DUBLIN ROAD 073
This is the old Dublin Road and you are looking towards the town.
You can see All Saints' Parish Church and also the houses in Mill Row, Riverside.
Date of the photograph is unknown.

DAVID REA & Co. 1840
Here in the yard of David Rea & Co. in the 1950's we have sitting on the timber logs are Isa Kidd and Ruth McCormick.

DAVID REA & Co. 1839
Here we have three of the staff of David Rea & Co. in the 1950's who were timber merchants and one of the main employers in Antrim based in Castle Street.
From the left are Isa Kidd, Helen Parker and Ruth McCormick.

DONKEY RIDE 2135
Out enjoying themselves for the day in 1958 we have on the right Aunt Annie Graham.
While sitting on the donkey looking for first gear is Marie Wallace.

HAROLD DANIEL 2819
This Harold Daniel out on the Seven Mile Straight testing his Norton before taking part in one of the Ulster Grand Prix races.

DEVLIN FAMILY BUSINESS 2824
Here in Fountain Street and heading towards High Street in 1973 to sell their bags of sticks are the Devlins.
On the left is Tresa then Joe followed by Rosemary and finally Dennis.
For the young ones out there the sticks were used to light the fires in the houses.

LADY DIANA ELIZABETH MARGARET SKEFFINGTON 2306
This is the funeral cortege of Lady Diana Elizabeth Margaret Skeffington who died on the 6th November 1930 at the young age of 21.
Her coffin draped with the family banner and is coming back down High Street after the service in All Saints' Parish church that you can see in the background.
Behind the coffin are her parents Viscountess Jean Barbara Ainsworth and her husband 12th Viscount Massereene & Ferrard who continued his father's love of music by supporting the Massereene Brass and Reed band. Behind them is Nathaniel Clark the Viscount's Estate agent. In the crowd to the right is local man George Fleming and the shop behind him is Coopers a milliners shop, then Reeds followed by Felix Quinn's pub and finally Renton's which was a stationary and gift shop. On the left in the crowd next to the Guides is Teresa Gaynor. The Guides leader is Miss Bryan who later married a Burrowes.
The reason the Guides where there was because Lady Diana used to be a Guide in her younger days.
The course of history might have been changed if Lady Diana had not died for at the time this young Debutante was romantically linked to Prince Edward who was the Prince of Wales who went on to abdicate the throne and marry Mrs Simpson!
Local lass Sadie Bain remembers the funeral and the crowds that lined the street for her father was Viscount Massereene & Ferrard's Head gardener and also the sexton of All Saints' Parish church. That day her father John J McElrea was tolling the church bell for the funeral. When Major Clarke's wife died he had Sadie's father every Wednesday night at 9pm ring the church bell. John J McElrea would ring the bell 100 times at the double and then depending on the day of the month he would ring the bell that number of times e.g.: 20th of the month 20 rings of the bell. The locals would listen out so they could tell what day it was.
Now let us move away from this sad day and go back in time to when Lady Diana was in the Girl Guides. Lady Diana then was a leader of the Primrose patrol and Sadie's sister Millie was a seconder. Sadie lived with her family in the Frenchman's house in Castle street when it was originally on its own and next to an archway which led to the castle grounds, gardens and of course the castle. Lady Diana used to call at the house regularly, her governess used to accompany her then call back when Lady Diana wanted to go back to the castle. She always came to the back door and this used to make Sadie's mum
so angry because, after all, she was a Lady and should use the front door. Also Sadie's mum was mortified at having to bring Lady Diana through the scullery and kitchen to reach the parlour. Lady Diana being used to servants would just stand there waiting for someone to take off her coat and it would be the same when she was leaving. "She didn't mean anything by it; it was just the way she was brought up. Lady Diana was a very nice girl," says Sadie, " tall, thin, very beautiful and treated us as equals. When she was with us she was just like any other girl, but our mum always made us call her Miss Diana".
One day when Lady Diana was there she asked Mrs McElrea if Millie could go with her to a shop she had heard sold sweets. So off they went and when inside the shop, Lady Diana who had never done any shopping on her own before gave Millie the money and told her what sweets to buy. Of course when they got back to the house Lady Diana immediately shared them out.
Back to this sad day and how it came about, Lady Diana was in Scotland with her parents attending a wedding as a bridesmaid. She became thirsty and asked for a glass of water, which sadly was contaminated. The following week back at Ardanaseig House in Argyll which was her mother's family home she collapsed with a fever, which got worse over the following week. Her parents took her back to London to see a Harley Street doctor who diagnosed that it was Typhoid but it was too late to save her, a couple of weeks later Lady Diana died on the 6th November 1930.
Lady Diana was laid to rest in her bridesmaid's dress in the burial grounds of Antrim Castle where you can see her grave.
When you next stand there remember this beautiful young girl whose life was so tragically cut short could have changed our history.

