FRED RAE 2975
This is Fred Rae in the R.A.F. during WWII, Fred served from 1940 until 1947.
Now Fred also served in WWI from 1914 to 1920 ending up a Colour Sergeant
Major and machine gun core of the South Lancashire Regiment. Fred like a lot
of lads then lied about his age to join up. The last job Fred has was a Lollipop
man for Antrim Primary School.
ERNIE RING 3353
Here we are in High Street Antrim and having his photograph taken outside
Marques's Butchers shop back in August 1952 is Ernie Ring.
Now Ernie who was a works mechanic and reserve rider for the works A. J. S.
Motor cycle racing team who were at that moment along with the racing manager
Matt Wright, the mechanics and the riders were loading the racing bikes onto
a truck to head out for practice at the old Clady circuit which was the last
year the U. G. P. was held there before moving to Dundrod in 1953. Ernie was
the first person who developed the Matchless 500cc twin cylinder Clubman G9
to racing trim and it won its first major race first time out at the 1952
Senior Manx Grand Prix ridden by Derek Farrant. Later at the 1953 Belgian
Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on the 5th July 1953 Ernie was
riding a Porcupine 500cc A. J. S. and was on his third lap when he crashed
at the Cote de Burnrnville being instantly killed. The man who took this photograph
is usually always seen in front of the camera and that is Len Ireland.
JOE RYAN 3453
You know that old song "Oh, dear what can the matter be?" well by
the look on these mens faces that's what they could be thinking at Oulton
Park in Oct 1966.
The bike that they are examining is a Fireplace Norton and belongs to Joe
Ryan who is on the right on his hunkers with a overcoat over him. In front
of Joe the man standing up is Unknown, over to the left in the dark coat is
Ian McGregor and beside him having a smoke is Tom Finlay.What a difference
from todays top racers, these guys are working out in the rain an old toolbox
and a footpump was there gear. Look at the mode of transport, a car with a
roof-rack to carry their luggage, but they didn't care for they just loved
racing.
My thanks to Ed Cunningham, who
has now gone home of Ontario, Canada for this photograph.
ROYAL
ARMY SERVICE CORPS No2 SQUADRON 3700
These are the men of the Royal Army Service Corps No. 2 Squadron commonly
known as No.2. E.R.F. 103 . M.U. in Kenya in 1941.
They are the men that kept the Army moving for they serviced the vechicles
including the E.R.F. trucks, that's not all they did they would take supplies
which could be anything including petrol up to the men on the front line.
Only one of them is known and he is John Graham in the middle row second from
the right.
Now if you know any of them please let me know and I will send you a copy
without the watermark.
RAILWAY
STREET 874
Taken just of Railway Street in 1940 is mother Mrs. Barr - smiling so happily
with her children, beside her on the right is Emily - on the left beside her
is Jimmy and next to him is his big brother Billy Barr. In the background
behind them beside the slated roof house is a thatched cottage and opposite
it a tiled roof cottage.
READE SISTERS 1452
This is Evelyn and Margaret Reade visiting their Granny in January 1958
RAILWAY STREET 2757
It's the 13th July 1931 and we are just outside Antrim Railway Station and
Thornhill LOL 651 members are getting ready to join the parade. The Lambeg
drums you can see actually belonged to the lodge and for many years they played
along with the lodge. The reason the parade was being held on the 13th was
that the 12th had fell on a Sunday that year. Back then it was more of a family
day out, at the far right there is a young boy and girl standing and the boy
is holding on to his young brothers tricycle. Right underneath the banner
is a little girl with her pram and coming up Oriel Road is a young lad on
his bike to watch the proceedings. Other people are walking up the road on
the left as there is only one footpath with a grass verge, nothing at all
on the other side of the road. The house is owned by a Mr Woods and he lived
in the upstairs of the house while downstairs, one half was a tearoom and
in the other half he sold groceries and confectionery. On the ground to the
right is a shadow of a street lamp.
MOLLY RAINEY
1332
Standing outside Tommy Thompson's confectionery shop in Market Square is Molly
Rainey who's father had a shop just up from here,the year is unknown.
After talking to people who remember Tommy's shop they told me it wasn't the
smell of the sweets that brought back memories of the shop it was the smell
of the oil stove which he used to heat the shop and Tommy was also a veteran
of World War 1.
SISTERS 1036
"Sisters, we are such devoted sisters" words taken from a song sung
by the 'Beverley Sisters' only these girls are the Reade sisters!
From the left we have Margaret, Evelyn, Lena and Esther the famous Reade sisters
of 1950.
GEORGE RUSSELL
2428
This photograph is of George Russell who lived in New South Wales, New Zealand.
He was a pen pal to Nellie Reford who lived here in Antrim. That was when
you sat down and wrote a letter to someone else in a far away place. This
was a big thing back then and even schools encouraged the pupils to have pen
pals. This not only helped the pupils learn about a different land and their
peoples but unknowningly helped improve their hand writing skills.
ROYAL IRISH RIFLES 11th BATTALION
2197
These are the officers of the 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles having their
photograph taken in July 1915.
