Bothar: Faces and Places

A photographic journal from the developing world

A new book, Bothar: Faces and Places, a compilation of photographic images from the developing world, is to be launched in the coming days. Supporting the work of the development aid agency, Bothar, the book has been produced by Pat McCarrick from Tubbercurry in Co. Sligo. Pat also works for the charity. Bothar specialise in the use of livestock in their aid programmes.

Pat said in relation to the creation of the book, "Since I joined Bothar back in 2004, I have had the opportunity to travel on a number of occasions to see our aid projects overseas. Now as Study Tour Director with Bothar, I travel almost every year with supporters to places such as Tanzania, China and Kosovo. Common to all of these visits are close-up experiences of not just the places I visit but also of the faces I see; the place provides the project location but often the face tells the real story. All this coupled with my interest in photography has given rise to the book. Over the past few years I have built up quite a collection of images from my travels and this fundraising book seems like an appropriate way to put them on display."

The pages of the book feature images of people and places from many of the countries in the developing world where Bothar animal projects operate. While great poverty abounds in in these locations, hope and anticipation for a better life is also on display. In addition to this, stunning landscapes and bright colours are everywhere. Referring to the images in the book, Pat said, "I feel a good photograph should either tell a story or ask a question and that the interpretation should be left with those who view them. That's really what this book is about; telling the story of those photographed."

Bothar, founded in 1991 uses livestock in its Development Aid Projects. Using farm animals such as dairy heifers and dairy goats, Bothar together with project partners, work with poor families and communities in the Developing World to help alleviate hunger and poverty. Through time, these animals and their produce can bring people living on the margins of survival to a position of relative comfort. Bothar currently works in over 30 countries using many different species of livestock.

The official launch of the book takes place in St. Brigid's Hall, Tubbercurry on Thursday 10th of May at 9pm. The guest of honour on the night will be Bothar Patron and Celebrity Chef, Neven Maguire. A wine and cheese reception precedes the launch from 8.30pm. All are welcome to the event where copies of the book will be on sale. The book is also available on the Bothar website http://www.bothar.org or by post from Bothar, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo at ?20 plus ?5 P&P.