The horror of land mines

A GROUP of local artists have raised £425 for the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) by writing and producing a short play highlighting the horrific legacy of land mines.

Performed at the Claesline Gallery, at Smuggins, in Burra, on Friday and Saturday, Inch by Inch centred on humanitarian mine clearers Lin and Mya (played by Kate Tyler and Freya Inkster) confronting Steve (Matthew Nicolson) who works for the military but hasn’t thought about the human cost of war.

Freya Inkster became a MAG supporter after reading Michael Morpurgo’s book Dear Olly, in which all the characters are somehow affected by the horrors of landmines.

The three performances at the weekend were the culmination of three years intense work for the 18 year old and her mother Susan Timmins.

Inkster said: “The amount of money we raised is fantastic and we would like to thank everyone who came and gave so generously.  

“Members of the audience seemed genuinely moved by our performance which was very rewarding and made all the hard work worthwhile.”

The Mines Advisory Group is a not-for-profit organisation clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other remnants of conflict for the benefit of communities worldwide.

There are 72 countries affected by land mines, including cluster bombs. More info at: www.maginternational.org