In the back row are Lt. Lucas Waring, 2nd Lt. W Ellis, 2nd Lt. F B Thornely,
Lt. F G Hull (Machine Gun Officer), 2nd Lt. D J Browne, Lt. E Vance, Lt. R
H Neill (Assistant Adjutant) and 2nd Lt. C C Canning.
Middle row Lt. & Q.M. W L Devoto, Lt R Thompson (Transport Officer) Lt.
C F K Ewart, 2nd Lt. C G F Waring, 2nd Lt. S A McNeill, 2nd Lt. D S Priestley,
2nd Lt. W C Boomer, 2nd Lt. T H Wilson, 2nd Lt. G O Young (Scout Officer),
Lt. Ken M Moore, Lt. N C Graham (Medical Officer), Capt. S D B Masters.
Seated are Capt. E F Smyth, Capt C C Craig M.P., Capt. A P Jenkins, Capt.
R Rivers Smyth (Brigade Major, 108th Infantary Brigade), Major P L L Blair
Oliphant (2nd in Command), Lt.-Col. H A Pakenham (Commanding), Major W D Deverell
(Adjutant), Capt. O B Webb, Capt. A F Charley and Capt. A P - I Samuels.
In front on the ground are 2nd Lt. C H H Orr and 2nd Lt. J C Carson.
This photograph was taken by Lajayette Ltd. of Belfast who were photographers
to the then King & Queen. Behind the soldiers in the trees are horses
grazing and you can actually see a young foal as well.
The 11th (Service) Battalion (South Antrim) was formed in County Antrim in
September 1914 from the Antrim Volunteers.
They then came under orders of 108th Brigade in 36th (Ulster) Division, moved
to Clandeboye in December 1914. In July 1915 they moved to Seaford. In October
1915 they landed at Boulogne and on the 13 November 1917 they amalgamated
with 13th Battalion to form 11/13th Battalion. On the 18 February 1918 the
battalion was disbanded in France.
ROUND TOWER 418
The man in the photograph looking at the Round tower which is known locally
as the 'Steeple' to his left is a large stone where they prepared meals the
date of this photograph is unknown.
" On Lough Neagh's Bank as the Fisherman strays,
When the Clear cold eve's declining,
He sees the round towers of other days,
In the wave beneath him shining."
By Thomas Moore.
ROUND TOWER 30
The photograph dates from 1920 and as you can see the " Witches Stone
" is not there it was moved to here from further down in the grounds
at a later Stage. The tower is regarded as one of the finest in all of Ireland
and is dated around the 6th century.
ROUND TOWER 3728
This round tower in Antrim was part of Monastery settlement and the photographer
has hand coloured it.
ROUND TOWER 3230
Here we are at the Round Tower in Antrim and stranding on the steps to the
entrance is this American tourist who was here on business. His Christain
name was Elwood but he was mostly known by his nickname 'Autotops' this was
due to him being a dealer for the Ford company who
supplied cars to James C. Carsons Autos.
R.I.C.
1643
This protrait of the gentleman is unknown, but it had to be the early 1900's
as he is wearing an Royal Irish Constabulary uniform.
RIVERSIDE
SOUTH BANK 717
This is the back of Riverside with All Saints' Parish Church in the background.
By the look of the clouds the four boys two kneeling down at the waters edge
better get home before they get wet. The year is unknown.
RIVERSIDE
SOUTH BANK 268
In the foreground to your left is a young girl with her hand on her hip and
two little boys standing next to her. Across the river you will see the thatched
cottages of Mill Row and out the back is the washing hanging on the line.
It looks like either sheets or blankets and in front of the washing next to
the small wall is a child. What looks like a shed is just an overhang and
there is a coat hanging up underneath it.On down from the thatched cottages
is more of Riverside but sadly now gone. If the clock in the Church is working
then the time when the photograph was taken was 1.30pm. The year is unknown
RIVERSIDE 822
Pictured outside their house at Riverside in 1948 we have Sidney McClure looking
proudly at his big brother Billy McClure and next to them is Charlie Clarke.
RIVERSIDE SOUTH BANK 210
This is Riverside photographed from the opposite bank, it shows the thatched
cottages of Mill Row and a pathway to the river. It's not a Monday for there
is no washing hanging out on the line. In the centre you can see All Saints
Parish Church and over to the left you can see the back of High Street Presbyterian
Church. Date is Unknown.
RIVERSIDE SOUTH BANK 143
This is Riverside photographed from the opposite bank, it shows the thatched
cottages of Mill Row. There is a pathway to the river where you can see a
duck taking a rest over to the right is the start of the Riverside houses.
In the centre you can see All Saints Parish Church and over to the left you
can see the back of High Street Presbyterian Church.
Date Unknown
RIVERSIDE 823
Standing at the top of Riverside in 1954 we have Charlie Clarke and his chum
Andy Blair.
Andy's trousers are held up with the good old snake belt while Charlie has
an ordinary one.
RIVERSIDE 817
Here we have Noel Bain aged 15 in 1949 and his chum John Henderson they were
Scouts all ready for a bicycle ride. Seeing them off is Noel's dad Jock Bain
and they were in Riverside where they lived.
