cross-community relationships, promote literacy, and inspire cultural exploration rooted in the local environment.