Digital Film Archive

Snow on the Glenshane Pass - a story we see every year. The Sperrins have had quite a snowstorm.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/snow-on-the-glenshane-4925

An Independent Television Authority transmitter in Ballyclare is one of the casualties of a snowstorm as it’s cut off from the outside world.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/snow-cuts-off-a-transmitter-4282

Short film by Samuel Bracegirdle, showing the snowy streets and hills of 1950s Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/snowy-scenes-in-1950s-east-belfast-5663

The Big Freeze of early 1963 saw life across much of the British Isles come to a standstill as roads were blocked by snow and ice for many weeks. This footage shows the process of helping stranded communities gain essential supplies with airlift often being the only workable solution, including, as in this footage, airlifting bales of straws for animals on farms.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/big-freeze-airlifts-6134

A flu outbreak has hit Northern Ireland. Jimmy Robinson talks to some people trying to deal with the issue. A doctor at Belfast City Hospital tells of staff shortages due to illness. Some beds have had to be moved around. Chemist Harry Boyd on the Ormeau Road says there have been some shortages of medicine. Dr Mahoney in Knock has been busier than normal but plays down talk of an epidemic. He offers advice on how to deal with the flu.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-flu-outbreak-in-northern-ireland-5047

Co Donegal in the Republic of Ireland at one time had an extensive rail network linking up with lines in Northern Ireland. By the 1950s it had been largely dismantled and by 1960 it was completely gone. This mute UTV film is dated to 1961 but is more likely from 1959 or 1960 as it shows the line still in operation. We see steam trains in operation passing through stations such as Killygordon in the Republic and Strabane CDR (adjacent to the Strabane GNR station), both of which closed in January 1960.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/donegal-railways-closures-6009

Christmas is for mulling wine, not mulling over resolutions. However, the beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to start forming healthy habits. This report details the Eastern Health Board's rollout of the World Health Organisation's Healthy City Campaign. The Board used brightly coloured advertisements to attract attention to the drive. The Belfast public volunteer their opinions on the initiative and the ads.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-years-resolution-look-fine-for-6313

It’s a leap year and Jimmy Robinson investigates any weddings and birthdays. Susan Bell of Glenlola Collegiate in Bangor is a Leap Year baby but it doesn’t bother her too much.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-leap-year-birthday-3831

It’s a Leap Year so footage of weddings on the day and all the Leap Year babies. At least remembering your anniversary shouldn’t be an issue.

The wedding takes place at Lisburn Cathedral and the babies were born at Belfast City Hospital.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/leap-day-weddings-and-babies-3982

Eamonn Holmes introduces this humorous festive piece for Good Evening Ulster on UTV. Highlighting that 'White Christmas' is the most famous Christmas song of all, he goes out onto the streets of Belfast getting the public to sing a line each, which was then edited together into a unique rendition.

Perhaps unfortunately, the UTV celebrities also get in on the act, with presenters such as Gerry Kelly and Jackie Fullerton contributing. Barry McGuigan, decked out in a Santa suit, asks if the referee can stop them from further punishment.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-utv-staff-sing-white-christmas-5901

Kate Smith visits a garden centre to learn about the traditions behind some of the plants and foliage we use to decorate our homes during Christmas. Hear how holly came to be used to deck our halls and pick up some useful tips on how to keep your Christmas tree looking fresh!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/keep-your-christmas-tree-looking-fresh-6298

A film by Samuel Bracegirdle, showing Christmas cards, food, and a home library.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/writing-christmas-cards-5598

The young patients at Lissue House in Lisburn are treated to the nurses singing carols. Some little ones munch on sweets they got as gifts. The nurses sing 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful', 'Once in Royal David's City' and 'Hymn for Christmas Day' as they walk around the wards carrying laterns and bringing some of the children with them.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/nurses-singing-christmas-carols-at-lissue-3156 

Christmas preparations are well underway in Belfast. The postmen are busy and everyone is down at George’s Market buying their turkeys. The traditional holly is also on sale. The shops are packed with people.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-preparations-1965-4973 

Rehearsals are on for the pantomime at the Grand Opera House. This year it’s Cinderella and the main actors introduce themselves. Adrienne McGuill is playing Dandini. The producer was Stanley Page who talks to Jimmy Greene about the panto.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/panto-time-at-the-grand-opera-4001

"The Echoes from the Archive programme allowed me to delve into Belfast’s history. The footage that I chose showing Belfast City Centre during Christmas in the 1960s was quite special to me. Watching the swarm of people in the city, the high street and Belfast’s Christmas tree was reminiscent of my own childhood growing up in Belfast. I like how that sense of busyness of the city has always been there. This programme has enabled me to connect more with home." Text by Amy McCloy

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/this-is-christmas-in-belfast-city-5448

Just as the 1960s saw a surge in package holidays to sunny climes on the continent, so there was a corresponding increase in those taking up winter holidays, particularly for skiing. Previously a pastime of the rich, alpine skiing holidays suddenly became affordable to a greater number of people and by the late 1970s and early 1980s it was even common for schools to offer skiing trips for pupils. This UTV report drops in on a Norwegian ski instructor who is teaching other prospective ski instructors, who in turn will teach the novice skier. He was confident that by training first timers before they arrived on the slopes they could save two or three days during which they could be enjoying the swish of their skis going downhill instead of tumbling over.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/preski-training-6182

Oliver McGilloway present's McGilloway's Way, a programme which celebrates the dramatic and beautiful landscapes surrounding Ulster.

This episode is set during the depths of winter when snow is laying on the ground and the seas are rough. McGilloway chats about the changes in the weather compared to past winters and even the waves seem "to be more furious in recent times" and this is due to global warming "where there are more carbon dioxide gasses in the air and that only increases in the wildness of these winds".

Next, it's over to a farm to discuss sheep farming and the potential disappointments it may hold. However, it's not all doom and gloom with newborn lambs prancing in the snow!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mcgilloways-way-a-winters-tale-3307

The must-have toy of 1995 was Buzz Lightyear. The Space Ranger was one of the main characters from Pixar's 1995 film Toy Story.

When the Christmas season rolled around, Buzz action figures fell off the shelves with style. Parents struggled to find the toy anywhere. Even Santa was affected by the shortage. In this report, UTV's Jeanie Johnson travels to Belfast's Disney Store to find out how Mickey's Belfast Team is preparing for the festive season.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/buzz-lightyear-to-christmas-and-beyond-6284 

Dean Sammy Crooks, the first Black Santa was known as a person of determined character who would unapologetically approach people for money and, as a result, he was responsible for raising large sums for the cathedral, for overseas disaster appeals and, as has become a mark of the Christmas sit-out, vital contributions to local charities.

In this short news report, Black Santa is seen in action outside St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/dean-sammy-crooks-aka-black-santa-2191 

Behind the scenes look at the Nicky Slater skating show with interviews by Jacqui Berkley.

Features local children practicing their group routine, British pair champions discussing how long they've skated and creator of the show Nicky chatting about the reception they've received in Belfast and around the country.

Footage ends with Kurt Browning on the ice - just back from the 1988 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary - where Browning landed the first ratified quadruple jump!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ice-skating-at-dundonald-ice-bowl-2665 

A short silent piece of footage filmed around Belfast of a lady taking her new Moulton design bicycle for a ride. Designed by Alex Moulton it was considered at the time the first major innovation in bicycle design since the 1880s and did away with the traditional diamond frame, bringing in what was called the F-Frame, which he considered easier to mount for people who were less physically able. It sold extremely well and became an iconic design of the 1960s.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/moulton-bicycle-6117

Short footage of farm workers following a tractor as it harvested sugar beets from the fields in the Moneymore area.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sugar-beet-harvesting-in-moneymore-6147

A report on the manufacture of honey at the Northern Ireland Honey company. We are shown the bees collecting pollen from nearby apple blossom, work being carried out to collect sheets of honeycomb from the hives, and then the honey being treated in machines. At the end of the process is a member of staff proudly adding the company labels to full glass jars of local honey.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/northern-ireland-honey-6118

Ulster Television excelled in the early 1960s at filming reports from around the country to give an insight into life outside of Belfast. Although there is no surviving sound for this report from Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula in Co Down, it still acts as an important snapshot of life in the town at this time. Of special note is the journey across to Strangford. This was before the car ferry came into service and this important route was travelled in a small open boat. Film fans will even notice the long gone Portaferry cinema and, by magnifying the film poster on its front, we can see that the British comedy School for Scoundrels was showing at the time.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/around-portaferry-1962-6036

The Newcastle lifeboat is one of the oldest in Ireland, having been established in 1825. This short film shows it in action going out to sea and being winched back to its station.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/newcastle-lifeboat-6005

The Copeland Islands are situated a short distance from the mainland of Northern Ireland opposite the harbour of Donaghadee in Co Down. Very sparsely populated, they have few claims to fame. One is that they staged a naval battle as part of the American War of Independence, another is their lighthouse on Mew Island, and another is that the remains of a previous lightkeeper’s residence on Lighthouse Island have been rebuilt into a bird observatory, which is still in use today. The islands are an important breeding ground for several types of gull, terns and eider. Sadly, the sound of this interesting piece on the work carried out there no longer exists but birdwatchers and appreciators of island life will still find much to be fascinated by.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/copeland-island-bird-observatory-6029

Satchmo the Great, a film about the world-famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong, had just played in Belfast in March 1962, to help with the student rag fundraising at Queen’s University, when the great man himself was persuaded to come and play in person the following month. Armstrong and his wife were given a New Orleans-flavoured march upon arrival at Nutts Corner airport, all the way up to the waiting UTV camera Crew where this interview was conducted. His concert would take place at the King’s Hall in Belfast on 25 April 1962.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/louis-armstrong-arrives-in-belfast-6050

