Baby elephant, Sheila, who was moved out of Belfast zoo because of fears of a hit from bombers during the Belfast Blitz of 1941
In Pictures: ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Gallery
Randalstown AOH division 72 parading with their banner during the St Patrick's Day Ancient Order of Hibernians parade in Cushendall. 19/3/1985
Three Northern Ireland Mayors joined the Mayor of Limerick, Councillor Bob Burns (right) for the annual St Patrick's Day Parade in Limerick. They were Alderman Roy Beggs (left), Larne Councillor Sam Simms and Councillor Pat Devine, Londonderry. 19/3/1980
Miss Piggy was a popular figure with the crowd who watched the annual St Patrick's Day Parade on the Falls Road, Belfast. 17/3/1980
Church Leaders at Downpatrick. The leaders of the four main churches in the Province make their way from Down cathedral to lay a wreath on the grave of St Patrick. 17/3/1985
The St Patrick's Day parade which started from Unity Flats, went across Clifton Street and onto the New Lodge road. 17/3/1971
Two members of the RUC escort the St Patrick's Day parade which started from Unity Flats, went across Clifton Street and onto the New Lodge road. 17/3/1971
Members of the McKenna Accordion Band from Ballycran take part in the St Patrick's Day parade through Downpatrick. 17/3/1985
Mr Joe McGreevy, his wife Eithne, and two-year-old son Brendan, at St Parrick's grave. The Bangor family were among the many visitors to Downpatrick Cathedral. 17/3/1981
The grave of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. 17/3/1985
Members of the Down Diocesan Youth Fellowship arrive at St Patrick's Memorial Church, Saul, to attend one of the St Patrick's day services. 17/3/1967
St Patrick's grave in the grounds of Down cathedral, Downpatrick. 18/3/1965
St Patrick's Day Parade through English Street, Downpatrick. 1939
St Patrick's Day parade, Falls Road. 17/3/1978
Forging link with tradition. Mr S J Ervine, Dromore, Co. Down, at a horseshoeing competition in Mr Robert Greer's forge, Oldtown, Cookstown. The competition was the first in Ireland for over 40 years. 7/9/1968
Getting ready...old style. Seven-year-old james Hanna, of Saintfield, gives the harness a final polish before his father competes in the horse section of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association international ploughing championships which started to-day at Ballee, Downpatrick. 13/11/1968
Bring back the good old days, says 'Smithy! : Denis Kilkenny, of Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, has been shoeing horses for more than 50 years. He is seen here at work on a horse for farmer George Johnston, of Killadeas. On the right is Mr Kilkenny's son John. 17/1/1966
An evening jaunt: Mr John Kennedy, Beechpark, Lurgan, and his dog Peggy, out for a quiet evening jaunt in his newly acquired gig. Mr Kennedy named his horse 'King Puck' after the famous fair where he bought it. 7/9/1965
Old bob mightn't have swept the boards at the Horse of the Year Show, but you can bet Mrs Irene Moore wouldn't swap him for the world. For Bob, an 18-year-old skewbald, is still the tops when it comes to plodding down to the shops in Ballygawley to do the shopping. 9/10/1979
Mr Sammy Woods, of Glenview Drive, Lurgan, who has been delivering vegtables door-to-door in the town, relies on the one horse power mode of transport to get him around the estates. Sammy has had over a dozen horses helping him through the years, this one pictured is called Tom. 23/9/1978
Farmer George McCullough, of Rathmore, Muckamore, leads Dolly (LEFT) and Dick, his 12-year-old Clydesdale horses back home with his children Alistair and George (LEFT) and Jacqueline and Robert, in the saddle. 25/7/1972
A popular new acquisition to Tannaghmore Gardens,Craigavon, is the cute Shetland pony under the care of Mr david Coleman (third from right) who looks after the animals at the centre. 10/2/1976
Enjoying a pony and trap trip in Barnett's Park, Malone, are youngsters from the Fleming and Fulton School for handicapped children, Upper Malone Road. At the reins is Mrs Jean Graham, Finaghy Road South, who takes time off twice a week to give them the treat. The four legged friend, Blackie, belongs to the school. 23/4/1970
Johnny Proctor and his horse on the vegtable round. 25/4/1978
Children from Wallace High School, Lisburn, who raised £85 for the USPCA in a door-to-door collection, visited the society's animal shelter at Carryduff. As it was meal-time they fed some of the ponies which are kept there. 11/6/1979
Maureen Elliott, from Belfast, tries to keep a tight rein on Suzie, her new frisky three-year-old Shetland Pony. 26/6/1979
Problems build up for the Haffey brothers who farm at Kilvergan, Lurgan, as the refigerated storage tank at their farm is filled to overflowing. In an effort to save some milk the family have filled bottles, buckets and cans. 23/12/1974