LADY DIANA'S GRAVE 2829
What a sad day for her family and also for the people of Antrim for Lady Diana Elizabeth Margaret Skeffington who died on the 6th November 1930 at the tender young age of 21. Diana was loved by the towns-folk because she mixed quite freely with them and was a kind, gentle and loving girl.
This is her grave on the day of the funeral which is in the Antrim Castle grounds, which incidently had to be dug twice so that she would be facing Scotland.
The photograph was probably taken from one of the very tall ladders used for cutting the hedges, the two people could be the Viscount and his wife.

LADY DIANA'S GRAVE 2830
As the sun goes down on this very sad day in Antrim the two people could be the Viscount and his wife trying to get comfort by looking at the flowers.

DEVLIN WEDDING 2846
It's 1960 and Wedding party are having their photograph taken before the reception.
On the left is Peter Devlin Snr, Groom Peter Devlin Jnr, Bride Violet Devlin nee Devine, Paddy Devine, Rosie Devine, Bridesmaid Annie Devine and finally the little Flower-girl Agnes Devine.

DUNDROD 2879
This is the quarry bends back in 1955 for the Dundrod Tourist Trophy race.
Here is an Aston Martin DBS and the drivers were Reg Parnell and Roy Salvadori

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2459
Here we are in Ballymena with Diamond Accordian Band.
Leading the band is Billy Kingsberry, to his right is Miss Adams. On Billy's right is David Orr and behind David to his right is Miss French.
Peeping over his shoulder is Miss Adams and behind her is Sidney O'Neill playing the drums.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2455
Looking very pleased and proud of themselves are the members of the Diamond Accordian Band and so they should be for they won this cup at
Ballyclare May Fair. The contest was held in Ballyclare Comrades football grounds, it was open to all bands Accordian, Flute Brass, Silver and Bagpipes.
Diamond Accordian Band richly deserved it for the name of the cup was ' Best Overall Band '.
Now at the back from the left are Billy Kingsberry, Ken McCleery, John Gamble, David Thompson, Tommy Gamble and Unknown.
Middle row has Unknown, Bernadette Beresford, Francis Gamble, Jean Beresford, Miss McFarland, Jennifer Beresford, Miss McFarland, the rest Unknown.
Seated in front are Rebecca Beresford, Esme Gaynor, Unknown, Elizabeth Beresford, June Duckett and Caroline McNaul.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2456
Standing having their photograph taken in the Antrim Castle Grounds practicing is the Muckamore Diamond Accordian Band.
At the front in the row on the left is Teacher Norman Connor, then Ken McCleery and the rest of the row are Unknown.
The next row has Rebecca Beresford and the rest of the row are Unknown. Leading the band is Robin Hill and behind him is Ronnie Preston.
The following row has Dennis McKinstry and behind him is Unknown. In the final row are Jennifer Bersford, Caroline McNaul and the rest Unknown.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2457
These are the members of Muckamore Diamond Accordian Band and from the left at the back we have, John Gamble, David Wilkinson, Dennis McKinstry, Bobby Smith and David Thompson.
Middle row has Joan Campbell, Isobel Spence, Jennifer Beresford, Elizabeth Beresford, Billy Kingsberry, Jean Beresford, Rebecca Beresford, Unknown and Rachel Kingsberry.
Seated are Jackson Taggart, Tommy Gamble, "Wee Herbie" the Drumming Teacher from Belfast, Danny Brown the Accordian Teacher also from Belfast, Terry Jackson, Philip Scott - Ex Headmaster of Round Tower Int School and Robin Leeburn.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2458
The Diamond Accordian Band from Muckamore members all smiles for the camera.
In the back row from the left are Unknown, Ken McCleery, Dennis McKinstry, Unknown, Norman Connor, Jennifer Beresford, Unknown, Ronnie Preston, Unknown, Unknown and Robin Hill.
Seated are Miss French, Miss Campbell, Caroline McNaul, Rebecca Beresford, Bernadette Beresford, Francis Gamble and the rest are Unknown.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2460
Marching along the road is the Diamond Accordian Band from Muckamore.
Leading them is Billy Kingsberry, then in the 1st row from left to right are Rebecca Beresford, Unknown, Ken McCleery, Jean Beresford.
2nd row has Unknown, Miss McFarland, Miss Campbell and Unknown. 3rd row Unknown, Unknown, Francis Gamble, and Bernadette Beresford.
4th row Unknown, Unknown and John Gamble. The bass drummer is Ronnie Preston. Last Row Unknown, Unknown, Unknown and David Thompson.