Situated on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, Foster’s Ballroom was a popular venue in the glory days of dancehalls. This film, with added music soundtrack, captures a night in which the ballroom rolled back the years to put on a night of 1920s-themed music and costumes. A fleet of vintage cars delivered the revellers to the hall and the slightly sped-up film completes the illusion of the 1920s as the costumed dancers prepare to Charleston the night away.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/fosters-ballroom-in-belfast-5961

Adrienne McGuill was best known as the host of the children’s show Romper Room on UTV, but she was also a roving reporter for the nightly news. In this report she visited the Co Down town of Dromore to interview John Magill who had been making bagpipes for over fifty years, as well as playing them himself for almost seventy.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bagpipe-making-in-dromore-6052

A report by James Greene from Pogue’s Entry in Antrim town, the birthplace of the celebrated Ulster author Dr Alexander Irvine and made famous in his book My Lady of the Chimney Corner. It had fallen into disrepair over the years but the report showed that plans were afoot to restore it and a member of the Tourist Board is seen cutting the first sod for a new centre devoted to Irvine.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/alexander-irvines-house-in-pogues-entry-6131

A team of four men set off purposefully in this short film as they stride out across the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to make sure it is safe for another year, tending to the rope with a fearlessness for the drop to the sea below.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/maintenance-of-carrickarede-rope-bridge-6127

A fascinating film looking at the work undertaken to measure the tilt of the Albert Memorial Clock at the end of High Street in Belfast. Built in 1869, on what turned out to be not entirely stable ground, the clock tower became famous as Belfast’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Although work has been completed to stabilise the tower today, at the time the film was made it was continuing to slant and the measurements were important to find out if the rate of subsidence posed a danger to the structure.

The film also presents a rare opportunity to see up inside the clock tower and view its internal workings. Watch out though if you have a fear of heights!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/checking-the-tilt-of-belfasts-albert-6066

Ronan Kelly takes the Ghost Train to Downpatrick on Halloween. The train alights at a disused train platform where George the Ghost awaits to haunt the passengers. Merlin the Magician also makes an appearance. Do you dare to go on the ghost train?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/do-you-dare-to-ride-the-5900

In this film, Charlie Witherspoon reported for UTV from the city of Armagh where he visited both the Protestant and Catholic cathedrals to tell two stories connected to their graveyards.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/armagh-graveyard-tales-5997

Film of Killymoon Castle in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. These silent shots show the beautiful ceilings, stairways and stained-glass windows of the castle which was built in its current form in 1803.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/killymoon-castle-cookstown-5995

Footage showing the traditional craft of making wooden clogs. Two veteran cobblers are shown adding the leather uppers to the wooden soles and nailing and hammering them into place. The clogs are then shown being sold and wrapped in brown paper and string at the Edgar’s shoe shop in Newtownards, Co Down.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/clog-making-in-newtownards-5977

In this film, Ulster Television’s Charlie Witherspoon visits the town of Crossmaglen in Co Armagh to look in on the craft of lace-making. The local speciality was Carrickmacross lace, a form of ornate, hand-stitched lace with its origins in Italy. The film shows how the skills required for the craft had been put on the curriculum for Crossmaglen Technical School and Witherspoon talks to both the principle and teacher of the class. Inside the school, he watches a class of eighteen girls engaged in learning the skills and he speaks to them afterwards about whether a reasonable wage is possible from producing lace products.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lacemaking-in-crossmaglen-5996

A film showing the work of Mr Hamilton of Cookstown who specialised in making traditional caravans for the travelling community. As well as setting fire to the metal rims for the wooden wheels as he hammers them into place we see him in his workshop constructing the frame of the actual caravan.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/caravan-making-in-cookstown-part-1-5979

A glimpse of the writer James Simmons performing his poem 'The Pleasant Joys of Brotherhood' to the tune of 'My Lagan 'Love', before reading an excerpt from another of his works about the harvest. Final scenes see him typing at his desk and walking away.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/james-simmons-spectrum-insert-2933

Writer Tory Campbell talks about collaborating with Ross Thompson on A Silent War.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-silent-war-interview-with-tory-5778

Playwright Sam Cree heads to Hollywood to sign a contract for his play Cupid Wore Skirts to become a movie.

Sam Cree began his writing career with Jimmy Young and went on to write many plays and films, including many Carry On films. His plays are performed regularly still.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-interview-with-sam-cree-5014

This short documentary was created by Vinny Cunningham for the Tower Museum about The Honourable the Irish Society. The Society has a central role in the history of the city. Created in 1609 and incorporated in 1613 by royal charter of James I, the society funded the construction of their home city’s famous walls and the Guild Hall.

This documentary details The Honourable the Irish Society’s history as an organisation for the planting of Ulster and its transformation into its current function as a charitable body.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/if-stones-could-speake-a-history-5822

Kiltierney is a privately-owned farm with a rich heritage that dates to 100BC.

Once a deer enclosure and important food store for Plantation landlords, the present-day owner Noel Graham farms this part of Fermanagh with an appreciation for the stories that lie behind the Deer Park walls.

Through this short film you will learn a little about this special place and hear about its history through the pre-historic, medieval, Plantation and World War II periods.

The film also introduces the viewer to Ardess Church of Ireland and graveyard, one of Fermanagh's oldest Christian sites with a wonderful and respectful story to tell about the church and its connection to Kiltierney Deer Park, its Plantation history and the Famine grave and its respectful restoration.

This film is presented by the Courthouse Kesh Ltd, supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds through the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/stories-of-kiltierney-deer-park-and-5941

A big house but empty inside?

The short film explores the places that used to be called asylums or mental hospitals in the past but now remain empty and are slowly decaying. Yet, they still have stories to tell.

Using and repurposing a collection of archival footage from the BBC and the Irish Film Archive "The Big House" offers one look into what these places might have been and are today.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/elena-binnig-the-big-house-5933

The Apprentice of Year competition is being held at DuPont in Derry.

Among the competitors are draughtsman Michael Kinnear and the entrant from International Computers Technology, Wesley Bailey.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-apprentice-of-the-year-1966-5537

Learning the trade at the Portrush Hotel and Catering College. The young chefs and bakers are very busy preparing lots of dishes.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-chefs-of-the-future-4308

An eager crowd surge forward to greet the parade, leaping into the air to catch a glimpse of the student floats. Spectators pursue the students as they make their way up Victoria Street.

This film was digitised as part of the BFI's Unlocking Film Heritage project.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/students-day-belfast-1795

Enjoying September Sunshine
34sec
1965

It’s a beautiful September day in Northern Ireland and all over the country, people are enjoying the sun.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/enjoying-september-sunshine-4725

McGilloway's Way: The Orchard County
25min 13sec
1994

This episode of McGilloway's Way features County Armagh, with abundant apple orchards, a forest park and a local drum-maker. Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, with the famous for St Patrick's Cathedral found within the city. Undoubtably, the county has benefitted from the waters of Lough Neagh and has created an environment which is well suited for plant growth.

The footage begins with the owner of a large apple orchard, Peadar MacNeice, showing McGilloway around his orchard - which was originally planted in 1865 by his ancestor. MacNeice touches on modern approaches to orchards, though the focus is on the traditional, with the original orchard centred around a well. Apple trees found within the orchard range from the Golden Noble to the Norfolk Royal, with the latter taking twelve years before the plant bears fruit, due to the branch needing to hang down.

Following this is an interview with Donald Whiteside at Gosford Forest. Here, the viewer is told about the squirrels are commonly found in the forest. However, in comparison to the multitude of grey squirrels, there are only five pairs of red squirrels known to inhabit the forest. Therefore, grey squirrels are controlled in forest parks, as they have a detrimental effect on the surrounding habitat, damaging hardwood trees for their sweet sap and eating nuts from the trees before they are ripe, thereby taking a food source away from the red squirrel. Also featured in the programme is an informal chat with local wildlife enthusiast Melvyn Willis, who sells in his shop several gadgets to attract both birds and foxes.

Wrapping up the episode is Richard Sterritt who talks the audience through the process of preparing a goat's coat, to make it ready for a Lambeg drum - a process which is 'steeped in heritage and folklore'.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mcgilloways-way-the-orchard-county-2505

Phil Kieran: Last Words
03min 06sec
2023

This film was created by Tori Clarkson. Clarkson is a Belfast-based filmmaker. This film mixes archive footage with new material treated to look older. These sequences feature Roisin Floyd and are treated to evoke the feeling of the archive scenes. Connecting past with present, the sense of nostalgia is bolstered by the haunting music composed by Kieran.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/phil-kieran-last-words-5876

Salmon Research in Tollymore
03min 54sec
1964

At the side of the beautiful Shimna in Tollymore, Alisdair Rogers talks to Leslie Dawes about research into hybrid salmon-trout. His team are looking into establishing salmon research. Mr Rogers worked for the Salmon Research Trust of Ireland.

The clip includes beautiful footage of Tollymore Forest Park. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/salmon-research-in-tollymore-4018

Angling in Northern Ireland
12min 04sec
1959

Fishermen indulge their passion for deep sea and riverbank angling in this vivid footage.

This footage highlights the variety of fishing experience available in Northern Ireland. There is sea angling off Donaghadee and coarse fishing amidst a number of scenic landmarks and backdrops, not least Bangor and Enniskillen. The fishermen demonstrate the techniques of their sport and proudly display their catch.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/angling-in-northern-ireland-1835

Preparing for a Fishing Trip
01min 07sec
1936

A group of men including John Dermot Campbell prepares some mackerel lines before setting off in a small boat in search of the day’s catch.

The film is part of the Campbell Family Collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/preparing-for-a-fishing-trip-3451

Heads Down in the Classroom
31sec
1965

Children work hard in a classroom.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/heads-down-in-the-classroom-4932

The Birches Primary School Grand Opening
01min 01sec
1966

PM O’Neill attends the opening of the new Birches Primary School in Portadown.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-birches-primary-school-grand-opening-5251

A Day in The Life: Rathlin School
22min 06sec
2006

Discover what it's like to be one of the four pupils at Northern Ireland's smallest school, St. Mary's Primary School.