The milk bottling plant at Bangor Dairies in full swing this morning producing milk for the Bangor and Ards areas. 14/1/1975
Mr David Dawson, of the Milk Bottle Recovery Association - now he has to hunt for crates too. 3/4/1975
Milk strike at Bangor Dairies. Pickets on duty outside Bangor Dairies at Belast Road, Bangor, talk to the driver of a lorry returning empty milk bottles. 14/1/1975
A satisfied customer leaves the Hilltop Dairy Farm at Castlereagh with two plastic containers full of milk. The dairy, which was not hit by the milk strike, triggered off a milk rush. 23/12/1974
Before we start taking them for granted we should let our milkmen know we appreciate them. 15/5/1978
Little Kimberley Weir and other residents of Roundhill Street off the Albertbridge Road, buy their milk from Mr David Titterington, and all the money he takes in a day goes to a charity fund to help two Belfast hospitals. 4/1/1975
One of the best known teams in Lisburn are Jack McMaster and his 14-year-old pony, Molly. 11/12/1973
Miss Ardyn Wasson, from Carnmoney, carries out some tests in the laboratory at the Milk Marketing Board's headquaters, for Miss Pensi Pansuk, from Thailand and Mr N. Van Van from Vietnam. Both were students at the Co-Operative College, Loughborough, Leicester and were included in a party visiting Belfast. 9/3/1970
Enjoying their milk (from left) are Roro O'Connor, Oliver Doherty and Brian Herron, of long Tower Primary School. 2/3/1982
All set for a spending spree are (from left) Linda Kirkpatrick (21), Hazel Johnston (23), anf Helen Carlisle (21). The three girls who volunteered for the seven day milk diet show show their good spirits by scattering the £64 they recieved in retuen for 32lbs. weight loss. 11/5/1970
Miss Rose McElvogue carrying out butter fat tests at Milk Marketing Board Headquaters on samples of milk from individual cows, using a machine made in Denmark. 4/2/1965
Making an epic - that's Andrew Tipler, foreman of Belfast's Alexandra Park. Mr Tipler has been filming bird and plant life in the park for nine years and his 1,500 feet of film provide a unique record of the changes in the fauna and flora. 5/9/1972
Malone House, Barnett's Park. Residence of late Mr WM Barnett, who left it to the Belfast Corporation, with surrounding parkland. 30/8/1946
Barnett's Park. A man takes time to stand and stare at the sheep in summer in Barnett's Park. 8/10/1954
Botanic Gardens. Peace and leaves in plenty in Botanic Gardens, and taking full benefit are Geraldine Heath (18) and Miriam Dalton (17). 13/10/1969
Botanic Gardens. Weeding the flower beds in the shadow of the Victorian tropical plant house in Botanic Gardens is John Cassells from Satinfield Road, Belfast. 12/8/1980
Botanic Gardens. Back to back in the idyllic setting of the rose garden of Botanic Gardens, Belfast, is Lisa Bassett (7) and her brother Billy (9), of Rugby Avenue, Belfast. 14/7/1990
Botanic Gardens. The RUC band under the baton of District Inspector Alexander Hollick at a concert which they gave in Botanic Gardens, Belfast. 4/5/1966
Botanic Gardens. A 'BROOMSDAY' situation for these gardeners employed at Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Left to right here are Bernard Bowman, Ken McClintock and John Kinsley. 26/9/1974
Falls Park. Trying his hand with the broom at Falls Park, Belfast, is two rear-old Patrick Greer, of Colligan Street, as Corporation gardners (in the background) prepare the flower beds for summer bedding. 30/5/1967
Ormeau Park. A man, child and dog take advantage of the spring like afternoon sunshine for a stroll through Ormeau Park, Belfast. 27/1/1971
Ormeau Park. Through the brown and green leafy lanes of Ormeau Park comes Mr Sidney McClune and his West Highland terrier Penny for their morning constitutional. Mr McClune, of Ravenhill Gardens, has been crippled with polio since childhood, but he enjoys his little car. 14/10/1975
Ormeau Park. The new playground at the enterance to Belfast's Ormeau Park is like a magnet to young children. But recently because of ankle-deep mud and waterlogged grass young Colin Bradley (11) and his sister Mavis (6), of Toronto Street, look forlonly at the roundabout. 31/1/1972
Queen Mary's Gardens. Feeding the swans in Queen Mary's Gardens, Belfast, provides a pleasent pasttime for Mr George Robinson of Sunningdale Park, Belfast and his granddaughter Lyndsey Robinson (2) of Prospect Crescent, Ballygowan. 2/10/1980
Victoria Park. It may not be the Great Barrier Reef but the thick weeds at the edge of Victoria Park boating lake present their own problems. But with a helping hand or two from the shore Michael Briggs (8) and Irene Hamilton (10) of Parker Street, Belfast, will soon have their feet on terra firma. 27/7/1971