VISITING GRANNY 2444
Having come to visit Granny Margaret back in 1947 we have some of the Reade
family sitting to have their photograph taken.
On the right are Margaret and Evelyn, on the left is Lena and in front Ester.
ROYAL ENNISKILLEN FUSILIERS 1631
Swept up by the fever to fight for their country in World War One we have
to lads from the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers.
On the left is Budgie McCabe from Antrim and sadly the other lad is unknown
just like the horrors that lay before them.
ROAD RACING FRATERNITY 3491
As pictures from Down Memory Lane go this is a relative newcomer, but it captures
a very important moment for local sports fans. Pictured aboard the Maid of
Antrim in May 2008 are several prominent members of the road racing fraternity
including (in the centre) Antrim's own Len Ireland and of course Robert Dunlop.
This picture was taken during Robert's final visit to the borough, just days
before the North West 200. During qualifying for the 250cc race the engine
on his bike seized and he was thrown over the handlebars at 160mph. He died
in the Causeway Hospital from the chest injuries he sustained. His son went
on to win the race and dedicated the victory to his father.
RIVERSIDE
SOUTH BANK 3532
You are looking across fron the South bank over the Sixmilewater River to
the towering spire of All Saints' Parish Church in Church Street Antrim. Looking
down there is a row of houses with thatched cottages at the end, this is called
Mill Row. The washing is already out on the line for the working people of
Antrim would have already been up about two hours going by the church clock
for it's reading twenty past seven in the morning for the mills started work
at 6am. To the right of the photograph there is a slipway were they would
bring the horses to get a drink also during WW1 the Irish Horse soldiers would
bring their horses here for a drink to refresh them.
ROYAL AIR FORCE 3187
Here at camp and training the cadets is first on the left standing William
McKee Senior, sadly the rest of the group are unknown and so is the date.
ELLEN NELLIE REFORD 2325
This is Ellen Nellie Reford aged 19 and the reason for
such a beautiful face is because Ellen had just got engaged. In the photograph
Ellen was wearing a red jacket.
OUT FOR A SPIN 955
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - People of my age
I'm sure you have heard of the expression- -
- - - - - - -- - -- - - -" Do
you think I came up the Lough in a Bubble? "
Well back in 1964 these two girls Lena and Evelyn Reade went down to the Glens
of Antrim in a Bubble! It was of course the good old Bubble car which had
three wheels one at the back and two at the front and as you can see the steering
wheel was on the right - but they were great to drive.
MAURICE ROBB
1958
Holding on to his two horses in a field at Olstone during a ploughing competition
is J. Maurice Robb from Nutts Corner.
By the way he was the youngest competitor there back in 1946.
MASSEREENE BRIDGE 905
Before heading on into town in 1923 having stopped on the Massereene Bridge
for a photograph we have in the centre Robert Renton, the girl on his knee
is unknown, next to him his wife Ellen - the man is unknown and on the far
left we have Belle Brown
MASSEREENE BRIDGE 905
Before heading on into town in 1923 having stopped on
the Massereene Bridge for a photograph we have in the centre Robert Renton,
the girl on his knee is unknown, next to him his wife Ellen Renton, the man
is unknown and on the far left we have Belle Brown.
Pages:
RACING 3520
Here we have 3 men who are bike fanatics, Kenneth Rea, Craven Rea and Davey
McMeekin and like a lot of other people in Northern Ireland, when the calendar
moves to June there is only one place to go and that's to the Isle of Man
TT races.
KENNETH REA 3521
This little chappie aged about 3 back in 1947 is out enjoying himself in the
park off Scotch quarter at Carrickfergus and looking for someone to play with
is our own Kennth Rea.
VISITING GRANNIE AND GRANDAD 1034
Visiting Grannie and Granddad is great especially when they are Sam and Rosetta
Rainey in 1948. They let you do what you want and looking at young Samuel's
knees he has been enjoying himself! His sister Margaret McNeice is on the
left thinks he's great for a brother, while his other sister Elizabeth McNeice
thinks boys are not ' Sugar and Spice and all things
Nice' like girls are. On the windowsill you can see the old bug
sprayer, the way it worked was that you filled up the round part at the top
with insecticide, then you held the long section which worked like at bicycle
pump and you could then spray your plants to protect them.
GOLF VISIT 3519
These ladies out for the day in 1967 were not for going shopping they were
off to a golf club! At the back on the left we have Effie Harrison and then
Hetty Craig. Seated are Marie Rea, Mary Clark, Unknown and Unknown.
DRESSED UP 880
Standing to attention in her uniform, which by the way
was only borrowed is Lily Renton!
BESSIE READE 1033
Who's the baby with the beautiful eyes? Why this is cute little Bessie Reade
in 1953.
ANTRIM CASTLE GROUNDS 1949
Out for a walk in Antrim Castle Grounds on a summers day in the 1970's.
Mrs Jennifer Rantin and her daughter Dawn stopped beside the Deerpark bridge
to get a photograph taken.
