The official launch of two new creative works took place at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock this week.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Cloch Housing Association staff, Board and tenants have been working on a heritage project exploring facts and stories of the last 50 years at Cloch and in Greenock. Wholly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the personal stories and mini histories have been made in to a comic book which should appeal to young and old alike.

Director Paul McVey said: “The book features stories, facts and interesting anecdotes about Cloch and the communities we have served since 1968. It gives a fascinating insight into the history of the places before they became housing estates. The project has been a culmination of six months’ work where we offered opportunities for customers and staff to share their experiences and to dig in to the archives bringing back a lot of funny and poignant moments.”

The book was worked on in conjunction with Paul Bristow of Inverclyde company Magic Torch which specialises in transforming stories and facts into comic-like graphic books and novels.

Paul Bristow said after the launch: “I think it’s great that Cloch have decided to celebrate and share their story in different ways. There’s personal stories from tenants and staff, a few laughs, but also a look at everything the association has developed and built over the years - and that is definitely a story worth telling.”

After the launch of the book, the invited guests were given the first public look at a new short film about Cloch. The film will be able to be viewed on Cloch’s website to give customers, prospective employees and contractors and any other interested parties, an idea of the culture and values of Cloch Housing Association. Created by Fawn Russell of TIS (Tenants Information Service) the film has interviews with staff and customers.