Victoria Park. Her first ever dip - and for four year-old Sandra Craig, of Ravenhill Road, Belfast, there were no qualms about the water when her father Ricky, played with her at the baths at Victoria park. 17/7/1972
With no worries about outlook of further snow three-year old Kenneth Moore, Greenacres, Ballyutoag, Ligoniel, admires his giant snowman in the garden of his home. 21/1/1965
This winter landscape at Ballysillan Park, Belfast, shows how an every-day scene is given a touch of delicate filigree when bare branches are laced with snow. 12/1/1959
Snowman and Snowmouse appeared overnight at Kensington Gardens West. Here is Rosemary Eakins stroking the snowmouse's tail while Brian Martin moulds his ear and Allyson Brown puts a rakish angle to the snowman's hat. 11/12/1967
An army of workmen went out early clearing the snow in Belfast's city centre, before the first of the office workers arrived. 6/2/1963
Allister Cosby (left) and Julian Parker, both aged nine, of Downview Park, West Belfast, were out early enjoying the snow. 3/12/1966
Mr Thomas Thompson of Skeagh, near Glenarm, recieving a bag of food supplies from Sergeant Isaac Jardine, Glenarm RUC, after Mr Thompson and his wife had been cut off by snowdrifts for over a week. 13/2/1966
A scene of great activity on the Cavehill slopes by Floral Hall, where tobogganers and skiers were out in force on a Sundat afternoon. 16/2/1969
Pupils from Stella Maris Primary School, Church Road, Greencastle, enjoying rolling a giant snowball in the school playground. 5/3/1965
Snow plough trying to clear the drifts blocking the main Larne-Ballymena road at Shane's Hill. 30/11/1965
One car which did not make it up a steep hill on the outskirts of Belfast and like many others in the province had to be abandoned in the blizzard. 7/2/1969
These cars found the Belfast-Aldergrove road very tricky as they manoeuvred slowly along on the hard packed snow. 16/2/1966
A U.T.A. bus which was abandoned in deep snow-drifts on the main Larne-Ballymena road at Shane's Hill. 30/11/1965
aturday afternoon shoppers looking on as they pass children enjoying a slide on the pavement at the junction of Upper Library Street and Peter's Hill, Belfast. 9/12/1967
Ulster American Folk Park. James Nesbitt, seven, and his brother Mark, four, from Massey Grees, Belfast, had only seen covered wagons in the cowboy films and wanted to touch the real thing. Their wish came true when they took a close look at the Conestoga wagon at Ards Shopping Centre. It's on loan from the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. 20/2/1979
Ulster American Folk Park. Gerry Taggart, from Omagh, a coach-builder for 50 years, gives a display of wheel making. 25/9/1979
Ulster American Folk Park. James O'Brien batteling the straw by wrapping if up in itself. 25/9/1979
Guides and demonstrators from the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, turned out in style dressed as Ulster emigrants from the late 17th century to launch the park's autumn programme for schools. The 'emigrants' are (from left) Mrs Gladys Fulton, Mrs Heather Millar, Mrs Lilian Collins, Mrs Etta Orr and Mrs Linda Smith. 22/9/1980
Clive Wilson (9), from Ballyboley, finds out how candles were made from animal fat in the Pioneer days of North America, from Mrs Frieda Prentice. 25/9/1979
Pupils from St. Columb's Primary School, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, enjoy a one-day workshop of traditional cooking given by Mrs Ruby Todd, a demonstrator with the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. The girls, all ten years old, are (from left): Clare McAloon, Edel McNabb, Helena McNabb and Louise Walsh. 23/10/1986
Mrs Edith Sproule shows Sandra Morton and John Hawkins, who are from Cookstown Primary, the art of basket making. 29/9/1981
Gorgon Colhoun, who looks after the saddlers' shop, gives some tips to Fivemiletown High School pupils Nigel Rea and Ronald Campbell. 29/9/1981
The spinning wheel enthralled Cookstown Primary School pupils (from left): Samantha Wilson, Brian Armstrong, Keith Alexander and Paula Kennedy during their visit. Demonstrating the craft is Mrs Jean Moore. 29/9/1981
The spinning wheel at work in the hands of Mrs Jean Moore, at the Weavers Cottage, watched by pupils from St. Teresa's Primary School, Enniskillen. 12/6/1985
Wet Spinning, York Street Mill. 17/2/1939
Braidwater Spinning, Ballymena.Hackling machine in operation separating flax into tons and line. 15/11/1945
Hand painting Damask, Old Bleach Linen, Randalstown. 1/2/1949
Herdman's Mill, Sion Mills. The Reeling Room. 13/8/1935
View of Weaving Room, York Street Factory. 17/2/1939
Industry/Dromara. Gathering the flax, at Dromara. 17/11/1942
Plain Weaving Shop, Brookfield Factory. 3/3/1939
Wariing, York Street factory. 3/3/1939
Winding yarn, York street factory. 17/2/1939
Mourne Wall Walk. Competitors recieve refreshments and take a break during the grueling 22-mile trek. 2/6/1974.