DEMPSAY CHILDREN 2009
Having their school photograph taken in the 1940's are the Dempsay children.
Standing at the back is Jim and Ann while in front seated are twins Lurline and Laurence.

DADDIES GIRL 2137
All smiles for this is Daddies girl Marie Wallace who's not scared being on a high wall.
For she knows her daddy William Wallace will look after her.

WEDDING GUESTS 2466
Standing outside All Saints' Parish Church in Antrim these two Wedding guests are Sammy and Sally Davidson.

DINNER DANCE 1768
Seen here enjoying themselves at a dinner dance we have on the left Pat and Andy Little, then Meta and Robin McCabe, while looking on is Ria Clarke.

DIAMOND ACCORDIAN BAND 2461
Having their photograph taken is the Diamond Accordian Band from Antrim back in 1963.
A few of the members names are known, William Kingsbury, Thomas Gamble, Bernie Beresford, Jennifer Beresford, Rebecca Beresford and Frankie Gamble.
If you know more names and where they are in the photograph please let me know.

DANCERS 1669
It's the 1960's and Hugh Neill a photographer from Ballymena is taking pictures at a dance at Holywell Hospital when the show bands were all the rage. Hugh the photographer couldn't believe his luck when he snapped Sally George and Dorothy Young for normally they don't get sitting with the fellows always asking them to dance.

DUBLIN ROAD 672
This photograph was taken on the old Dublin Road and gives a great view of Antrim. From here you can see Massereene Street, High Street, Riverside and Mill Row with its thatched cottages. Towering above the town is All Saints' Parish Church, near to it is chimney stack which is in Railway Street.
Also you can see High Street Presbyterian Church and next to it Orr School.
The year is unknown.

DEERPARK HOTEL 2065
Enjoying a weekend out dancing at the Deerpark Hotel 1979 we have Amanda McKay and Sharon Trainor.

DUNMORE LODGE 673
This postcard photo was taken in 1911 of Dunmore Lodge which was one of the entrances and was on the Randalstown road.
It is postmarked: Antrim, 7.30pm, 18th December 1911. To: Miss A McGrath, Riverside, Antrim.
Reads: I send this to you Annie, dear althought I am forgot I never thought that flower would fade the call Forgetmenot. Ed. This is the place I don't like.
There are initals written round the stamp S.S. what these stand for I do not know.

