'As time passed he became interested in politics and was elected as a Unionist M.P. for Westminster and he left his mark as prominent speaker for the people of Northern Ireland. '

'As time passed he became interested in politics and was elected as a Unionist M.P. for Westminster and he left his mark as prominent speaker for the people of Northern Ireland. '

Hugh Duncan decribes his friendship with Robert Bradford, a Christian who lived on his estate. He desribes how Robert was elected as a Unionist MP for Westminister and helped the people of the Community. He was shot dead in the community centre he ran. Hugh reflects on what a great person and friend Robert was.

Hugh Duncan

Trinity College Dublin

1971

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Hugh Duncan

Reflections

Life Story

Belfast

1970s

I first met Robert Bradford in 1971 when he was a minister in the Methodist Church at Suffolk on the Stewartstown Road, the Upper Falls Road. He was a friend to everyone on the estate, a man who showed his Christianity in a quiet and caring way. He loved his small congregation and everyone and everyone who came to know him. His Wife, Nora, gave him the support and love he needed to do the Lords work at Suffolk.He was a very good footballer and could have signed professionally for Sheffield Wednesday and he was full of fun and he enjoyed his calling. He arranged a mixed bowling night for the Ladies and Gents. As the night progressed he asked if everyone would like fish and chips and took the orders. Big Joe Mawhinney and Robert went down the road to Anderstown. He wearing his dog collar. As the order was made up Robert asked 'what do we owe you sir?' In reply the chippy man said 'Its on the house Father'. Robert Bradford was brought up as a boy in Sandy Row by very good people: Mr. and Mrs Nicholson who were members of the Grosvenor Hall and was a mother and father to Robert, ensuring that he was well grounded in the Christian faith.As time passed he became interested in politics and was elected as a Unionist M.P. for Westminster and he left his mark as prominent speaker for the people of Northern Ireland. He ran a surgery for people with all sorts of problems in the Finaghy Community Centre. I was waiting for heart surgery and was confined to the house and was waiting to see him on one of his visits on a Saturday morning after one of his surgeries. The phone rang and was informed by one of my neighbours that Robert was shot dead as he sat at his desk at the centre. It was a terrible shock. I had lost a great friend. He carried the banner of the cross by the way he showed the love of God throughout his entire life.

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)