Tom Sutton

My memories of childhood centre very much around my home and of the very good mum and dad I had, and along with my two sisters – Violet older than me and Phyllis younger, made a very happy family.

Mother and father slept in the front double bedroom and I had the single bedroom alongside.  My sisters shared the double room at the rear of the house which was next to the bathroom and toilet.  The bathroom did have a bath, but no wash basin for some time, only a stand that held a basis into which you poured hot water carried up from downstairs.  We had a bath once a week, generally on a Saturday night.

Best clothes were worn on a Sunday morning for going to church and Sunday school at Duncairn Presbyterian Church on the Antrim Road, just opposite the Lyceum cinema.  The minister was James Wilson BA whilst the superintendent of the Sunday school was Mr. Edward Diffey, proprietor of the well known furniture shop in Donegall Street.  I always remember that for one year I was judged to be the best boy when I was about twelve years old – Mr. Diffey presented me with a small inscribed gold and silver medal to mark the occasion.

My parents were very much respected not only by my sisters and I, but by all the neighbours and their many friends.  We were brought up quite strictly, if we stepped out of line, we were given a stern warning and if we repeated the same misdemeanor again, out came the cane.

I had a set time to go to bed and also to get up.  I had to keep my bedroom tidy or I knew what would happen.