DRUMMER BOY 1355
This is Samuel McNeice who was in Taylorstown Pipe Band. Poor Samuel had to pratice out in the fields because he was too loud and too good in1960.

DANCE MAD 1273
Once again the photographers at Portrush catch Antrim folk along the promenade on the 15th July 1953.
This time it's Rita Agnew and Margaret Young on their way to the Arcadia Ballroom to dance and listen to the Dave Glover Showband.

DOWN ON THE FARM 1316
Standing in the middle at a farm is Agnes Scott in 1936. The rest are unknown except the girl holding the horse plays the bagpipes in a band.

DOROTHY BREMNER 1654
This lovely looking girl all dressed up to get her photograph taken in the 1960's has not lost her looks, it is dear Dorothy Bremner.

DUNADRY VILLAGE 567
This is Dunadry village and as you can see it was just a dirt road then.To the left you can see the water pump where the villagers would get their water remember there was no running water in the cottages. The year is unknown.

DANCING 2226
Waiting for the music to start is Mr McIlroy and his dance partner Christine O'Neill.

DUNADRY VILLAGE 583
This Charming picture certainly catches the spirit of a bygone age. You can see young Mervyn Steele lending a helping hand to Mrs McGrath at the water pump in Dunadry village. The year is unknown

DUNDARY 1212
This is the Millar family standing outside their thatched home out at Dunadry in 1954.
At the back we have mum and dad who are Jean and William Millar, the children are Eleanor, Maxi and Jim. Look at how well dressed the children are then give the lady of the house a big clap, for remember, no running water or electric!

DUNADRY 1045
Here at Dunadry village in 1946 we have Margaret Young, Rita Agnew holding on to her bike and her sister Maudie Agnew.
Behind them over the wall is the main road from Antrim to Templepatrick and in front of them over a high wall is the local orchard.
Billy McFarland who is standing behind them works for the Agnew girls father driving a coal lorry.

DEERPARK BRIDGE 2432
It's Springtime in 1906 and standing on the bank next to the Sixmileriver water the photographer has taken a beautiful photo of the Deerpark bridge. Here the sheep are grazing along with a young lamb and a barbed wire fence keeps them in for the fence runs down into the river. Presumably for in the summer when the river is at its lowest for the fence continues on the otherside of the river.
In the background is Antrim Castle, look closely through the 3rd arch of the bridge from the left, you can see two boys in short trousers playing beside the river.

DRAIN WEDDING 2442
This is Rosemary Lowe on her wedding day back in 1972. Rosemary was signing the register and so her last name became Drain and her husband's name was Jim.
After the signing Rosemary and Jim who were by the way big fooball fans and on their day there happened to be a very big match.
So as they walked down the aisle together the strains of the 'Match of the Day' theme tune echoed around the church.

THE DIAMOND LODGE 1422 485
This is the Diamond Lodge 1422 being photographed at Muckamore in the 60's.
At the moment no names are known.

DUBLIN ROAD 814
Here we have Agnes Scott who was going with Jack McElrea that lived in the Frencman's cottage in Castle Street.
They were out for a cycle along the Dublin Road in 1931.

DUNADRY VILLAGE 1004
This is the main street at Dunadry Village in 1949 and astride the 1936 International Norton which belonged to High McDowell is Alex Agnew. Next to him is Cecil Finlay on a XWD Matchless, finally Jack Agnew on a 1938 MMS Velloset. They were next to where Alex and Jack worked in their garage.

DUBLIN ROAD 813
This is Jack McElrea on the Dublin Road just outside Antrim in 1931.
Notice the braces to hold up his trousers and he is also wearing a tie pin at the collar of the shirt.
What suprises me though is the bike, it has no brakes! perhaps that's what the bell is for.

DAVY GRAY 2204
Far away from his home in Antrim is Davy Gray sitting astride his Norton Motorbike.
While beside him is Abdula who is on an ordinary bicycle and they are in Saudi Arabia.

