The Blasket Island Guide

Ray Stagles was born and brought up in Leyton, east London. He studied at University College London, evacuated to Aberystwyth, and there met his future wife, Joan. They both took Honours degrees in English in 1942. He served as a radar mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm until 1946. After the war he taught in schools in Essex, then became a Head Teacher, first, in 1957, in Shropshire, then, from 1964, in Berkshire. In 1966 he and Joan first visited the Great Blasket Island, which from then on became their joint passion. His interests included hill walking, books, jazz, classical music, theatre, cryptic crosswords and scrabble. Ray died in 2016. Sue Redican was born in Cwmbran, South Wales, and studied art in Goldsmiths College, London before moving to Dún Chaoin in 1981. From her first day trip to the Great Blasket Island the peace and tranquility there have made a profound impression on her. She has developed a keen interest in all aspects of island life. She happily spends 6 months of the year,from April through October, living in the island and this has given her a great understanding of the hardship the islanders endured in the centuries in which it was inhabited. As a wildlife enthusiast she appreciates the richness of the flora and fauna and keeps careful notes of everything she observes. The simplicity of the Island provides the perfect setting for her weaving, spinning and plant-dyeing craft.