Jude: You're listening to Peace by Piece, I’m Jude Hill, and this is a space for us all to get curious together about those who are pushing on against all the odds to build peace. What sparks them? What keeps them going? What have they personally lost along the way? But what have they salvaged and discovered? What's working and not working when it comes to reconciliation? And are we ready yet to put words to some of our most difficult stories? In each episode we get to hear from someone who is actively pursuing peace. We listen in as they share honestly about complex journeys, and we'll try to reflect piece by piece, story by story, on how peace is really doing.
Today’s conversation is with Anne Walker …
Anne is a peace facilitator linked to the Playhouse in Derry & part of their Theatre of Witness programme - It’s a form of performance that gives voice to those whose stories are often not heard. Anne grew up in the Bogside during the Troubles and was recruited by the IRA when she was still at school. In this conversation - she offers us a rarely heard perspective about what it was like to be a young woman in the IRA. She shares candidly about the qualms and questions that led her to exit when she was in her early 20s.
For those listening who aren’t as familiar with events during the Troubles - show notes are available to give context to some of the references in here -
Also to flag up - Anne talks about a deep friendship with Kathleen Gillespie, whose husband Patsy was murdered by the IRA. & you can hear more of Kathleen’s story in a podcast that’s been released alongside this one. So this chat lasts for around 40 minutes & just to warn you there are difficult topics covered here including sexual abuse. Although there are plenty of insights and lighter moments too. Thank you for choosing to listen in to Peace by Piece …. Here’s my conversation with Anne Walker ( well after a wee bit of kerfuffle over headphones - which she had to swipe from her son Asa to make this podcast possible)