Not simply a teacher, Brian McCaughan is principal, games master, caretaker and spiritual adviser.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-day-in-the-life-rathlin-2195

Old Bicycles
03min 22sec
1964

UTV's Charlie Witherspoon reported in 1964 from the country lanes around Ballyboley, near Ballynure in Co Antrim, from the unusual platform of a penny farthing bicycle. He was in the area to visit the collection of old bicycles maintained by the Meharg brothers. As well as the penny farthing, Witherspoon also took to the roads on a bizarre tandem bicycle, where the two riders sit side by side rather than behind each other. He also grappled with another primitive early bicycle utilising a rather awkward steering wheel instead of handlebars. Witherspoon was always good value in these location reports and his face as he struggles with these forgotten wrong turns in the history of cycling is quite a picture.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/old-bicycles-5885

The Changing Face of Irish Transport: From Horse-Drawn Trams to Trains
21min 39sec
1954

A. H. Martin captures the changing face of transport with enthusiastic detail.

As steam and horses give way to diesel and electric, witness the last horse drawn tram in Ireland.

Can you spot the gunpowder van in the bustling Belfast traffic? Jaunting cars that taxi passengers zip past. You can see the soft path of ash sprinkled on the tracks to protect the horse’s hooves. Glimpse the rusting shells of steam engines as diesel powered trains sprint across Northern Ireland. The last train to grace your screen starred alongside Sean Connery in The First Great Train Robbery.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-changing-face-of-irish-transport-1890

Carriages in Newtownards
30sec
1965

Beautiful horse-drawn carriages are making their way through Newtownards to the Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/carriages-in-newtownards-4874

Natural Selection: Rathlin: Is Tomorrow Too Late?
23min 14sec
1992

Part of Natural Selection, a series looking at NI's natural world and conservation issues. Featuring appearances from a cast of locals discussing the question of development vs destruction on Rathlin, "an island with a past that has made it what it is, a present that seems to have lost its way, and a future that's too important to leave to chance."

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/natural-selection-rathlin-is-tomorrow-too-2184

Once Upon a Place: Lower Lough Erne
25min 21sec
1992

From Lower Lough Erne to Pettigo and Lough Derg. Part of a series that looks at the lesser-known parts of Northern Ireland. This episode looks at the Lower Lough Erne area, including the pilgrimage to Lough Derg, which is shown here in some detail. We visit Boa Island and hear about the impact of the famine on the area from an eager class of schoolchildren. Elsewhere, we visit the mill in Pettigo and hear how the pilgrimage has shaped the industry and economy of the area.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/once-upon-a-place-lower-lough-2228

Lesser Spotted Ulster: Rosbeg
25min 12sec
1999

Joe Mahon hops over the border to the coastal parish in the southwestern corner of County Donegal, Inishkeel, with a coastline that includes such gems as Rossbeg, Narin and Portnoo. The parish takes its name from the Island of Inishkeel, a sacred place long associated with saints and pilgrimage and where pilgrims travel to this day.

Join Mahon as he gets ferried over to the island where he meets a local guide and learns more about the place and its history. We also get a chance to take part in lobster fishing, visit a local postman and a weather diviner and learn just how much patience and skill is required in some of the local crafts - straw product making and crochet work.

Such unique way of exploring local histories would not be possible without the local people and their wisdom, warmth and wit.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lesser-spotted-ulster-rosbeg-2399

New Homes in Carryduff
01min 10sec
1965

A new housing estate in Carryduff and the community appears to be thriving. Shops, churches and lots of living accommodation for young and old are available.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-homes-in-carryduff-4829

German Town Planners in Rathcoole 04min 55sec
1965

German town planners visit the new development at Rathcoole in Belfast. Charles Witherspoon speaks to them about the purpose of the visit. The planners have found the research very useful. Charles also speaks to James Aiken, Chief Planning Officer, about the visit.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/german-town-planners-in-rathcoole-4732

Belfast’s Housing Developments 01min 35sec
1966

An interesting film looking at Belfast Corporation housing development. Over a map of Belfast, the cameraman drives around various streets in east Belfast looking at all the new housing. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfasts-housing-developments-5229

Lillian Bland: The World's First Woman Aviator
03min 47sec
2017

Lillian Bland was a renaissance woman. Born in Maidstone, raised in Carnmoney, Bland was a wildlife photographer, journalist, car dealer, farmer, painter, and, perhaps most impressively, a pioneer aviator. She was bitten by the flying bug while on a nature photography trip in Scotland. She became obsessed with aviation and taught herself how to design aircraft. She created the Mayfly, which made its first successful flight in August 1910.

This report details some of Bland's achievements, as well as the creation of a 2017 musical about her life.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lillian-bland-the-worlds-first-woman-5882 

An International Flying Rally at Ards
04min 23sec
1965

Maurice Smyth reports from the skies on the a ‘Monte Carol rally of the air’ – an international flying rally. Wonderful aerial shots of the beautiful Ards Pennisula.

Maurice meets Mr Jim Ogle, the club secretary of the local flying club about the event.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-international-flying-rally-at-ards-4226

Billy Ferguson’s Fear of Flying
48sec
1966

Poor Billy Ferguson of Linfield tells Syd Maguire of his fear of flying and why he has decided not to travel with the team.

Linfield were flying to Norway where they would beat Valerengen in a European Cup tie, 1-4.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/billy-fergusons-fear-of-flying-5473

A Holiday at Butlin’s, Mosney
04min 49sec
1970s

Video made by Bill Henry.

Holiday video from the 1970s. Butlin’s Mosney, County Meath, which opened in 1948, and ran as a Butlin’s until 1982, when it became Mosney Holiday Centre, it closed in 2000.

End of the video shows a wedding.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-holiday-at-butlins-mosney-5590

In this summer-themed episode of Check it Out, the team are talking (fake) tans and al fresco dining!

Jacqui Berkeley and Eamonn Holmes look to the latest in fake tan options, explore new fashions in sunglasses, report on Disney trips for ill children and show the viewer how to make the perfect spread for the barbecue.

With the public increasingly savvy to the dangers of natural and sunbed suntans, sales of fake tan products are very much on the up. Andrea Catherwood chats to Boots chemist, John Laughlin, on why these new products are more sophisticated than old school body make-up. However, which fake tan product should you choose? Jacqui chats to three women who have each tried a different brand of fake tan (on just their right leg). Comparing and contrasting the outcomes, the conclusion is drawn that highest price doesn't necessarily equate to best results!

Next up, Check It Out Producer Jamie Delargy takes a swimming lesson with instructor Eddie Officer. Here, Eddie shows off a range of techniques that can help both the starter and average swimmer's confidence in the water.

With the summer season arriving, holidays are to the forefront of many people's minds. For some, going on holiday can mean more than simply a break in the sun. Check It Out catches up with Brian Mitchell, who organises holidays for children living with ill-health and their families. He explains his motivation in doing what he does and the satisfaction he gets from it.

Lastly, is there anything better than being able to eat outdoors? Chris Bendsen [US Vice-Consul] and Jenny Kaka, who runs a popular sandwich bar, share tips for preparing the perfect barbecue. Chris demonstrates the best way to prepare meat - hint, it's all in the sauce! - while Jenny shares some presentation advice.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/check-it-out-summer-2856

What’s your perfect day out? Hop aboard a boat to the Copeland Islands and have a picnic under the blue skies on this glorious sunny day. This home movie from Jane McCann takes us on an exciting journey to the islands favoured by smugglers and scientists. Beautiful scenery and shy smiles at the camera make this film a pleasant watch. On the way back, a glimpse of the lighthouse let us know we are arriving in Donaghadee harbour.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/form-party-in-the-copelands-2040

Robin Walsh outlines new Tourist Board plans for Northern Ireland. This includes a chairlift to the top of Slieve Donard! Tourist Board chairman Billy Stephens has no doubts the plan will get financial support. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-plans-from-the-tourist-board-4866

Aldergrove airport is very busy with lots of travellers coming and going during the Twelfth fortnight holiday season. 

Many industries in Northern Ireland closed entirely over the period of the 12th of July for two weeks. All staff would then have to take their summer holidays at this time.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/aldergrove-is-busy-for-the-summer-4605

This travelogue features views of the Key Stone - the only eight-sided stone (the rest are six-sided), the Wishing Chair, the Wishing Well and the Giant's Chimney.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-causeway-of-the-giants-125

Travel to Boho and witness the disappearing art of the creel basket-maker.

The creel, known in Irish as cliabh (pronounced cleeve), was at one time an everyday item in Northern Irish homes. It was used for carrying goods such as turf, or seaweed, or loads to and from market. Here, Bernard ‘Brandy’ McManus transforms the willow, strand-by-strand, twist-by-twist into a tough, practical basket. Creel-making was time-consuming work but satisfying too. Brandy stated that working and shaping the willow helped ease the arthritis in his hands.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/creel-making-in-boho-1960

Tommy Orr welcomes you into his forge to share his 40 years’ experience as he takes you through the craft of shoeing horses. Watch as Tommy emerges through the smoke like a premonition of the portrait painted four years later by Basil Blackshaw. He speaks about the happy pride he takes in his work and his care for the horses’ welfare. The rhythmic ringing of metal and billowing plumes of smoke are just some of the beautiful moments captured by Roy Spence for the Ulster Folk Museum.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/tommy-orr-blacksmith-2107

See the tools in action that helped our farmers win back the soil from the weed and wilderness over generations. Life was harsh as farmers battled with bog and stone working the soil by hand and horse. The spades and swing ploughs featured in this film were much better equipped to tackle the uneven ground on our small farms. Luckily for us this museum takes its artefacts out of their cases and lets you see them in use. With these rushes Ulster Television captures a glimpse of this farming past for a 1966 television audience. What from our lives today will form the folk museum of the future?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/by-tradition-1918

Beautiful scenes of the forests and loughs of Fermanagh including Lough Navar, Correll Glen and some wonderful aerial shots.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/fermanagh-forests-and-loughs-3492

All welcome who are interested in boating, angling, wild-fowling, botany, countryside preservation, or just fun!

