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Published: August 20th 2007
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It is never easy saying goodbye, but as dad says, at least, sometimes, you have the chance. So with a heavy heart, we did the final rounds. Our first stop today was to visit dad’s old stomping ground - the Cregagh Estate. Dad was born at home in The Straight, in a small townhouse-style building.
These flats comprise of a small lounge room, kitchen and dining room downstairs, and three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. They also have a little corridor on the bottom level that the coal man used to frequent to top up their supplies. Grandma and Grandad stayed at number 53 for more than 30 years, well after dad had flown the nest to Australia at age 17. He shared a room upstairs with his brother David, until he was at least 15.
It was great to see his old neighbourhood and school, plus the shops that he could get sweets from, and his old church. We didn’t go inside at number 53, but we did head around to dad’s Aunt Josie’s house, and that put life for Norman Alan Brown, into perspective. Dad showed us around the house enthusiastically, pointing out this and that. Josie
only lives about 5 minutes around the corner, in a house with the exact same layout as dad’s old place, so we could walk around and get a feel for things.
Josie looks a lot like my Grandma Peg, so it was a bit sad to see her again. Her and grandma were the best of mates, and living so close by to each other must have been handy. Josie had a lot of visitors (her son and grandsons showed up) so we decided to make for our next stop - Uncle David’s.
A quick detour allowed us to look upon what was once Carnmoon Lodge, Aunty Margaret and Uncle Dave’s last house - it was a bit strange seeing the large pile of rubble that was their house, and our base during the last visit in 1988. The sign still remained outside - and the street looked the same. With one last look at Belvoir View Park, it was back to Uncle David’s, as the rain started to set in.
Grandad Stan was also visiting, so it was good to see them both, but hard to say goodbye. We stalled the farewell over a hot cuppa
and a chat. The ginger cake went down a treat - but then it was time to face the music. There were a few more tears as we hugged our grandad and uncle - it has been wonderful to spend so much time with them both, and very hard to leave knowing we won’t be seeing them for a while!
As KB and I sniffled in the backseat of the car, we did a few more detours to places well known to us from our previous visit. Shaws Bridge was the first stop, a lovely walking area full of wildlife - dad even saw a water rat while we were there. Then we went to the Giant’s Ring - and were a bit freaked out by the lone police car that was sitting in the car park. These vehicles are very intimidating - fully bullet proofed, almost like mini-tanks! Thankfully, they were just having a tea break, and even let me take a photo of their wheels!
The Giant’s Ring was A LOT smaller than Kristelle and I remember. Last time, we crawled all around the inside, like it was our own tiny cave. I was flat out
bending down to get in there this time - plus it was a bit muddy. The ring is part of a ‘Henge Monument’ that was built in 2700 BC. It lies in the middle of a strange, circular field that’s sweeping sides of earth are over 3 metres high. The areat was mainly used as a burial site…but archaeologists aren’t sure who built it, or why.
Everyone was ready to use the loo, so we made our next stop at Grandad’s house - even though he wasn’t at home. There was an ugly-as-hell bulldog patrolling the area - he was so ugly, he was cute! After a quick pat, we went inside, and once again I had to suppress the tears. I hadn’t been to Whinney Hill Drive since I was 9, but I had written many letters there over the years. This is where Grandma spent her last days, so it was strange being there without her. I have fond memories of sitting out in the lounge till the wee hours, eating chocolate and watching the tele with our grandparents sitting behind us…those were the days!
Grandad’s bungalow is looking great - like a little boy’s house
- with trains and toy cars, as well as fish murals and a very cute little garden. We didn’t stay for long, as the rain had stopped, and mum wanted to show us her favourite place to chill - Lady Dickson Park. This park is a ‘rose enthusiasts’ dream - they are everywhere. We took some time out to smell the roses (hehehe) and take some last photos in Belfast.
Then it was back in the car, to call in on the Baxter’s, and say thank you to our cousin Amanda for making us feel so at home! Back at home, mum whipped up a super dinner, and after a quick rest, we went around for our last lot of goodbyes - for our Aunty Margaret and Uncle Dave. It is hard to thank them enough for allowing us to stay in their house! We hope all the relies head out to Australia in the near future so we can return the favour!
Everyone was off to bed before midnight, after some last minute washing and drying. We have an early start in the morning, and collect the cars from George Best airport at 9am. Our trip has
been wonderful - what a privilege it is to travel halfway around the world to visit your family. I have loved immersing myself in my dad’s homeland, and can’t wait to see more of it over the next few days. Bye for now Bangor!
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