Archive (1372 life histories found)
'Bowling knows no class or creed, it is a big happy family, and that family extends right across the world in the many countries where the game is played.
Despite living in Glengormley and having a very busy working week, I always looked forward to my Saturday afternoon game of bowls, played between April and September, representing the Carrickfergus Club which I joined in 1951. In those days, bowls…
'I couldn't be bothered with that wee timid game.'
A few years after getting married, I thought it was time for the wife to try out the game of bowls, so she went down to a ladies rink day held at Cavehill on a Monday afternoon. When I asked her if she enjoyed it, he answer was 'I couldn't be…
Tags: bowling, Irish Women's Bowling, wife
'Alas, half an hour after I got home, his son rang to say he was dead, just sitting on the settee.'
During my time as Treasurer one of the ministers of state in Northern Ireland was the flamboyant Sir Nicholas Scott. He loved it over here and I think we had three going away parties for him before he left the province, but not before he had…
Tags: bolwing, death, Indoor championships, partner
'In 1972 the Internationals were due to be played at Larne but because of the troubles in Northern Ireland and reports that a small bomb had been found.'
Back to bowling and, as Treasurer of Ireland and the British Isles, I note only collected match fees and keep the books in order, but dealt with the Sports Council and Government officials. Seeking grants was all part of the job, along with…
Tags: Belfast, bomb, Bowling Internationals, Troubles
It would appear I couldn't help getting involved and doing my best to promote the things near and dear to me
It would appear I couldn't help getting involved and doing my best to promote the things near and dear to me. Even in work I was on the committee and president of the Northern Ireland Sub Postmasters and on the Ulster Savings Committee at the…
'One highlight of my time at the Carrick Club was in 1955 when local jeweller Victor McAleese and I won the Northern Ireland Bowling Association pairs.'
The Carrickfergus Bowling Club was formed in 1947 and it was 1950 when I became a member and was given a very warm welcome. I was selected to play on their team with league matches being played on a Saturday afternoon, not the most suitable time…
'You just pulled this out and their yale key was at the end for you to open the door and go in. I don't think anyone would trust doing that today!'
As youngsters, our main playing area was the street. The top of the lamp post was where we attached a rope to swing round it and the young girls loved it. The lamp post also acted as a wicket when we played cricket, whilst the middle of the street…
Tags: football, friends, Primary school
'The question of whether you were a Protestant, a Catholic or a Jew mattered not, as if anyone needed help, it was always forthcoming from both old and young.'
My childhood memories are all centred on 17, Skegoneill Drive, Belfast, where I lived with my parents and sisters, Violet and Phyllis. I have no recollection of Gainsborough Drive, where I was born, but the good fortune I have enjoyed all my life…
Tags: Belfast, Catholic, Jewish, neighbours, Protestant
'If we, that is my wife Doreen and myself, hadn't enough to do, but my younger sister, Phyllis, wanted us to go into partnership with her and her boyfriend on a confectionary and newspaper shop.'
Of course next to the post office was our sweet shop, also a very busy place close to the public elementary school, we often worked long hours with never a dull moment. If we, that is my wife Doreen and myself, hadn't enough to do, but my younger…
'She discovered the poor woman had kept all her money underneath the mat in her hallway.'
The post office in Glengormley was a very busy place. Staff had to be fast and accustomed to handling cash, yet still finding time to listen to customers' queries and to be especially tolerant with ageing pensioners. A balance sheet was prepared at…
Tags: money, Post Office, staff