Take a journey along the Bann, the longest river in Northern Ireland. Wonderful scenery on a sunny day shot from a moving boat feels almost like a first-hand experience. Keep your map handy and explore Northern Ireland's history through its landscape. Watch out for an amazing stunt involving water-skis and a chair! The journey ends as the clouds and dramatic rough sea signal a gathering storm.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/boating-on-the-bann-2033

The Ulster Countryside Committee has recommended Lagan Valley to be preserved as an area of natural beauty. Mr Fullerton of the society talks to Robin Walsh about it.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/beautiful-lagan-valley-4833

Enjoy the picturesque scenery as this eclectic film takes us out and about across Northern Ireland, conjuring up a variety of intriguing and idyllic scenes: dredging Lough Erne, Devenish Island and ancient buildings, boat trip Fermanagh lakes, Oughduirish burn, Loughgall thatching, falls on River Bann, Crawfordsburn Inn, Hilltown Road.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/around-northern-ireland-195859-1827

Colourful images of holidaymakers, as American tourists are whisked away from their cruise ship to visit some of Northern Ireland's most iconic locations.

In the 1950s, Northern Ireland was a popular stop-off point for American tourists. Many arrived on grand ocean liners, such as the RMS Caronia. Here we see these visitors being shuttled around in gleaming buses, exploring the grounds of Parliament Buildings, Stormont and being greeted with traditional hospitality in Bangor.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/northern-ireland-welcomes-american-visitors-1836

As part of the BFI's Coast and Sea project, Malojian's Stevie Scullion has been working with filmmaker Colm Laverty on a series of audio-visual collaborations that creatively repurpose content from Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/hanging-on-the-glow-2668

This episode of Counterpoint tells the story of the Vietnamese boat people who were settled in Craigavon in 1979. Craigavon was the first area within Northern Ireland to receive refugees and the programme looks at some of the practicalities around accommodation and employment, interviewing William Boyd, who outlines how resettlement was coordinated through a community response, visiting language classes in Brownlow College, and talking to a refugee who has found a work placement as a welder.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/counterpoint-vietnamese-boat-people-2492

In this episode, we meet Leo D'Agostino, a second-generation Italian living in Belfast. Through the use of photographs, home videos and interviews with the man himself, we start to understand Leo's multifaceted identity and how embedded Leo is in both the Italian and Northern Irish communities and cultures.

The story starts with Leo's grandparents eloping to Belfast. However, they never fully settled and moved back to Italy after a few short months and it was there that they raised their children, including Leo's mother. Leo's mother and father were from neighbouring villages, Casalvieri and Casalattico. They wed in their thirties, however, due to a lack of work in the area, they had little choice but to migrate. They passed through various places in North America before eventually settling in Belfast, finding themselves amidst the growing Italian community that had taken root in the city. This community, based predominantly on York Street and the Crumlin Road, was often referred to as 'Little Italy' at the time.

Leo relates the challenges he faced in assimilating to Northern Irish society, going to an English speaking school but coming home and being surrounded by those who spoke primarily, or exclusively Italian. He also describes how his familiarity with, and appreciation of, the Italian culture grew each time he journeyed back to his parents' hometowns.

Also featured in the programme, interviews with two Italian natives, now living in Belfast, who share their thoughts on how they've integrated into the local society. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/homelands-to-townlands-italian-2555

Celebrating the multitude of cultures which Northern Ireland has, the footage catches the journey from the City Hall to St Georges Market, with dancing, music and costumes!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/multicultural-festival-4244

Travel across the Sea of Moyle towards the island that sheltered Robert the Bruce in 1306.

Leave the gently bobbing raft, board the Rathlin boat and begin the 6-mile journey across the choppy straits of Moyle. Drink in panoramic views of the north coast of Antrim from a passenger’s perspective. Watch as Fairhead fades into the distance and the sky fills with birds. With flocks of gulls in constant pursuit of the ferry you could mistake these Northern Ireland Tourist Board rushes for uncanny outtakes from Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/boat-trip-to-rathlin-2074

An ambitious folk museum brushes off the dust to bring the past to life. Let Archie Reid take you back in time to the opening of the Ulster Folk Museum and the rural traditions it preserves. Watch a living reminder of the past emerge as old buildings are painstakingly rebuilt numbered stone by stone. Before long sparks will fly as the blacksmith channels fire and water in the Spade Mill.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ulster-folk-museum-1912

Construction of the new planetarium in Armagh is underway and astronomer Patrick Moore is supervising the build.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/building-the-planetarium-5348

Frank Mitchell reports on the challenges sunbathing presents to people of a fair disposition. 1995 was one of the warmest summers on record for the UK and Ireland. Temperatures climbed above 30 degrees in many places. It caused some areas to experience drought and affected crops, but for most it was prime taps-aff weather. Belfast City Hall's lawns were packed with lunchtime sunbather's enjoying the weather. A concerned doctor offers a warning to those who are enjoying the good weather without adequate protection. Hear what they have to say in the video!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/take-care-in-the-sun-5832

Heatwave! Temperatures soar around the country. Time for a dip in the pool or the sea and a 99. At Downhill, however, students have to work at cleaning the growth around Mussenden Temple, while for the housewife good weather means good drying.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/heatwave-in-northern-ireland-4346

The clip begins with a child crawling on the front steps of the Campbell’s house on Somerton Road, but the action quickly moves to the beach, where children, a boy and girl in knitted togs, play in the summer sunshine. Shean McConnell, the blond boy, is Rosie and Terence McConnell’s oldest son (b.1930) and Lisa Campbell, in white dress, also features as she plays with sand.

The film was probably shot by John Dermot Campbell and it is part of the Campbell Family Collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/trip-to-the-beach-3443

A new escalator arrives at C&A in Donegall Place. It's driven through the streets and straight into the building!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-escalator-for-ca-3981

A Police Motorcyclist
08sec
1964

A policeman demonstrates a police motorbike as the RUC upgrade their transport equipment.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-police-motorcyclist-3882

A new cardiac ambulance with all the latest equipment has been launched at the Royal Victoria Hospital. A doctor explains how the ambulance works. It is an extension of a cardiac ward and the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The development of electronics has allowed all kinds of treatments to be carried out inside the ambulance.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-cardiac-ambulance-for-the-5183

Oliver McGilloway present's McGilloway's Way, a programme which celebrates the dramatic and beautiful landscapes surrounding Ulster.

This episode is set in Creggan, Co. Tyrone "which is so familiar to its own people but keeps much from outsiders", despite the vast surroundings of big skies and empty spaces - evidence from the ice age - much remains hidden and under the peat in the ground. John, a local, shows McGilloway around some spots off the beaten track, like a burial place that has been untouched in the last 5,000 years. There however, is some sobering evidence of the Great Famine, with potato ridges still seen in the hills today.

Next, McGilloway explores the woodland, where the floor is "like an oasis" with its multitude of organisms, which is only possible due to the small slither of light that comes through. But, even on the sunniest of days you would need a torch to see clearly in amongst the densely packed trees!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mcgilloways-way-hidden-tyrone-3322

Jamie Delargy meets Jonathan Bardon, a historian and educator, who moved from Dublin to Belfast in the 1960’s and developed a strong interest in the history of the city and a passion for making history of Belfast alive for its citizens.

Jamie joins Jonathan on a tour of Belfast’s history as they visit a linen factory, explore the Georgian terrace of Joy Street and stop by the popular Crown Bar for a bit of ‘opulence and flamboyance’. Jonathan Bardon speaks of his fondness for the city as well as its inhabitants.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/take-ten-the-history-man-3067

A film by Archie Reid. Students from Greenland Secondary School in Larne examining what remains of the castles along the North coast. There are romantic ruins and intact houses to look at.

They explore Carrickfergus Castle, Olderfleet Castle, Ballygally Castle, Glenarm Castle, Castle of the McDonnell family, Dunseverick Castle and Dunluce Castle.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/castles-of-the-antrim-coast-5513

Prepare yourself for a terrifying start to this charming documentary about the East Maiden lighthouse, by Roy Spence. Meet the men who bring essential supplies to the lighthouse keepers and join this merry crew on the little Island Magee ferry for an enjoyable day out. This film was made just one year before East Maiden became automated and the need for this essential service disappeared.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/maidens-in-distress-2038

The La Sierra is launched at Harland & Wolff. We can hear Dr Rebbeck explain to Miss Sarah McDonald, who launched the ship, how the launch works. The men of the yard celebrate too.

The La Sierra was a bulk carrier owned by Buries Markes. She was the last ship built in the Queen’s Yard at Harland & Wolff.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-launch-of-the-la-sierra-4907

A film by Shelagh McCaughan.

Boats in Donaghadee prepare to take people to The Copeland Islands for the final funeral to take place there. The islands had been unoccupied for many years at this point.
A crowd watches as the coffin is carried down to the boat.
The funeral is of Aise Clegg, one of the last people to leave the islands in 1953. She died aged 87 and was buried on the island in 1965.

The filmmaker goes out to the island, and films the graveyard, and the return to Donaghadee.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-last-funeral-in-the-copelands-5754

Beautiful colour footage of Holywood May Queen. A flamboyant jester leads the way as crowds of children flock to celebrate Holywood's May Queen.

