All Ive Ever Known: Margaret Gallaghers Story - My Thatched Cottage without modern amenities. John Callister 2015-04-28 | Documentary I produced for the BBC in 1992 that has proven to be very popular from its first broadcast, and continues to attract interest from across the world in 2025. Margaret Gallagher from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, N. Ireland, enjoys her rural lifestyle, living without modern amenities. This was shot on 16mm film. It reached one million views by June 2019 without any advertising and those numbers continue to climb in 2021. Fantastic! Many thanks to all viewers and especially those who have left such kind comments. I've been in touch with Margaret and she is thrilled at the response. John Callister (PeaceNIreland.com)
IT COULDNT BE DONE | Inspirational Poem by Edgar A Guest John Callister 2025-07-21 | Edgar A Guest (1881-1959) must rank as one of the most inspirational poets of all time. There were scoffers present when Guest's subject tackled a job that they said, "no one had ever done." They therefore concluded that it COULDN'T BE DONE But this character takes off his coat and does it anyway. He encourages others not to listen to the naysayers, but to tackle what others describe as 'impossible'..The poem is read by John Callister (Northern Ireland) and he filmed the background coastal seascape close to the Giants Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.#americanpoet #edgaralbertguest #inspirationalpoems #northernireland #poetry #inspiration Know any other inspirational poems/poets? Please let me know in the comments.
THE POWER OF ONE | Inspirational Poem by Ashish Ram, John Callister 2025-06-24 | The Power of One by Ashish Ram is a reminder of the potential a single individual has to create positive change, and how even seemingly small actions can have significant impacts.Examples are: how one smile has the potential to start a friendship, one candle can wipe out darkness, and one laugh can conquer gloom, etc. The poem inspires readers to believe in their own ability to make a difference, and encourages them to act. The background seascape was filmed at Ardglass, County Down, Northern Ireland by John Callister, who also read the poem. #inspirationalpoems #northernireland #poetry #inspiration
Be The Best of Whatever You Are } Inspirational Poem by Douglas Malloch John Callister 2025-06-13 | Another inspirational poem, this time by American poet, Douglas Malloch (1877 - 1938).The poet encourages the reader to put their heart and soul into whatever it is they have been called to do. It's not about status. It's not about position. It's about finding out what needs to be done and then doing it - with all of one's might.Filming, reading and production is by John Callister (Northern Ireland). The background forest scene was filmed at Hillsbourough Forest, County Down."If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry."Martin Luther King Jnr #poetry #personaldevelopment #americanpoet #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry
IN SPITE OF WAR | Inspirational Poem by Angela Morgan, read by John Callister (Northern Ireland) John Callister 2025-05-21 | In this poem, Angela Morgan (1875-1957) beautifully depicts how "in spite of" difficult and potentially depressing circumstances, nature always provides a positive, healing alternative for us to focus on. It's believed that the "guns may roar and cannon boom" was a reference to the First World War. It's likely that today, we are equally, if not more, exposed to depressing News on a daily basis. All the more reason to appreciate and spend time focusing on all the good things and the goodness that we can enjoy "in spite of war"...#poetry #personaldevelopment #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry #inspirational
Start Where You Stand | Inspirational Poem by Berton Braley, read by John Callister John Callister 2025-05-14 | In "Start Where You Stand," poet Berton Braley urges his followers to put past failures behind them and concentrate instead on a new beginning. We've all had failures and they leave us with a choice. We can allow them to define us, or we can treat them as learning experiences that equip us for a better future.#poetry #personaldevelopment #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry #inspirationalpoems
See It Through | Poem by Edward A Guest, read by John Callister (Northern Ireland) John Callister 2025-05-08 | Another short inspirational poem by Edward A Guest (1881-1959), where he encourages his readers to be resilient in the face of adversity.Narration and seascape filming by John Callister (Northern Ireland)#poetry #personaldevelopment #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry #inspirationalpoems SEE IT THROUGHBY EDGAR ALBERT GUESTWhen you’re up against a trouble, Meet it squarely, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace. When it’s vain to try to dodge it, Do the best that you can do; You may fail, but you may conquer, See it through! Black may be the clouds about you And your future may seem grim, But don’t let your nerve desert you; Keep yourself in fighting trim. If the worst is bound to happen, Spite of all that you can do, Running from it will not save you, See it through! Even hope may seem but futile, When with troubles you’re beset, But remember you are facing Just what other men have met. You may fail, but fall still fighting; Don’t give up, whate’er you do; Eyes front, head high to the finish. See it through! .