Mourne Wall Walk. a Party of competitors in the 'Mourne Walk' leave Little Bignian behind as they negotiate the last few miles of the 22-mile walk. 7/6/1965
Mourne Wall Walk.Stepping out in determined fashion is Newtownards man Tom Smith with his Golden Retriever Bonnie. 7/6/1982
Mourne Wall Walk. May Murphy, from Kilkeel, takes a break for a cup of tea during the walk, while her brother Gerard checks their position on the map. 7/6/1982
Some of the walkers who trekked over the Mournes and finished at the Silent Valley, a distance of 22 miles. They are pictures passing the Dunnywater Point outside Annalong. 30/5/1966
The 21st Mourne Wall Walk, organised by the Youth Hostel Association attracted 2,000 enthusiasts of which 1,515 people were given certificates. And there was an extra certificate for another participant - a dog, pictured. 5/6/1977
The downhill run, with only two miles to go. 7/6/1982
Arthur Young puts on a bandage to support his knee as he and friend Roy Suiter, both from Stranmillis Road area of Belfast take a well earned break. 5/6/1983
John McGonigle, from Dundrum, on his first Mourne Wall Walk, couldn't wait to let air at his aching feet after completing the course. 7/6/1981
Student Rag day, two engineering students Robert Starrs and David O'Connor take spin around City Hall with 8 ft bicycle made for two on 6th March 1970
Student Rag day, student Martin Lawless keeps playin his guitar while eating a sandwhich as he attemts to break the world marathon jam record on 3rd March 1970
Student Rag day, a student dresses as a futuristic golfer using a giant golf ball as a collecting box for hospital charities in the year 1928.
Student of the modern jazz 'school' "Blow that horn man." passing through Arthus Square, Belfast, young john Killand, of Strandview Street, takes a critical saet at a "concert" given by Stranmillis students as one of their rag week activities. 12/3/1968
Students in Victoria Street, Belfast selling their P.T.Q. 8/3/1966.
Queens university students kidnapp light heavyweight boxer Gerry Hassett from a training session at Ballyholme Bangor. They are hoping his promoter B. J. Eastwood will hand over a cheque for the Rag funds. 9th March 1965.
Lark with the law Students of Queen's University surrounded and had fun with this constable while he was on point duty at a zebra crossing in Donegall Place, during the Rag Day procession in Belfast. 12/3/1965
Queens University Rag Day Parade gets under way in a flurry of flour and water on the 6th March 1981
Steam Locomotives (Trains). The steam- hauled passenger train that chugged away from No.1 platform in Bangor last night marked the end of an era. It was the last train to travel along the Belfast Central line, linking the Belfast-Bangor track and the one to Portadown. The train was given a civic send-off from Bangor by Alderman Charles Milligan (THIRD FROM RIGHT) who waved the guard's flag. Driver of the train was Mr Eamonn O'Hara, of Finaghy Road North, Belfast.
Steam Locomotives (Trains). Last puffer train steams out at Magheramorne to mark the last journey for a steam train in europe. 2/5/1970.
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Feet firmly on the footpath, Michael and driver Paddy keep a watchful eye as the train pulls out. 17/10/1970
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Steam train enthusiasts Mrs Ann Fallon (R), from Helen's Bay, and Mrs Jutta Diehl, from Craigavad, have a close-up look at the engine before boarding the Portrush Flyer. 21/7/1979
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Three young enthusiasts enjoy themselves aboard one of the steam engines at the annual Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland Steam Gala Day at Whitehead. They are (FROM LEFT) Colin Ward (11), Gavin Ward (14) and Gavin Campbell (11). 7/7/1973
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Pauline Turtle (9) of Belvoir Park, Belfast, donned a railman's hat and held a flag and lamp from the Portrush Flyer when she recieved a few tips from Inspector Frank Dunlop of Greenisland. 25/7/1981
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Little Graham Glendenning (5) was feeling pretty chuffed this morning. For Graham, who lives in Cyprus Gardens, Belfast, was on board the very last steam train to puff its way out of Great Victoria Street Station. 4/10/1975
Steam Locomotives (Trains). Locomotive No.186, bulit in 1879 for the Great Southern & Western Railway, puffs quietly into Larne Harbour station with driver T. Ramsay and fireman G. Gaw, who work for Northern Ireland Railways, on the footplate. 26/3/1970
Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland. Mr Dave Gallagher who was an engine driver for 26 years on the Canadian Pacific Railway, takes a picture of the Lough Ern steam engine when he visited the Railway Preservation Society Of Ireland third annual Open Day at Whitehead. Mr Gallagher left Donegal in 1925 to go work in Canada. 3/7/1971
Steam Locomotives (Trains). A 100-year-old steam enfine, which was used in the making of the film 'The First Great Train Robbery', made a centenary run from Belfast to Derry at the week-end and looking after the engine were drivers David McDonald (L), from Whiteabbey, and Robert Graham, Monkstowm, both fron Northern Ireland Railways. 1/9/1979
Unfortunately bad weather deterred a lot of people from attending the Brass Band Cavalcade in the Ulster '71 stadium. So, for her endurance of the bad comditions, six-year old Linda Bell, of Sunnyside Park, had her own reward at the interval. 14/8/1971
Members of the Belfast Branch of the Keep Fit Association of Northern Ireland who presented a 'Night and Day' dance display in the arena at the Ulster 71 exhibition in Botanic Gardens, Belfast. 19/5/1971
Catherine (4) and David Collier (6), of Donegall Park Avenue, found themselves celebrities when along with their parents they 'fight it out' for who is the 500,000th visitor to the Ulster '71. David gets a chance to take a swing at Max Diamond the Black Gauntlet, helped by Nosher Powell, alais Frederick of Gaywood, two of the Knights who are in the jousting tourament at the festival. 21/7/1971.