Crowned with flowers a graceful May Queen glides through Holywood with her delighted young attendants. A bemused crowd watch the jester skip and kick her way to the Maypole. Flanked by a large crowd she leads the Maypole Dance in front of the passive May Queen. Despite the absence of sound the children’s enthusiastic performances are delightful to watch. Before the speeches begin catch a glimpse of the Victoria Bar whilst people watch the festivities from High Street.

This film was digitised as part of the BFI's Unlocking Film Heritage project.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/holywood-may-queen-and-maypole-dance-1816

Johnny Doherty plays fiddle against the backdrop of a scenic valley. John Doherty was a storyteller, tinsmith, singer and a fiddler player a virtuosity that made him one of the stand-out musicians in the country. He travelled southwest Donegal, mending pots and pans by day and playing for the people by night.

This short clip is an excerpt from From Glen to Glen programme produced by Ulster Television

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/johnny-doherty-may-1965-2929

Vibrant footage of a Coronation Parade in Richhill. Features various shots of the spectators, many in fancy dress and various games and activities.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/coronation-parade-in-richhill-1749

Footage of the highly skilled game of handball, the oldest sport in Ireland. The game requires speed, agility and great eye-hand coordination. It now falls under the auspices of the GAA.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-art-of-handball-3876

Leslie Dawes reports on the sport of indoor bowls. He talks to Irish international Percy Watson about the difference between it and lawn bowls. Percy makes it sound like a wonderful sport to take up.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-popularity-of-indoor-bowls-4774

Ronan Rafferty and his caddie go and play in Fintona Golf Club. The club was founded in 1904 and includes a fine parkland 9-hole course. Situated about halfway between two of Ulster’s natural landmarks, the Sperrins and Lough Erne, the golf club conveniently lies at the edge of the small village of Fintona. The current village is developed from an Uí Néill fortress built in 1431 and is believed to be one of Tyrone's oldest settlements.

The region is known for its natural beauty and a game on this slick nine-hole course is the way to do it. Many of the holes have different tees the second time round allowing players a different challenge and makes the game more interesting. Ronan’s caddie advises on what equipment to bring including a full set of waterproofs and a lucky charm.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/great-golf-journeys-fintona-2331

Lots of contented kitties pose for the camera. This little film is heaven for cat lovers! Certainly, Leslie Dawes seems very happy.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/cats-galore-4997

This wee poodle pup was setting off for a new home across the Atlantic. One last cuddle before the long journey.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/puppy-goes-to-a-new-home-3215

A pet shop in Belfast has all kinds of animals for sale, including a monkey who is very possessive of her kitten friend , and parrots alongside cats and dogs. Leslie Dawes meets lots of good dogs and looks into the business of dog grooming and accessories.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/pet-shop-dawes-4051

Swiss climber Kurt Mueller talks with Maurice Smyth about climbing in the Mournes as good preparation for climbing in the Alps. He climbed here with Eric Wilkinson and his club in the Mournes. Kurt talks of some hair-raising adventures in the Alps.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/swiss-mountaineer-climbs-in-the-mournes-3655

In this episode of Ultimate Ulster, presenter Frank Mitchell runs the audience through the public's choices for Northern Ireland's most breathtaking views.

Amongst the nation's most breathtaking views are those along the Antrim Coast, its many picturesque towns and villages such as White Park Bay and Ballintoy. Ciaran Kinney, a local rock climber, and Eddie Aicken are both hugely taken with the area and passionately describe the views.

Similarly awe-inspiring are the Mourne Mountains, local photographer Brain Davidson describing the ever-changing, ever-captivating views. Chris Armstrong shares his opinion, adding that the Mournes are a 'fantastic resource'. The view from Cave Hill - showing the scope of Belfast and, on a clear day, locations as far away Scotland and the Isle of Man - also has its fans, including Heidi McAlpin and Cormac Hamill. The latter contributor describes the caves within the hill and how he believes they are largely natural but, possibly, enhanced.

Also included in running for most breathtaking views; the Glens of Antrim - Andrew McAlister and Maggie Flynn describe the sense of enchantment that the Glens are imbued with. The Giant's Causeway, with its mystical associations and geometrical forms, is an inspiration to artist Jenny Scharf, whilst Tricia Roulston from Coleraine describes the Causeway as an asset to Ulster.

Also making the Top Ten, Scrabo Tower in County Down, built to commemorate the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry in 1854; David Thompson and Judith Hammond gush about the views from the top. Brendan Gormlet and Norman Trotter describe the entrancing scenery of the Sperrin Mountains, with the Silent Valley, Lough Navar and the Knockagh Monument rounding out the Top Ten.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ultimate-ulster-breathtaking-views-2514

Joe Mahon goes to the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. This ancient kingdom is the most northerly peninsula in Ireland. It’s rugged landscape of cliffs, beaches and mountain ranges and right at the heart of it lies Slieve Sneacht, mountain of snow. Desolate and wild, this mountain was the site of a groundbreaking scientific experiment of Thomas Drummond, inventor of limelight, in 1825.

The view is spectacular and uninterrupted up here but Joe Mahon’s next steps lead down below. Together with our local guide we descend into the depths of local silver mines and visit Fullerton Reservoir and dam after. Mahon and his team will get to meet a local bird doctor and a wildlife officer giving insight into the care of birds of prey while anglers association talks of successfully repopulating local waters with salmon.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lesser-spotted-ulster-slieve-sneacht-2404

UTV household name, Jenny Bristow, joins us again for a new series which is all about cooking for occasions.

This episode celebrates the simple act of making a cup of tea and how we can make it extra special by taking the time to sit down for an hour "with a good cuppa and something really delicious to eat". Bristow shows us her favourites for a good old fashioned afternoon tea, with wholemeal apricot scones, gingerbread, cinnamon toast, Irish apple cake, strawberry hearts, summer fruit tarts and a "wickedly sticky chocolate cake"!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/high-days-and-holidays-time-for-4256

Fashion in the Tearoom
02min 02sec
1964

A fashion show with a difference. Taking fashion off the catwalk and into the tearoom. D Brady reports on the setting and the style, which is wonderful!

This is the tearoom in the Bank Buildings (now Primark).

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/fashion-in-the-tearoom-3984

Joe Tomelty and Lord Mayor Jenkins are among guests at a birthday tea party for artist William Conor at Belfast City Hall. This is William Conor’s 85th birthday and he appears in fine form. We can see a birthday illustration by Rowel Friers of the man himself.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-birthday-tea-for-william-conor-5212

Enjoy the early signs of spring while rally cars tear round the Circuit of Ireland. Expectant crowds in colourful flares wait to see who will make it to the finish line on the final day of Ireland’s gruelling road race. Meanwhile lambs frolic in the vibrant green fields surrounded by fresh buds. The sparkling sea glitter signals that it’s time for the international drivers to head home. As we wave goodbye we share a final view of the Chaine Memorial Round Tower lighthouse. A 27m turret of Annalong granite that has greeted visitors to these shores since 1888. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/county-antrim-1917

Blissful images of County Fermanagh - including images of fishing, boating and exploring amidst the shores and islands of Lough Erne.

Of all Northern Ireland's places, Lough Erne is amongst the most picturesque. Boasting a multitude of charms, it is enduringly popular. Anglers try their luck in sun-dappled waters, whilst pleasure craft cruise leisurely up and down. Then, as we alight on Devenish Island, we see the awing Monastic ruins which date back to the sixth century. Note the round tower and intricately carved cross.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lough-erne-and-district-1839

Picturesque travelogue around County Derry.

Breathing history from every stone, Derry is the gateway to the North West of Ireland and a place of outstanding natural beauty. Come and see for yourself.

Walk the walls that have withstood three sieges. Formed in 546 A.D. and situated on the banks of the River Foyle, Derry is one of the oldest remaining walled cities in Europe. It is a destination boasting every facility the contemporary tourist could want. Georgian grandeur in the city is a stone’s throw from the pastoral beauty of the North West. But watch out, shark fishing is not for the squeamish.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/two-hours-from-london-1875

Irish President Éamon de Valera visits the new Abbey Theatre in Dubin for it opening. The first play presented was ‘Recall the Years’. A portrait of William Butler Yeats hangs in the foyer. Yeats founded the original theatre in 1904.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-abbey-theatre-reopens-in-dublin-5336

The Ulster Drama Club Festival is in full swing and companies from all over rehearse. Here we see Newry, Larne, Belfast, Coleraine and Ballymoney going through their paces.

Newpoint Players: Patrick Carey producing 'Captain Brassband'

Larne: 'My Flesh & My Blood'

Belfast: Sidney Colqhoun producing 'Bus Stop'

Coleraine: Alan Reynolds producing 'Love of Four Colonels'

Ballymoney: David Gamble producing 'The Enemy Within'

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-ulster-drama-club-festival-1964-3889

Meet the McCormick Players and experience one of Ireland’s last travelling theatres before it falls victim to the TV epidemic.

The McCormick Family find themselves in a hinterland as they compete with Bingo, showbands and TV. Thanks to Terence McDonald we can enjoy their variety show, see behind the scenes and hear their stories. Puppetry, melodrama, songs and sketches will keep you entertained between the family’s moving reflections on this vanishing tradition. The film was reportedly pulled from the RTÉ schedule as the Apollo crash put Burt’s song ‘You’ll Never Reach the Moon’ in a new light.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-portable-theatre-1957

Workers prepare large greenhouses for tomato growing. The greenhouses have an inbuilt irrigation system.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/growing-tomatoes-4205

A lovely montage showing the different responsibilities of Belfast City Council. Everything from potato growing to new housing is covered.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-many-roles-of-belfast-city-4869

Gardening expert John Mercer reports from Crawford’s mushroom farm in Castlereagh. And we see the process of growing and harvesting mushrooms. John talks to Albert Crawford about the farming. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/visiting-a-mushroom-farm-4087

The story of Irish linen is long and lustrous. Here an exhibition presented by the Irish Linen Guild celebrates the beautiful cloth that Northern Ireland was so famous for. The exhibition includes a demonstration of hand-painting on cloth and delicate lace. A man carries out a process to show the absorbency of the cloth. Overall this is a wonderful collection of the products produced on linen, including a Beatles wall-hanging.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-linen-on-display-3841

Brandy McManus, a practitioner of the disappearing art of creel basket making, shares the secrets of the craft.

