This is a fun, creative way of learning about the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Rich sound effects, dialogue and narration paint a picture of Dunturk Castle, a haunted place – or is it? Listeners hear two interpretations of the adventures that unfold: Jim responds to everything he hears by inventing fiction; Pam, his older sister, reports the facts.

The story starts with Jim who is sick in bed; Dad reads him a letter from his sister Pam who is holidaying with their mother in Co. Down. In her letter, Pam tells Jim of her exciting visit to Dunturk Castle, a castle with a single 70-foot tower and a drawbridge situated on a rocky cliff with the Irish Sea crashing all around. (Note: this is a fictional castle, so don't start planning your school trip!) Jim and Dad are engrossed in the tale of Pam and Mum's guided tour.

Pam's voice and a rich mix of sound effects paint the picture of Dunturk Castle. Brad, the resident tour guide, tells the visitors about its history and the famous chieftain Red Hugh O'Hanlon whose portrait hangs in the banqueting hall. Brad warns Pam and Mum not to wander off in case they go missing – like an American tourist who vanished without trace. Pam is intrigued and hopes to solve the mystery during her visit.

Brad, Pam and Mum walk around the castle dungeons, the banqueting hall and library. Mysterious incidents in each location inspire Jim, who has a very vivid imagination, to interrupt Dad's reading of the letter and add his own colourful interpretation of the events. Jim's explanations are humorous and imaginative but far-fetched. His father constantly reminds him to stick to the facts, and to consider Pam’s precise choice of words. Jim soon realises that there is usually a simple explanation for the unfolding events.

By the end of the programme and at the conclusion of the tour, the mystery of the missing American tourist is solved. But Pam mentions that she will visit a haunted castle in Co. Armagh next, and you are left wondering, like Jim, when the next post is due.
 

 
By the end of the programme pupils should be able to:

 
WORKSHEETS

 
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