Two British soldiers of the 3rd Paras, in the Hall of Fame looking at the portraits of some famous Ulster born military men which includes Lord Montgomery, Viscount Alanbrook and Earl Alexander of Tunis. 13.5.1971
Up, up and away fly more than a thousand balloons released by the choir of 1,500 school children before they took part in a opening event in the arena during Ulster '71. 14/5/1971
Obviously in a practical frame of mind, and having found a comfortable 'seat' on the 'U' of one of the giant Ulster 71 signs at ormeau Embankment, nine-year old Debbie Whiteman, of Annadale Avenue concentrates on homework. 13/5/1971.
The men behind the planning of Ulster '71 exhibition get down to a survey of work at the Botanic Gardens site. Pictured from left are - Mr Eric Montgomery, director and cordinator; Mr W. D. McKee, chairman and managing director of the construction firm, and Sir Cecil Bateman, chairman of the Ulster '71 Central Council. 31/12/1970.
Ulster '71 girl Sharon Hall (19) tries out one of the machines in the amusements 'Hemispherical' arcade. 13/5/1971
A party of Commonwealth Parliamentarians arrive at the Ulster '71 exhibition. They represent 11 different countries of the Commonwealth. 18/5/1971.
Scottish Country Dances by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Belfast Branch in the arena at the Ulster '71 Exhibition Park during Scottish Night. 21/5/1971
Miss Marie Walsh (22), Mountpottinger Road, a dental nurse with her pet pomeranian 'Randy' resting in the sunshine in Botanic Gardens with the Ulster '71 Exhibition in the background. 13/5/1971
Jeffery McCready (7) juvenile Drum Major with the Geoghegan Memorial Pipe Band, Loughbrickland, Banbridge, meets 30 members of the Broughty Ferry Senior Citizens Club from Dundee who are visiting Ulster and enjoying the Pipe bands and Scottish Country Dancing during Scotch Night at the Ulster '71 Exhibition. 21/5/1971
Dancing: Ballroom. Sammy Houston (centre) with members of his Formation Dance Team, have a break from rehearsal in the Plaza Ballroom, Belfast. They were getting prepared to compete against teams from all over the world for the Manx Open Amateur Formation trophy in the Isle of Man. 22/5/1966
The floor of the Park Avenue hotel is filled with the graceful twirls of dancers in the City of Belfast amateur championships last night. 13/11/1968
Mt Gerald Wilson, Beerebridge Road, Belfast, and his partner Miss Lorraine Hall, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, dancing at the City of Belfast Open Amateur Championships in the Starlite Ballroom, Belfast.
Members of the Sammy Houston Formation Dancing Team admiring the new dresses thsy will wear when competing in the British Championships on Tuesday. They are (FROM THE LEFT) - Carole Johnston, Eleanor Lockhart, Irene Andrews, Rosemary Willis and Alix Watson. 22/5/1965
Fred Taggart and Violet Reid, one of the couples fancied to take the honours in the forthcoming 'News of the World' novice trophy. They are members of the Sammy Houston formation team, they have been dancing together for two years. 9/1/1965
Northern Ireland team members join commentator Malcolm Kellard in a joke and a smile at the Plaza Ballroom, Belfast. They were beaten by the Westmidlands in the BBC Come Dancing contest. 17/1/1967.