The process of making creel baskets, the materials used and even the purpose of the creel can vary greatly from region to region. Whilst creel baskets in many places are used primarily by fishermen to hold their catch, for example, as lobster pots, in Ireland they were commonly used for the carrying of turf, or firewood. This material is courtesy of Victor McManus.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-creel-2081

The beautiful skill of making trout flies. These tiny works of art are created by Mr Hanna who talks us through the process. James Boyce asks Mr Hanna about mayfly season. The colours sound wonderful!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-craft-of-trout-flies-3899

Kelly’s People ‘On Tour’ comes from Clandeboye Estate banqueting hall in Bangor.

Gerry Kelly welcomes his guests and the majority female audience to examine women’s issues and equality in the Northern Irish society. The guests are an Irish singer and songwriter Mary Coughlan, who also performs few of her songs, and a former broadcaster now working for the National Trust, Diane Harron. Joining the discussions from the audience are Inez McCormack (NUPE), Bronagh Hinds (Gingerbread), Ann-Marie Hillen (Women’s Aid), Lynda Edgerton (EOC) among others and altogether they represent a variety of opinions on feminism, equality and women’s role in society.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kellys-people-womens-role-4180

This clip is listed as ‘The Charladies Procession” with Miss Bessy Bessell (aka model and housewife Patsy Myers) at the lead. The parade takes off from the Great Northern Railway station in Great Victoria Street with Dickie Rock and the Miami Showband there to greet the ladies. Jimmy Greene accompanies the pageant queen.

The parade was the prelude to a competition for Bex Bissell items. To win, ladies had to call 'Betty Bissell' at the Kings Hall and answer three questions about housecare (Belfast Newsletter 10.6.65)

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-charladies-procession-4503

Woman Head Constable Begins Work
1965
26sec

Head Constable McClements starts work as the RUC Women’s police chief at Ladas Drive HQ.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/woman-head-constable-begins-work-4797

On the banks of the Lagan, Leslie Dawes meets Edmund, a 65 year old travelling man (he calls himself a ‘tramp’), about his travels and life. He’s writing his life story which no doubt, would make an interesting read. Edmund shows Leslie the contents of his bag.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/edmund-king-of-the-road-4737

Charles Witherspoon revisits the story of the clearance of Upper Library Street. Many of the residents have been rehomed in the Divis Flats and Charles checks in with a few to see how they are getting on.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-people-of-upper-library-street-3833

Goats are going missing in the Mournes. Paddy McAlinden, who lives there, tells Leslie Dawes about goats he knows are gone. Mrs McAlinden thought she had about 40 at one time but she has no goats left to steal and she’s sorry she doesn’t have them about now. But who is stealing the goats and why?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/missing-goats-in-the-mournes-4042

An interview with the owner of the Amphicar, Major William Brownlow. The amphicar was a road-water car used by the Major to cross Strangford Lough.

The amphicar was designed to drive both on land and in the water. Initially critics were unsure how safe these craft would be, Time magazine’s Dan Neil described it as, “A vehicle that promised to revolutionise drowning”, according to him, “Its flotation was entirely dependent on whether the bilge pump could keep up with the leakage.” Nonetheless, between 1961 – when they were first produced for public purchase – and 1965 some 4,000 Amphicars were manufactured. Remarkably some 700 remain in existence. Major Brownlow purchased his Amphicar so that he could visit his dog kennels which were on the other side of the Lough from his estate. He spotted the vehicle in 1963 and, before buying it, tested the vehicle in the Thames. It served him well for the next five years, until he persuaded the local authority to run a car ferry.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/amphicar-2613

Scenes of Derry city centre with views of Duke Street and John Street. Such evocative images of a by-gone time as traffic goes down Foyle Street and the Strand Road.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/scenes-of-derry-city-4613

Wonderful film of the people and streets of Dublin, including some amazing footage from a very high vantage point.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/scenes-of-dublin-3939

Charlie Witherspoon mixes with the young and single at the Newry Bachelors’ Ball, held in Newry Town Hall. He talks to Roy Grey about the history of the Bachelors' Club in Newry. Paddy Connolly tells Charlie the requirements to get into club. Despite the fact that it’s a leap year, none of the women are too keen to do the asking.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-bachelors-ball-newry-3770

Film of a Hindu wedding in Cookstown.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-hindu-wedding-in-cookstown-5199

Billy Harrison of the band, Them, gets married in Bangor. His best man is fellow band-member, Alan Henderson and the bridesmaid is Jane Ellis. Billy has to sign autographs on his wedding day. The reception is held in Donaghadee. There’s no sign of Van Morrison at either venue.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-rock-star-wedding-4404

One shot scenes by Mitchell and Kenyon on a tram ride through Belfast City Centre, 1901

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mitchell-and-kenyon-a-tram-ride-1765

Scenes from the Derry Cattle Market, 1901

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mitchell-and-kenyon-derry-cattle-market-1766

Street scenes from Wexford Town, 1902

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mitchell-and-kenyon-life-in-wexford-1769

Leslie Dawes talks to GAA legend Séan O’Neill about the length of the football season. Is it too long? O’Neill believes it is very long – he has been playing from February up until December. The length of the season depends on the success of the team but too early and too late in the year makes for bad conditions.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sean-oneill-on-the-gaa-season-4975

Coverage of the charity match between the women’s football teams of Queen’s University and Stranmillis College. In terrible conditions, the game ended 6-1 to Queen’s. The camera focusses on Carol Nixon, who was Miss Fresher. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/womens-football-qub-vs-stranmillis-5041

The Northern Ireland football team have a kickabout. Keep your eye out for a young George Best. The team also included Billy Bingham, Pat Jennings, Terry Neill and Harry Gregg. The manager was Bertie Peacock whom we also see here.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-nothern-ireland-football-team-in-3854

Robert Burns
50min 57sec
2013

Irish language documentary about the personal, literary and political life of Robert Burns, the bard of Scotland, and a prolific song writer and composer.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/robert-burns-5435

Planting at Lady Dixon Park
20sec
1965

The wonderful rose gardens are planted in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in south Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/planting-at-lady-dixon-park-4162

An Empty Bushmills Distillery
02min 04sec
1964

The beautiful buildings and interior of Bushmills Distillery, lying empty and up for sale. Thankfully it was saved although not until Irish Distillers bought it in 1972.

Bushmills Distillery is one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world, with whiskey first produced in 1608. Many of its brands have won awards worldwide.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-empty-bushmills-distillery-3525

Sales in Belfast
01min 08sec
1960s

Features shoppers perusing the goods during a sale in Belfast, with a shop sign promising "Bargains Galore". Amongst the sale items are mink coats, pill hats and sheepskin coats.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sales-in-belfast-2616

Samuel Bracegirdle's Garden in Winter and Spring
02min 52sec
1960s

A film by Samuel Bracegirdle, showing his garden covered in snow, and then in the spring.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/samuel-bracegirdles-garden-in-winter-and-5633

Ski Holidays
01min 08sec
1931

A winter wonderland on the nursery slopes is captured in this beautiful clip from 1931. Josephine Patricia Campbell, known as Pat (who married John Dermot Campbell in 1930) is part of the group, lining up at an idyllic resort. Many of the group are wearing tweed suits for skiing and even the ladies are wearing ties.

The film was probably shot by John Dermot Campbell and it is part of the Campbell Family Collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ski-holidays-3436

Storm Damage in Turf Lodge
26sec
1965

In November 1965, a storm damaged several newly built walls and buildings in Turf Lodge, West Belfast. Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive presents footage of the clean-up and repair following the storm.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/storm-damage-in-turf-lodge-4850

Road Subsidence in Enniskillen
23sec
1965

Everybody’s had that sinking feeling, but what happens when it’s literal? Have a look at this clip from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive of road subsidence problems in Enniskillen.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/road-subsidence-in-enniskillen-3505

Floods in Moira
01min 50sec
1965

Pity the poor learner driver. Check your mirrors. Indicate. Merge into traffic. Check your footwell is clear…from water? Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive presents footage of the 1965 flood that inundated Moira.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/floods-in-moira-4881

Leslie Dawes interviews a number of people about what Christmas Day means to them.

One of the people he interviews is Sam Thompson, the Belfast playwright, who has no time for the "racket" of Christmas.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-meaning-of-christmas-day-3144

A children’s Christmas party in Belfast with lots of fancy goodies and balloons.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-christmas-party-4002

Brian Durkin greets passengers at Aldergrove, seeing who has come home from Christmas and what they will be doing while they’re home. The airport is very busy with flights coming and going and lots of people watching the planes come in.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/flying-home-for-christmas-4003

The Digital Film Archive looks back at Christmas traditions: It's time to meet Santa in his grotto!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-checklist-meet-santa-claus-3345

So many presents to buy at Christmas! From taking savings out of the post office, to browsing the shops and posting cards, Christmas is a busy time. As this clip shows, we should always treat ourselves too.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-shopping-in-belfast-3212

Jimmy Robinson on the custom of some publicans giving customers a free drink for Christmas. The Licensed Vinter’s Association want it to stop! Jimmy asks customers and publicans at Sinclair’s bar what they think. Funny enough, the customers don’t want the practice to stop.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/vinters-association-spoils-christmas-fun-3231

At Ardboe, the people go to the Christmas tree instead of the other way round. Men row out to the tree to decorate it with Christmas lights.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-ardboe-christmas-tree-5556

Lovely scenes of the Christmas lights on Arthur Street in Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-lights-on-arthur-street-1965-4939

Charlie Witherspoon chats with Belfast Lord Mayor William Jenkins about his commitments as Christmas approaches. He’s a busy man! This is a live outside broadcast; the first we have seen in the UTV archives.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-lord-mayors-busy-christmas-schedule-4976

In 1965 and 1966 drilling commenced at Big Dog and Owengar in Co Fermanagh. The speculators were hoping to find gas but neither area proved fruitful enough to enable commercial sales.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/drilling-for-gas-in-fermanagh-3504

The latest in heating your home with a new build in Lisburn showing off hot water and warm rooms powered by gas.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-home-with-heat-3221

Mothers from the Suffolk housing estate in Belfast march in protest at the lack of heating in Suffolk Primary School. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/suffolk-mothers-protest-4854

A film from the 1960s, made by Father Mick Collins, showing life in his parish, Ardstraw West.