DUNADRY 1014
This is Alex Agnew astride a 36 International Norton with the owner Hugh McNaul on behind. This was taken on the main road to Antrim at Dunadry, the year is unknown.

DUNADRY 992
This is William Agnew in the overalls and beside him Alex Agnew outside their garage at Dunadry in 1947. Behind then is one of the many vehicles that they repaired and it belonged to D.Ross and Sons.Ltd. from Muckamore who where general merchants delivering your groceries to your door. William is leaning on an Austin seven which he had just bought for himself to fix up.

DAY'S OUTING 604
Out for a run in 1944 these young men worked in the management side of York Street Flax Spinning Co.Lt.d. The only one known is on the left a Foreman and his name was Harold Boyd and he was May Stewart's first love.

DRESSED UP 880
Standing to attention in her uniform, which by the way was only borrowed is Lily Renton!

DUBLIN ROAD 169
This is the old Dublin Road in 1936 and the reason you can see All Saints' Church is the that the road then rose steeply coming out of town. The children are from the left Anna Baird, Robert Baird, Ray and Herbie Baird. The baby in the pram and the boy in the background are unknown.

DUBLIN ROAD 876
This is May Brown on the Dublin road with a lovely bunch of Daffodills for someone.
The year is unknown.

DAY TRIP 1143
Enjoying a day out around the Antrim Coast in 1939 we have sitting on the rocks
John McClenaghan with his cousin Joe and their two wives Maggie and Sarah.

DAWN McGOWAN 2352
This is Dawn McGown having her school photograph taken looking sweet and cute.

DAISYHILL 2133
This is Daisyhill and the photograph was taken during the World War II. From the right is Unknown, Josephine McMullan, Grandmother Helen McMullan and Annie Hamilton. Sadly the rest are unknown including the two Belgium soldiers whose camp was nearby. The little boy in the front is wearing a woolen jumper and trousers, I hated mine for you just itched all day long.

DAISYHILL 2138
Taken in the back garden at Daisyhill after been to what looks like a wedding by their buttonholes.
We have on the left Audrey Love, mum Helen McMullan and daughter Josephine McMullan.

DEERPARK LODGE 071
Taken in the late 1920's this is the original lodge with the thatched roofs.

DEERPARK GATEHOUSE 167
This is the Gatehouse at the start of the lane down to the Deerpark Lodge.
The parents are Willie and Rachel Baird. The children from left to right are David, Rachel, May and John.
In case you are wondering David is not wearing a mask, apparently he did not like to see photographs of himself and we are very lucky for normally he would cut himself out of the picture! Date is unknown.

DEERPARK BRIDGE 422
This is the Deerpark bridge in the grounds of Antrim Castle.
Date of the photograph is unknown.

DUNGONNELL BAND 2412
This is Dungonnell band out in a field practicing their tunes and routines.
Here are some of the band members names, from the left Jimmy Nickson, Jim McCord, Bertie Bates, Frankie Biggerstaff, Charlie Biggerstaff, Tommy Williamson Jnr, Tommy Williamson Snr, Lesley Steele, Billy Williamson, Jean Armstrong, Charlotte -, Emily Gilmore, Sammy Taylor, Sammy Dillenger and Billy Smith.

DAVID REA & Co. 1843
Here Mary McClenaghan at the back in the 1950's is allowing her friends Isa Kidd and Helen Parker to try her Vespa scooter. This was during their lunch hour where they worked at David Rea & Co.

DAVID REA & Co. 1841
It's the late 1950's and here astride her beloved Vespa scooter at David Rea & co. where she worked is Mary McClenaghan.
Sitting happily next to her is the owner's son Caven Rea, behind them is one of their new products the Trellis fencing.

DAVID REA & Co. 1842
Sitting pretty on the logs in the late 1950's in David Rea & Co's yard in Castle Street where she worked is Ruth McCormick.