Glenhall Seabreeze, a bay mare owned by mr John Smith (right), of Glenhall, Coleraine, which gained first prize in the geld or mare class. 12/6/1968
The scene at the showgrounds where crowds turned out in force. 12/6/1969
A popular venue during the warm weather is the 'Moat Carry' in Harryville. Used by many generations of young people for a dip, it is situated about 200 yards from the site of the new swimming pool. 27/6/1968.
A three-day-old foal trots alongside its mare, Fanny, while the owner, Mr John Hoey, of Parkmore, Ballymena, shows her paces for the judges. 12/6/1968
The scene at the Town Hall, ballymena after the Christmas lights had been switched on by the mayor. 15/12/1975
This was the scene at the Showgrounds, Ballymena, as hundreds of visitors crowd the terrace to watch the showjumping
Demand for space for the trade exhibits has been greater than ever and the display provides an excellent shop window for the farmer and his wife. 3/6/1965
Deep in thought as he led his uncle's calf 'Snowdrop' round the parade ring at the Ballymena Show was Alistair Mawhinney (7), of Carnmoney.
Broadway Junction, Ballymena. 28/5/1963
Roundabout getting painted. 4/6/1963
First protest march to Belfast city centre. A crowd pictured at a meeting with Ian Paisley at Shaftesbury Square, Belfast. 9/10/1968.
First protest march to Belfast city centre. A crowd of students pictured at a meeting with Ian Paisley near Belfast City Hall. Pictured is Ciaran McKeown(with beard). 9/10/1968.
Banned Derry Civil Rights march broken up by RUC batons in presence of Gerry Fitt MP, three British Labour MPs and television crew. Two nights of rioting ensued. 5/10/1968.
Banned Derry Civil Rights march broken up by RUC batons in presence of Gerry Fitt MP, three British Labour MPs and television crew. Two nights of rioting ensued. 5/10/1968.
Banned Derry Civil Rights march broken up by RUC batons in presence of Gerry Fitt MP, three British Labour MPs and television crew. Two nights of rioting ensued. 5/10/1968.
Banned Derry Civil Rights march broken up by RUC batons in presence of Gerry Fitt MP, three British Labour MPs and television crew. Two nights of rioting ensued. 5/10/1968.
Civil rights marchers are confronted by a strong force of polive in Duke Street. October 1968
Mr Austin Currie, MP, addressing the crowd.
The first Civil Rights (Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association) from Coalisland to Dungannon, held on 24/8/1968. Pictured is a member of the official party leading the civil rights marchers, appealing to the crowd, and requesting that there should be no violence during the march in Dungannon.
Mr Jimmy Hooks, 31 years in the Gas Department, normally reads meters in the quiet area of Holywood, but this morning he was working in houses in the Short Strand while armed soldiers stood guard outside.
The meters in this part of East Belfast had not been read for more than six months due to concerned meter readers going into troubled areas carrying large amounts of money.
A week before this picture was taken two meter readers had been robbed in West Belfast.
An explination for the armed guard was best summed up by Chief Inspector of the gas Department, Mr John McArthur,
" My men are in a difficult position since so many of them have been robbed recently. So the Army offered this guard for them."
Gas man Jimmy Hooks accompanied by soldiers as he reads the meters in the Short Strand in 1971
Mr Jimmy Hooks, 31 years in the Gas Department, normally reads meters in the quiet area of Holywood, but this morning he was working in houses in the Short Strand while armed soldiers stood guard outside.
The meters in this part of East Belfast had not been read for more than six months due to concerned meter readers going into troubled areas carrying large amounts of money.
A week before this picture was taken two meter readers had been robbed in West Belfast.
An explination for the armed guard was best summed up by Chief Inspector of the gas Department, Mr John McArthur,
" My men are in a difficult position since so many of them have been robbed recently. So the Army offered this guard for them."
Gas:Gas man Jimmy Hooks accompanied by soldiers as he reads the meters in the Short Strand in 1971
On a visit to the Gasworks an employee demonstrates the Coal Gripper (The feed system of a coal getting combine, which works with a face conveyor, comprises: a traction device located on the combine and having a cylinder-shaped sprocket on the side surface of which a circular spherical-shaped recess is provided, slots being made on both inner sides of the spherical recess, said slots having an involute-spherical surface) 20/1/1938
Gasworks. on a tour of the gasworks our photographer is shown the Interior Gaosmeter. 27/4/1934
Gasworks. Coal handling crane. 20/1/1938
Lamp man. Each day as 55 year old John Kirkwood, from Mountjoy Street, Belfast, goes about his work the era of gas lighting draws nearer its end. And after tending the street lights in Belfast for 33 years John is naturally somewhat nostalgic about the coming disappearance of the old lamps. 4/5/1970
Gasworks. A nostalgic view at the Old Gasworks from the Albertbridge. 21/3/1950. Taken 11.30am.