The viewer can see snippets of life in Dreglish, including people attending St Mary's Church, and children from the local school singing and answering questions. The local people seem interested in the camera.

Children in Dregish Primary school being asked if they know Father Doherty and what he is like. Many of the children live on farms and help with the farm work. The children talk about their aspirations in work and relationships.

Teacher, Mrs Gormley from Drumquin, being interviewed outside. She talks about her work and how the number of children at the school has decreased.

John Curry from Lettercarn is interviewed outside the thatched cottage that he was born in.

Other parish life goes on, with a dance, a wedding and a christening being shown.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ardstraw-west-in-colour-5691

Bram Stoker agus Dracula looks at the remarkable life of Dublin-born Bram Stoker, and the extent to which his Irish background contributed to the creation of Dracula, one of the most recognisable fictional characters in world literature.

Whilst the vampire figure was, already, a centuries old folklore staple and had even appeared in print - Sheridan LeFanu's gothic fantasy Carmilla (1872), for example - it was the May 1897 publication of Dracula that would introduce the public to the character of Count Dracula and establish many of the tropes of fantasy and horror fiction.

The character would soon transcend the world of genre fiction and become an enduring icon of popular culture.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bram-stoker-agus-dracula-2342

A film by Archie Reid based on the book of the same name by Florence Mary McDowell.

Other Days Around Me is a book set in the late Victorian era that brings a rural childhood to life. Archie Reid’s film is a lovingly made version of the book, carefully recreating the old traditions with the help of amateur actors and Mary’s children, Iza and Joan. The sumptuous harvest feast, replete with delicacies such as apple tart, fadge and a steaming fruit dumpling, heaped with cream, is one of the film’s highlights, sure to make the mouth water. The filming experience inspired Mrs McDowell to write a sequel, Roses and Rainbows.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/other-days-around-me-1760

Seamus Heaney on how writers help give a nation its sense of self. A Sense of Ireland was a major festival of Irish culture held in London in 1980. Amongst those appearing in its inaugural year was the poet Seamus Heaney. He recites his translation of the traditional poem 'Sweeney Praises The Trees'. Interviewed by Gloria Hunniford he considers the role of the writer in shaping national identity and ponders how the English public will respond to this exhibition of Irish culture.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/seamus-heaney-a-sense-of-ireland-1946

John Hewitt's close friend Jack McCann remembers the poet and discusses the summer school established in his honour, with footage of its inaugural proceedings. Also celebrating Hewitt's towering legacy are Sam Burnside, Roy McFadden, Michael Longley, and Seamus Heaney. Longley and Heaney both read poems written for Hewitt, and we see musical performances from notables such as David Hammond. Archival footage of Hewitt allows us to hear, in his own words, why the Antrim glens became his chosen ground and to see the "thirties socialist who wanted the vigour, the ground level energy [of the place], to come up," as Heaney describes Hewitt's unique poetic voice.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/john-hewitt-his-chosen-ground-2192

The Tyrone Guthrie Centre is a centre for creative artists at Annaghmakerrig, Newbliss, County Monaghan, Ireland, founded in 1981. The house was the family home of theatrical director Sir Tyrone Guthrie, and he bequeathed it to the Irish nation to be used as a retreat by writers, artists and musicians. This programme documents the Centre and the work of the artists who stay there.

Guthrie was Artistic Director for a number of years at the Old Vic theatre in London. He established theatre in America and Canada.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/about-britain-the-guthrie-legacy-2347

Halloween is coming and the goose is getting fat... Children get ready for everyone’s favourite spooky day. The scariest things about these masks is how much they made your face sweat.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/halloween-is-coming-4970

Midnight Dance is an interpretation of Danse Macabre - a tone poem for orchestra composed by Camille Saint-Saëns.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/midnight-dance-364

Halloween is traditionally the time for fireworks. Here we see some boys buying some enormous ones from a shop in Belfast. Robin Walsh talks to a doctor about the dangers of fireworks and tells him about some gruesome injuries caused by not taking care with explosives. She warns parents and children to be very cautious around them.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-dangers-of-fireworks-4971

Bodysnatchers in Ballynahinch
03min 47sec
1966

Charles Witherspoon is in Magheradroll graveyard, just outside Ballynahinch in county Down. This isn’t just an ordinary old graveyard. It used to contain a watchtower, built to prevent grave robbers from breaking in and stealing bodies. This is a fascinating tale of gruesome criminal activity.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bodysnatchers-in-ballynahinch-4969

A fascinating film of a palm reader, Foley, in Portstewart. He reads the hand of a young woman in a very detailed and relaxing manner. Charles Witherspoon is up in the town to find out more. Foley attributes the accuracy to the senses he gets from people.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/foley-the-palmist-4989

These men appear to be indicating that a monster lurks in the waters near Keadue in Donegal. Our information is scant on this so if you know anything, please tell us! Regardless of what hides in the depths, the scenery here is beautiful.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-monster-in-the-lough-5026

Profile of the renowned Irish writer.

Edna O'Brien discusses the life experiences and cultural touchstones that were pivotal in her development as a writer. She shares her thoughts on the writing experience, discusses the writers she considers great and quotes from her own novels.

In terms of personal experience, she refers to the overbearing influence of her mother, of how "her sensibilities became mine". In particular, she notes that her own attitudes to personal relationships (with men) was, in effect, an echo of her mother's attitudes. Love and sex with a man - in or out of wedlock - was seen as a terrible wrong.

O'Brien's rural upbringing was another formative influence. She observes that she used language and imagination as a means of running away from a real life comprising "of cattle and donkeys". However, Ireland's landscape, she sees as a positive influence, and something that manifests in her work in important ways.

In summation, she believes that (good) writing comes from "the blood and guts of one's experience".

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-writers-edna-obrien-2676

Profile of Michael Longley (b.1939), one of Northern Ireland's foremost poets and author of renowned collections, including Gorse Fires (1991) and The Weather in Japan (2000) and The Stairwell (2015).

In this episode of Irish Writers, Longley discusses the life experiences and cultural touchstones that were pivotal in his development as a writer. He shares his thoughts on the writing experience, discusses the writers he considers great and quotes from his own poems.

A significant part of Longley's identity comes from the fact that he is a twin. "From the moment of conception, right through birth and babyhood and through to the age of 16 or 17," he never spent a night on his own. Despite this, both Michael and his twin were vastly different in terms of personality, something they came to appreciate in their later years.

He describes Belfast and the West of Ireland as the "two poles in my life". It is in a remote part of Mayo, called Carrigskeewaun, where he feels he has truly grown both personally and professionally. Inspiring some of his most beautiful nature poems, not least ‘Remembering Carrigskeewaun’, the townland is also home to a family tradition, it become customary that each of Longley's children, newborn, is carried by hand to the secluded beach.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-writers-michael-longley-2830

Profile of Maeve Binchy (1939 to 2012), one of Ireland's most renowned and successful novelists. Her warm, humorous and compassionate writing style are showcased in international best sellers, including Light a Penny Candle (1982), Echoes (1985), Circle of Friends (1990) and Tara Road (1998).

In this episode of Irish Writers, Binchy discusses the life experiences and cultural touchstones that were pivotal in her development as a writer. She shares her thoughts on the writing experience and quotes from her novels.

She recounts her first, somewhat unusual, foray as a writer. Having gone to Israel, she determined to keep her family informed of what she was doing (and allay their fears), by writing them long detailed letters. Unbeknownst to Binchy, her family had one of these letters typed-up, sent to a magazine and it was soon published! Amused, she describes arriving home to discover she had become a "writer by accident!" What, she pondered, "might happen if I did it [tried to become a writer] on purpose?! However, despite this early, inadvertent break, it would be another four years before a piece of her work was again published.

Binchy explains a common trope, of basing her stories within villages. It is, she says, strategic. "It's terribly easy... because you don't have to think a whole lot of complicated excuses as to why Mary met John". Similarly, she often writes about children, as their experiences and lives are something that everybody can, to some degree, understand. However, she notes that she choose not to write children's books, as her past career as a teacher would come through, and the children could "sniff that out"!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-writers-maeve-binchy-2832

A new Marine Biology Unit is opened in Portaferry. The unit, designed to study sealife, would be taken over by Queen’s University which continues to have a Marine Biology Laboratory here. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-new-marine-biology-unit-in-5157

New buildings for Coleraine Academical Institution (Coleraine Inst). Dr George Humphreys, the Headmaster, shows Richard Kidston Law, 1st Baron Coleraine around the school. Both then visit the Mayor of Coleraine.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-buildings-at-coleraine-inst-3704

An expansion at Portora with the opening of Gloucester House, the prepatory department of the school.