The Worlds Greatest Need (Poem) by Charles Austin Miles John Callister 2025-05-04 | In this poem, Charles Austin Miles (1868-1946), gives us his ideas for a better world. The background video is from Oxford Island in County Armagh. Reading by John Callister (Northern Ireland).#poetry #personaldevelopment #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry #inspirationalpoems #inspirational Music from #Uppbeatuppbeat.io/t/tranquilium/homecomingLicense code: MX4GVP84EF6YYLA6
Have You Earned YourTomorrow (Poem) by Edward Guest John Callister 2025-04-29 | This is a lovely poem and Edgar A Guest is definitely one of my favourite poets. To me, the poem is 'aspirational' in that it sets the bar for a lifestyle of doing good and showing goodwill and encouragement to our neighbours as well as strangers whom we happen to chance upon. I say it's aspirational because regrettably, I know I would fail the test he refers to every time. My tomorrows' would have dried up long ago if I actually had to earn them. Thankfully, I learnt many years ago that there's a message of grace for those of us who could never be good enough to earn anything from God. Instead, we accept our tomorrows' by faith as a free gift. That way, we become free to live our lives in peace instead of condemnation, and instead of striving and then beating ourselves up when we fail. We are not judged on our performance, since we can never be worthy. But it's still good to have a standard to aspire to even if we fall short.I filmed the background scene at Hillsborough Lake which is just a few miles from my home in County Down. The lakeside walk around the lake is also a favourite of mine.#poetry #personaldevelopment #northernireland #inspirationalpoetry #inspirationalpoems #americanpoet
Ray Barnetts Story: Founder of the African Childrens Choir John Callister 2024-09-27 | Ray Barnett sadly passed away on 2nd September, 2024, just a few weeks short of his 88th birthday which would have been on 26th September 2024. But he has left behind a rich legacy in the form of Music for Life and The African Children's Choir - the very first children's choir to come out of Africa in 1984. Uganda was in the early days of recovery from war at that time and tens of thousands of children had been left as orphans. Visiting Uganda and seeing their plight at the time, Ray's heart went out to them. He too, was effectively an orphan, being raised by loving foster parents in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. The African Children's Choir evolved over the years into a major humanitarian organisation with a mission to "help Africa's vulnerable children today so they can help Africa tomorrow." Touring choirs have helped provide an education and an outlet for talent to thousands of children over four decades and they continue to do so as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.This interview was recorded in 2013 at Commission Studio in Belfast, and tells the story of Ray's journey through a difficult time at school suffering from undiagnosed dyslexia and feeling helpless and hopeless, to taking on what looked like 'the impossible.' The crew was comprised of Aaron Lilburn, Ronan Smith and Colm Flanagan, with editing, narration and production by John Callister.www.africanchildrenschoir.com
Rowallane Garden: Beauty and Peace John Callister 2024-06-03 | Rowallane House and Garden ranks as one of my favourite places to visit. It's a National Trust property on the outskirts of the village of Saintfield in County Down, Northern Ireland, just around a twenty minute drive from where I live. Places like this can make a huge contribution to our wellbeing. There's something about walking through a forest or enjoying the variety of bloom in a garden that simply leaves us feeling at peace. The object of this short video is to just give a flavour of the 50 acre garden and forest walk. Inside the house, there's a cafe and a second hand bookshop. From a technical point of view - this was the first full video that I shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. I used the Smallrig cage which was specially designed for this phone, but no tripod, since I wanted to test the phone's stabilisation. It was very convenient since each shot was hand-held and I was therefore able to compose very quickly without having to set up a tripod every time. Although overall I was impressed, I haven't adopted it as method for future productions. Usually, sufficient time will have been set aside for the shoot so using the tripod isn't a big problem, and it gives me more confidence that there will be no unwanted movement. My normal video camera is the 4k Sony PXW Z90 which gives me good results. The one thing I did though was to go out and buy one of the new lighter, travel tripods. That makes things a bit easier and the load lighter without compromising on quality.The music track used in the video is People and Trees by Olexy on the Pixabay platformThanks for watching! John Callister
Derick Binghams Encouragement Book Promo John Callister 2024-01-11 | A very short video announcing the launch of 'Encouragement, Every Christians Ministry,' the republished book by the late Derick Bingham from Northern Ireland.