Mr Jimmy Hooks, 31 years in the Gas Department, normally reads meters in the quiet area of Holywood, but this morning he was working in houses in the Short Strand while armed soldiers stood guard outside.
The meters in this part of East Belfast had not been read for more than six months due to concerned meter readers going into troubled areas carrying large amounts of money.
A week before this picture was taken two meter readers had been robbed in West Belfast.
An explination for the armed guard was best summed up by Chief Inspector of the gas Department, Mr John McArthur,
" My men are in a difficult position since so many of them have been robbed recently. So the Army offered this guard for them."
Mrs Anne Molloy, of Clyde Street, watches Mr Hooks empty her home gas meter for the first time in six months. 16/12/1971
Howard Stephenson, a gasman for 40 years, reads the meter in Littlewood's store in Belfast city centrs. Tools of the trade are a torch, and a pen. 12/2/1987
Party at Glenfarne Street. The children of Upper Glenfarne enjoy their third annual Haloween fancy dress parade. 31/10/1973
A young boy having fun with his halloween sparklers. 30/10/1959
Halloween is a time for dressing up for the witching hour and for Sharon McCool (3), of Leafair Park and Andrew Maghee (4), of Kinsale Park, admiring the selection of halloween masks in a city shop window. The time has come to pick the face that will suit the occasion. 30/10/1980
False Faces. Mr Jimmy Elliott makes sure that David and Elizabeth Anderson, Orangefield Parade, Belfast have enough rocket power to blast off into space on Halloween night as they buy their fireworks at his shop in Anne Street. 27/10/1965
Children's Haloween Party. A group of children from the Bessbrook and Mountnorris homes in Newry who attended the Halloween Party in Endal Meat packer's canteen, Newry. It was organised by the newry round table. 29/10/1965
Beauty and the beast...June Higginson of Clarawood, Belfast, still put on a bewitching smile when she called at Ferguson's on the Newtownards Road, Belfast to choose a Haloween mask from the hundreds on display. 14/10/1978
Boy with fireworks. The wonderment of the Haloween sparkler is protrayed in the face of Michael Cocjcroft (5) of Lurgan as his face lights up with delight at the pyrotechnics of the hand held firework. 22/10/1975
Sisters Elizabeth and Slyvia McMurray, from Portadown, gaze with delight at the Haloween wonderment before them. 31/10/1958
A man armed with all that is needed for a fun Halloween night. 30/10/1957
Kids with sparklers, highfield. Making their own fun before a fireworks display at Highfield, West Circular Road, Belfast, are three-year old Tina and five-year old William Stuart of Blackmountain. The fireworks were organised by the Highfield and Springmartin community associations. 31.10.1978
Customer Patrick Fox trying the latest style in jackets is being fitted by salesman John Hughes at the Lammas Fair on 25th August 1975
Robert Close (right), of Ahoghill, and Tommy Owens, Ballymena, tune their fiddles before competing in Lammas Fair champion fiddler competition on the 28 August 1967.
Peter McIntyre (73) and his wife Janet (75), from the island of Islay go for a ride round Lammas Fair by donkey and cart on 25 August 1970. Mr McIntyre, a retired seaman last visited the fair in 1912 when, barefoot, he travelled in an open fishing boat.
Sahah McKeown sells best quality hard nuts on her stand at Lammas Fair on 28 August 1984
Hundreds of people poured into ballycastle for the traditional Oul lammas Fair - the high spot of the towns trading calendar.
As urual, the fairs' attendance was boosted by the tourists and day trippers off work for the Bank Holiday weekend.
The best adult entry in the Oul' Lammas Fair fancy dress parade was Mr Bertie Galbraith and family, from Coleraine, with 'Martha', the goat, and 'Dolly' the ass. Their entry was 'Family goes to the Oul' Lammas Fair 1606.'
Auld Lammas Fair. 30/8/1966
Hundreds of people poured into ballycastle for the traditional Oul lammas Fair - the high spot of the towns trading calendar.
As urual, the fairs' attendance was boosted by the tourists and day trippers off work for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Auld Lammas Fair.30/8/1966
Hundreds of people poured into ballycastle for the traditional Oul lammas Fair - the high spot of the towns trading calendar.
As urual, the fairs' attendance was boosted by the tourists and day trippers off work for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Auld Lammas fair. 29/8/1977
Margaret McKeague (19), from Dunloy, takes a break from her brother's sheepskin stall at the Lammas Fair on 30th August 1976.
