For ten years, Lurgan man Gordy Hamill has been shining a positive light on all that’s good about Lurgan and the surrounding area.
The 50-year-old IT manager says the idea behind the Lurgan Grapevine was always about positivity, especially in an area that, down through the years, has got a bad rap.
But, having previously worked doing cross-community work on the Shankill and Falls in Belfast, Gordy knew that scratch beneath the surface and there’s a lot more good.
Ten years on and 16,000 Facebook followers later and Gordy says it is time to “go big or go home”.
In essence, it was time for him create a little bit more of a professional set-up, beyond just social media.
Which is why the first ever Grapevine website was launched.
As the years went on and stories were told, it became much more than a hobby for Gordy. For him, it was time to bring on more writers.
Lurgan’s very own GAA man, Eugene Creaney will add his reports to the website.
However, while Gordy says the website will continue with the positive ethos, there will also be a focus on highlighting important issues.
Mental health will be covered by ex-Portadown league and cup winner, Mark McCann.
Andy McGibbon, one half of The Bonnevilles, will also be writing about key issues surrounding Lough Neagh; a prominent campaigner on that particular front.
Said Gordy: “We’re keeping the page positive but at the same time I want to focus on a couple of issues that need to be addressed, without getting too political. With these people on board it will stop me from constantly thinking about things to update.”
The website was designed – and donated for free – by Conor Lamph of Reality Digital.
“I know websites cost a lot of money, and he did that for me, which I am really grateful to him for doing. I think that’s a sign of the goodwill the page has help foster over the years.”
Gordy says he is excited with this new chapter and is grateful to all those who have come on board and supported the new website.
You can check it out at www.thegrapevineni.com