Heres how we celebrated St Patricks day in Belfast in 2022. John Callister 2023-03-15 | As we approach St Patricks day 2023, viewers might like to get a favour of the celebrations in Belfast city centre on 17 March 2022. It was a wee bit wet but we were just glad to get back to celebrating after a forced break due to Covid. A Happy St Patrick's Day to all in 2023, from whatever part of the globe you're from.
My Garden Robin John Callister 2022-07-19 | Anyone else got a friendly Robin in their garden?Meet my Garden Robin, whose favourite food is suet pellets. This little bird appears to have taken up residence in my back garden where I've provided a bird table and some feeders to try to ensure a continual supply of bird food. This Robin will interact with me in a way none of the other birds have ever done. Sometimes he appears to be quite fearless. I discovered that the half coconut shell works well since he has somewhere to perch while picking up a pellet or two. On the day I captured the photo of him perched on top of the bird table, one source of great amusement was that moments after this photo was snapped, he flew towards me and landed on top of the camera lens. I was using a Nikon 70-200 which is 7 inches long, so he was literally sitting inches from my face. I'm not sure if he was trying to tell me something but it sure gave me a good laugh.This article with photos will shortly be posted to my blog at Johncallister.com
Quest for Community: The Corrymeela Journey John Callister 2021-12-05 | This is a unique video from the 1990s telling the story of the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland. It features rare footage and an interview with the Corrymeela founder, Ray Davey, as well as volunteers who were working at the Ballycastle Centre in County Antrim at the time.
Nendrum 5th Century Monastic Site, County Down John Callister 2021-04-30 | On an ancient Christian monastic site at Mahee island in Strangford Lough, County Down, stands the remains of the 5th Century Nendrum Monastry, said to be associated with St Patrick. It is thought to have been set up by Saint Machaoi, after whom Mahee island is named. This site at Nendrum is considered to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland, with some of the ruin still visible. Although the monastery came to an end some time between 974 and 1178, its church served a parish until the site was abandoned in the 15th Century. Music composed and performed by Belfast composer, Paul Reid.Full article re Nendrum Monastery coming very soon on PeaceNIreland.com
Stare Poem (Leisure) by William Henry Davies John Callister 2020-08-16 | A simple poem entitled 'Leisure' by William Henry Davies, narrated by John Callister. Two sheep on the County Down countryside of Drew Hill in Northern Ireland are used as a backdrop to this poem which laments the busyness of life. The opening line is, "What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare."
St Patrick Meets Danny Boy John Callister 2020-03-14 | Images of St Patrick-related sites in Ireland north and south, edited to the music of Danny Boy (Londonderry Air). Musical arrangement and recording by Paul Reid. Photography and production by John Callister.
Ray Barnett autobiography 20 ad John Callister 2019-06-17 | This 20sec book ad produced by John Callister for Ray Barnett's self-published autobiography, is a sample of how a short ad can act as a social media tool for book sales. This might be a good way to advertise your book on Facebook, Twitter, your website, Instagram etc. If you have a book which needs some sales promotion, why not drop an email to John at john@callister.tv
Ray Barnett autobiography book ad 20 secs John Callister 2019-06-14 | A 20 sec ad for Ray Barnett's autobiography. Please help to share. If you would like a master copy to share on your Facebook or other site, please email the producer at john@callister.tv
Segment 3: Cross of Nails Coventry John Callister 2019-05-27 | Trevor Williams narrates the Cross of Nails segment
Ray Davey interview from 1980s John Callister 2019-04-12 | The late Ray Davey O.B.E. was the founder of The Corrymeela Community and one of the foremost peace-builders of the twentieth century. It was my privilege to record this interview with him in the 1980s, and subsequently produce a TV documentary about his life and work. Although this interview was intended for research purposes only, that first meeting with Ray at the Corrmeela Centre in Ballycastle where this was recorded, affected me much more profoundly than I could ever have imagined. By the end of the interview, I knew two things: (1) I would have to reconsider the plans I had already put in place to leave Northern Ireland because I didn't like the troubles. (2) I needed to find a way to make a TV documentary about this man, Ray Davey. Glad to say, I followed through on both. With the passage of time, I know beyond doubt that the decision to remain in Northern Ireland in spite of the troubles, was right for me. I'm eternally grateful for Ray's influence in reaching that decision and for mentoring me through difficult times. I'm also grateful for all those from the Corrymeela Community who laid the foundation for the relative peace we enjoy today and for the vital work they continue to carry out. My goal with this interview was to digitise it from the old cassette tape and have it edited and posted in the public domain by Tuesday 16th April 2019. That date marks the 7th anniversary of Ray's passing. It's my desire to in some small way honour his memory, say thank you to Corrymeela for all your work over the years, and encourage people of good-will to continue to work towards peace in our troubled world.For more information about the work of Corrymeela visit: www.corrymeela.orgOpening music: Long Road Ahead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100588Artist: http://incompetech.comMany thanks,John Callister www.callister.tv
St Patrick 2019: A few facts with Music John Callister 2019-03-15 | Since it's just two days away from St Patrick's day 2019 (as I upload this) I thought I'd dig out some of the photos I shot over the past few years from Patrick's burial place and other associated ecclesiastical sites from around Ireland, and put together a short AV. Paul Reid kindly composed and recorded original music with an Irish 'feel' for me to cut the pictures to.