Serving stew to visitors at the Lammas Fair are Mrs Bridget Bell and Miss Eilsih McGuinness on 26th August 1974
Although continental holidays were on the increase, most Ulster folk still holidayed at home in the 1950s. This picture of crowds enjoying the Pierrots show on Newcastle promenade was taken on the last day of June 1954. 30/6/1954
NEWCASTLE Co.DOWN/HOLIDAY. PEOPLE ON THE PROMANADE. 5/7/1962
Millisle folk enjoy the weather of the Ards peninusla, as customers line up for staple holiday diet of Fish & Chips from the local vanman. 10/8/1968
Postcard style picture of Millisle beach with the amusements in the background. 29/3/1975
Children from the Alliance /Ardoyne intergrated summer play scheme, who are spending a week under canvas at Crawfordsburn Camp, pay a visit to the harbour at Donaghadee. With them is student teacher Andy Seenan (right) from Glasgow, who is spending his holiday days doing youth work in the Ardoyne Area. 1/8/1975
Among the many attractions for visitors to Bangor during the United Services Week is the landing craft Audemer, of the 72 Landiding Craft Tank Squadron, Royal Corps of Transport.
The good weather attracted many holidaymakers to the popular Co. Down resort of Bangor. Here John Austin (left) and Michael Coey, play onj the deach at Ballybolme. 30/3/1965
Mrs Alberta Cruickshanks and her children from Cherryhill Road in Belfast enjoy a dip in the sea in Ballyhlabert on the 10th July 1972
Tyrella. Crowds fill the strand on a lazy Sunday lunchtime, having a wonderful time. 6/6/1970
No Water in this Fountain.
And certainly no coins in this fountain, but an ideal spot for a sunday School picnic, just beside the Promenade at Warrenpoint, Co Down, with cloud shadows playing across the Mournes behind Restrevor.
Bellevue. 24/11/1953
Animal lover Johnny Morris makes friends with 'Horace', a Roseate Cockatoo during his visit to Belfast Zoo
Mariba, a three-year-old camel, was reluctant to leave her birthplace, Bellevue Zoo, Belfast, for a new life in Dublin. But keeper Jim Mitchell finally persuaded her into a U.T.A trailer for her 100-mile trip across the border. 3/5/1962
The penguins at Bellevue Zoo attarct a large crowd as keeper Tommy Richardson feeds them with fresh fish. 17/4/1968
One of the seals becomes more closely acquainted with the children from Kilcooley Primary School. 19/7/1978
Standing outside the Puma cage at Bellevue Zoo, Belfast, are Natelie Williamson (3) and Scott Wallace (3) during a visit by Donaghadee Play School. 13/6/1980
Little Kimberley Murray, aged three, of Glengormley, generously shared her peanuts with one of the Diana monkeys, taking care not too get to close to that eager paw. 15/9/1975
Ranee, the Indian tiger at Belfast Zoo, gets her morning mug of milk from keeper Jim Mitchell. 14/3/1959
Visitors feed the nosey goats. 14/7/1964
Having a splashing time...Elizabeth Dickson (15), from Glencairn, Belfast - one of four lucky children to visit Belfast Zoo as part of the Lord mayor's 'Cream Machine', gives Tina her morning bath during a tour of the animals. Elizabeth is a student at Everton Girl's Secondary School. 17/5/1982
27 March 2009
A mystery Belfast woman who cared for a baby elephant in her back garden during the war years has finally been identified.
The ‘elephant angel’ was Denise Weston Austin, who was one of the first female zoo keepers in Belfast Zoo.
Along with her mother Irene, Denise took baby elephant Sheila in to her north Belfast home after it escaped an order to euthanize some of the more dangerous animals at the zoo.
Nine lions, two tigers and a number of bears and wolves were killed on the orders of the Ministry of Public Security because of fears that they would escape and threaten the public if the zoo was damaged in a German bombing raid.
Earlier this week the zoo - which is celebrating its 75th anniversary - launched a campaign to find the mystery owner and, through a surviving relative, have found more information on her identity.
Her second cousin, David Ramsey from Belfast, described her as an “eccentric” lady who lived in an exotic home in north Belfast called Loughview House.
Mr Ramsey also said that Sheila the elephant only lived with Ms Austin in the evening.
He said: “When the Head Keeper, Dick Foster, left work, Denise took Sheila from her enclosure, walked her a short distance to her house at Whitewell Road, and walked her back up to the zoo in the morning, sometimes stopping at a shop, the Thrones Stores, on the Whitewell road for stale bread.
“It was also known in the area that she took Sheila for evening walks. During the night Sheila slept in the Austin’s garage.
“Sheila was given hay from the family farm, which was of a much better quality than the zoo could provide during an era of rationing.”
Sheila managed to stay hidden due to the large walls which surrounded the house, and zoo staff were not aware of her second home until she chased a dog into a neighbours garden, breaking the fence.
Neighbours brought the incident to the attention of the Head Keeper, whereupon Sheila had to remain in the zoo. Denise continued to visit Sheila in the zoo, particularly at night during Luftwaffe air raids, when she rubbed her ears to keep her calm.
Ms Austin died in 1997, but her cousin said he believed she would have been “tickled pink with all the attention”.
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