ACC School draft1 John Callister 2017-05-04 | Music For Life is the parent body of The African Children's Choir. This video shows their 'development centre' near Deneysville, South Africa, where needy 4-6 year olds in the area are being taught numeracy and literacy skills. Many children are also dependent on the nutritious daily meal that they will receive here. Public support is required to run this and other humanitarian projects in Africa. Please consider making a donation through the website at www.africanchildrenschoir.org.uk
PhotoJourneysNI : Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden, Dromara, Co Down. John Callister 2016-12-14 | This memorial garden to Harry Ferguson is situated in front of the house where he was born in 1884 at Growell, Dromara, Co. Down.Harry Ferguson became the first person in Britain or Ireland to build and fly his own aeroplane. He also developed the first four-wheel drive Formula One car. But he is best known for his role in the development of the modern agricultural tractor and his name lives on in the name of the Massey Ferguson tractor. The music in this video is "Return to Paradise", played by Julian Lloyd Webber on his Stradivarius cello which was built in 1690 and is named the Barjansky cello. Photography and production is by Lisburn based, John Callister.www.callister.tv
PhotoJourneysNI: Dromore Co Down. John Callister 2016-12-07 | A photo journey by John Callister through the historic town of Dromore, Co. Down. Features the Market Square which has a rare set of stocks, the Cathedral which was built by Bishop Jeremy Taylor in 1661, the centuries old Dromore High Cross, also a 13th Century Motte and Bailey known as the Dromore Mound. Set to music of 'Star of the County Down', used under licence to VVS Music. www.callister.tv
Ray Barnett John Callister 2016-11-16 | Ray Barnett, founder of Friends in The West urgently calls Christians from around the world to pray for Fatemah Alabed and other residents of Aleppo, after she filmed Syrian jets from her rooftop, on bombing missions.
Hearts of Gold, Ray Barnett John Callister 2016-09-22 | Esther Rantzen's Hearts of Gold programme featuring Ray barnett, founder of the African Children's Choir
Stepson of C.S. Lewis, Douglas Gresham, interviewed by Derick Bingham John Callister 2015-04-29 | The stepson of CS Lewis, and the co-producer of the 'Narnia' series of feature films, interviewed in 1998 by the late Derick Bingham. The setting was Rathvinden House, the then home of Douglas and Merrie Gresham, during a period when they lived in County Carlow, Ireland.Douglas discusses his upbringing, the impact that his mother's death had on himself and on C.S Lewis, his 'wild' days drifting from job to job, finding Merrie and securing her hand in marriage in spite of two years of rejection, how he then almost threw away the marriage he had strived for through a regrettable indiscretion, and how that incident led to a permanent change of direction for him.Camerawork and production by John Callister and original music composed and performed by Keith Getty.Douglas' wife, Merrie, also has a powerful story to tell; how she was abandoned by her mother at 6 years of age, etc. You can see a short documentary at the link below:youtube.com/watch?v=wYiSPJjXdz8
Andaman islands: Tsunami aftermath John Callister 2015-04-28 | On Boxing Day 2004, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck in the Indian Ocean, claiming the lives of an estimated 230,000 people. By early 2005, members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland had raised more than £1.6 million for a special fund set up by the then moderator, Ken Newell. The church then worked in partnership with Christian Aid, Tear Fund, and the Church of North India, to contribute to the rebuilding of the homes and livelihoods of some of those who had lost so much. The Church of North India had churches in a group of islands in the northeastern Indian Ocean known as the Andaman Islands. On one of the islands, most of the inhabitants are members of the Church of North India. The church, along with most of the village was demolished. But thankfully, the village elders had noticed that animals were instinctively moving to high ground and so they evacuated the whole village, warning that "A tsunami is coming." This observation undoubtedly saved their lives, even though the homes and other buildings in the village were wiped out. As soon as the tsunami struck, members of the church on the Indian mainland, organised shipments of materials to the Andaman Islands and worked tirelessly to bring practical relief in various forms. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) provided financial help and I was commissioned by the them to travel to Tamil Nadu in mainland India, and also to the Andaman Islands to film a report on how the money donated was being spent. John Callister
Presbyterian moderators Viist to India after Tsunami John Callister 2015-04-28 | Rev Ken Newell was the moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 2004, when the devastating Boxing Day Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami claimed an estimated 230,000 lives. By early 2005, church members had donated more than £1.6 million to a special fund set up by the moderator. The church then worked in partnership with Christian Aid, Tear Fund, and the Church of North India, to contribute to the rebuilding of the homes and livelihoods of some of those who had lost so much. Although not a Presbyterian, I ran my own production company at the time and was commissioned to travel with the moderator to Tamil Nadu in India to film a report so that the church in Ireland could see how their money was being spent. I then travelled with the church's communications officer to a group of islands known as the Andaman Islands, where the Church of North India has members, and where their representatives were shipping supplies and practical aid from the Indian mainland.This is the report from the India mainland part of the trip. Unfortunately we didn't have the privilege of 4k UHD or even HD in those days, so the video was shot with a compact Canon video camcorder in the 4.3 format.John Callister
RUC Policeman Ben Forde Belfast Bomb Miracle John Callister 2015-04-28 | What would be your greatest wish if you were positioned just eight feet from a van bomb that was about to explode? Mine would be that a concrete mixer lorry would just happen to arrive on the scene at that moment and park itself between me and the bomb. That's exactly what happened to former RUC detective Ben Forde during the Northern Ireland troubles. This short video is a segment from a documentary produced by John Callister for UTV.
Faith in the Force: Ben Forde John Callister 2015-04-28 | What would be your greatest wish if you were positioned just eight feet from a van bomb that was about to explode? Mine would be that a concrete mixer lorry would just happen to arrive on the scene at that moment and park itself between me and the bomb. That's exactly what happened to former RUC detective Ben Forde during the Northern Ireland troubles. In Faith in the Force he tells about this (with news footage from the day) and other stories including the day he shot a man after a robbery.
Merrie Greshams Story | Married to the stepson of CS Lewis : Rejection and Restoration John Callister 2015-04-24 | At six, Merrie was rejected by her mother, who wanted to join a religious order and couldn’t be burdened with looking after her. Instead, Merrie was raised by nuns and was trained by them in nursing. Having never known the security of being loved, Merrie thought she had found love at last when she met a boy in her teens. But, her world collapsed when instead, she found herself pregnant and alone. Worse still, there was no way she could confess to the nuns. Abortion was her only alternative.Sometime later, it meant absolutely nothing to Merrie that the young man who was continually asking her to marry him was the stepson of C. S. Lewis, one of the most famous writers of the twentieth century. She rejected Douglas Gresham’s proposal for three years before eventually agreeing to marriage. But the life of bliss she had hoped for didn’t materialise, mainly because an unpleasant memory of something that had happened in her teens wouldn’t leave, even though decades had now passed. Instead of maturing into a happy person, anger became a dominant emotion in Merrie’s life. She didn’t want life to be like that but didn’t know how to change. But one day, in a very unexpected way, Merrie took the first step towards her road to recovery.Camera and Production by John Callister
RayDavey_Corrymeela_BBCDoc John Callister 2015-04-09 | This BBC documentary was produced by John Callister to mark the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland in 1990. 'The Path of a Peacemaker' tells the story of Corrymeela's founder, Ray Davey, and his quest for peace in Northern Ireland after spending three years as a prisoner of war while serving as a field secretary with the YMCA. Ray passed away in 2012 aged 97, but his legacy lives on through the Corrymeela Community which this year (2015) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Jan15Compilation2 John Callister 2015-01-11 | Compilation of clips from recent African Children's Choir concerts in Northern Ireland.
African Childrens Choir Chirstmas CD recording John Callister 2014-12-22 | A short video where the Producer and Arranger of the new African Children's Choir Christmas CD, Emmanuel, talk with passion about their experiences in the preparation and recording of the album. A very successful launch took place at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on 11th December 2014. By buying this CD you will be helping to support the education of vulnerable children in Africa. Music For Life is the parent body and official fundraising arm of the African Children's Choir.