Portora Royal School located in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, was one of the 'Public Schools' founded by the Royal Charter in 1608, by James I, making it one of the oldest schools in Ireland at the time of its closure. In 2016, Portora Royal School amalgamated with Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School and became the mixed Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

There are quite a few famous alumni of Portora including Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Neil Hannon.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-buildings-at-portora-3631

In Banbridge, Mrs Ross is 100 years old and looks great on it! There’s a party and presentation in her honour.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/happy-100th-birthday-4176

A deputation of older people arrive at Stormont. Unfortunately we don’t know what they were lobbying for but we can be sure they were determined to get things done!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/older-citizens-at-stormont-4157

At the Benn Hospital on Clifton Street in Belfast, a special dinner is served for older people.

The Benn Hospital was founded in 1871. It was situated on the corner of Glenravel and Clifton Streets and originally constructed as an eye, ear and throat hospital. It was named after its benefactors, George and Edward Benn and was one of three hospitals built by the brothers.

The brothers first had a brewing business but then moved into iron smelting.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-special-dinner-at-the-benn-5180

A beautiful autumn day in Castlewellan and it’s time for blackberry picking. These look just perfect. 

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/blackberry-picking-5455

Michael Duffy reports from Armagh where the apple harvest is well under way. It has been a poor year for the fruit. The women are hard at work inside, preparing the apples for sale.  

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-armagh-apple-harvest1966-5457

This farmer has some passengers as he mows the barley. This is either a test-drive or an inspection on one of the latest pieces of farming tech. 

‘Combine harvester’ derives from its combining four separate harvesting operations—reaping, threshing, gathering and winnowing—into a single process. This marks the beginning of the end of the old farming skills.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-barley-farmer-at-work-3257

Housewives arrive at Stormont to demand nursery school provision for their children. They felt that government-approved nurseries would provide safe places for children.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mothers-demand-nursery-provision-5233

Remember practising the fire drill? These children and teachers in Dundonald show how it should be done.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/fire-drill-at-dundonald-primary-school-3378

Students at the School of Hairdressing in Belfast receive lessons in various hair treatments and practice their skills. There’s a lot of roller action!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-belfast-school-of-hairdressing-5064

Belfast College of Technology opened its door to students in September 1906. The College was the centrepiece of the development of further education in Belfast. Purpose built, it acted as a showpiece on a par with Belfast’s other prominent buildings of the era, including the Belfast City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral and the Presbyterian Assembly Buildings.

Known colloquially to the citizens of Belfast as “the Black Man Tech” or simply ‘the Tech”, the College has been the gateway to education and employment for thousands of skilled apprentices, students and trainees in ship building and engineering and industries such as ropes and linen. Most families in Belfast and indeed Northern Ireland can claim a connection. Famous artists, engineers, broadcasters, politicians and sporting personalities count as its alumni, but the real history of the College is the ordinary men and women entering further and higher education with hopes of improving their chances of gaining employment or seeking to develop their inherent talents.

Belfast College of Technology closed its doors for the last time as an educational establishment in summer 2011, as the Belfast Metropolitan College transferred to the Titanic Quarter of Belfast. History came full circle as the College, which educated thousands of shipyard apprentices, took up a location where they once worked became a part of a new renaissance in this quarter of the city.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfast-tech-artisans-and-dreamers-2177

Jimmy Greene talks to some 15 year olds at Orangefield High about their intentions now they are at school leaving age. Some want to get out and get working, some are staying on.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/what-will-you-do-when-you-3834

It’s time for the Aul Lammas Fair. The Diamond in Ballycastle is packed once again as crowds gather for all the fun. Charlie Witherspoon is on hand to report on all the goings on. Mrs Ponsonby from Donegal plays a wonderful tune. Mrs Margaret Bell has written a history of the fair.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-aul-lammas-1966-5380

Wee ones playing in a park on the Donegall Road. The joy of those giant see-saws!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/playground-in-full-swing-4306

The children of Walton Street, off the Crumlin Road, are protesting. They are demanding safe streets and the freedom to play. A protest never looked so much fun.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/children-demand-freedom-to-play-4504

The YMCA Holiday Play Scheme
52sec
1966

The YMCA Holiday Play Scheme is coming to an end at Newforge. Soon it will be back to school but there’s still time to have loads of fun.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-ymca-holiday-play-scheme-1966-5374

Therese Gillespie from Belfast is interviewed after her win at the Rose of Tralee competition. She has won a fabulous holiday. Following her win, Therese moved to Tralee and still attends the event every year.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/therese-gillespie-the-rose-of-tralee-4719

A beautiful coach and two horses at the Stage Coach Inn in Derriaghy.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/coach-and-two-3751

Interview with Judith Durham of The Seekers
01min 13sec
1965

Judith Durham of the Australian group The Seekers, speaks to Maurice Smyth. The group have just released ‘The Carnival is Over’ and Judith chats about the importance of local charts to their success. The Seekers were a hugely successful group in the 1960s.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/interview-with-judith-durham-of-the-4929

Paddy Hopkirk puts a zippy sports car through its paces on a country road.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/paddyhopkirktest-drives-a-sports-car-3179

In Bangor, a queue of young drivers wait their turn to take their driving test. These schoolgirls are looking very competent.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/girls-take-to-the-road-5247

At Mays Market in Belfast city centre, the Post Office is holding a safe driving competition for van and motorbike delivery staff. It’s a tricky course.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/posties-driving-competition-4388

Local author and folklorist Michael Joseph Murphy tells two stories about smuggling goods across the border in South Armagh and close shaves with the police.

Michael Joseph Murphy was born in Liverpool, England, in 1913. Michael spent his early years in England and at the age of eight his family returned to Armagh. Murphy joined The Folklore Commission in December 1941 and went on to record one of the largest collection of oral tradition in the English-speaking world.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/tales-of-smuggling-in-south-armagh-5648

The legendary Barney McCool (played by Tom McDevitte) sits outside his cottage in Coolaghey, near his native Strabane. Barney talks about the beauty of Derry and the surrounding areas and tells stories as only he can.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/barney-mccool-with-tales-of-derry-4318

The Duke of Abercorn is present at the unveiling of a plaque honouring John Dunlap, who was born here in Strabane. John Dunlap was a printer who printed the first copies of the United States Declaration of Independence and was one of the most successful Irish/American printers of his era.

Another plaque commemorates Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander, wife of the Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry, and a renowned poet and hymn writer.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/commemorating-john-dunlap-4847

The Building of Lough Erne Cots is a wonderful short film that tells the story of a Fermanagh boat-building tradition dating back many centuries. This film follows the story of the building of four cot boats by two community groups, West Island Men's Shed and Belleek Men's Shed, both located in Fermanagh.

The Making of Lough Erne Cots is, in part, dedicated to Fred Ternan, who made it his life's work to preserve the "know-how" in the creation of a Lough Erne Cot. We are privileged to have had his depth of knowledge and passion for preserving this traditional craft. This film is a legacy to the story of our people who once inhabited the islands of Lough Erne.  

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-building-of-lough-erne-cots-5675

For more than 150 years the hand-operated Bannfoot Ferry carried a wide assortment of people, animals, horse-drawn carts and cars across the fast-flowing waters of the Bann. John Stevenson catches a familiar moment on the ferry in the 1950s.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bannfoot-ferry-1753

Colourful footage of a day boating on Carlingford Lough featuring the filmmaker and friends.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/boating-on-carlingford-lough-1754

The Pickie to Pier swimming competition in Bangor Bay and it is really full on! This long-standing race was run by Bangor Amateur Swimming Club and has recently been revived.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-pickie-to-pier-swim-4710

Six men attempt the swim from Rathlin Island to Ballycastle, one of the toughest straits of water in Ireland. There is no shame in not being able to complete this crossing. Over 3,000 people turned up in Ballycastle to see the swimmers come in.

The winner was Kendall Mellor, a bookbinder, of Ashleigh Road, Keighley, West Riding, and former Coldstream Guardsman. He completed the swim in two hours and 42 minutes, breaking the record set by Jack McClelland in 1959. He had previously swum the English Channel in 1963.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-rathlin-swim-3904

At Dingle Bay in Kerry, the legendary Jack McClelland sets off on a marathon swim and discusses his day after.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/jack-mcclelland-swims-dingle-bay-4707

In this, the earliest clip from the family collection, John Dermot Campbell (behind the camera) and friends meet at the courts of Coolgreany, home of John Dermot's parents Robert Garrett Campbell and Alicia Ann née Ferguson, for a game of tennis.

The film was probably shot by John Dermot Campbell and it is part of the Campbell Family Collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-game-of-tennis-part-i-3394

Windsor Lawn Tennis Club gets new court extensions.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/windsor-lawn-tennis-club-gets-new-5120

Men and women in white tennis outfits practising their tennis skills with an umpire and audience watching. The tennis courts appear to be part of Mossley Sports Ground by Mossley Mill.

The film was probably shot by John Dermot Campbell and it is part of the Campbell Family Collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/tennis-at-mossley-sports-ground-part-3396

A new addition to the Ulster Folk Museum is marked by an opening ceremony. This building is the Coshkib Hill Farm. The farmhouse was built in the 1850s and comes from Coshkib, Cushendall, County Antrim. It was dismantled and moved to the Folk Museum in 1965.

The Coshkib farmhouse is a stone built, two storey house but it probably started out as a modest two roomed, thatched farmhouse.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-building-at-the-folk-4664

Is that a UFO? Leslie Dawes is at Lisnagarvey Secondary School to visit an exhibition on space. He talks to Terence Murtagh who went on the be the first director of the Armagh Planetarium and a renowend astronomer and film-maker. Leslie wants to know about UFOs and Terence is very pragmatic about them. The exhibit looks astonishing and the students have managed to get NASA to send photographs and film.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-space-exhibition-at-lisnagarvery-secondary-5218

The 1986 Celtic Film Festival is hosted in Northern Ireland's very own, Newcastle, County Down. This promo shows off the natural beauty of the landscape and the comfortable accommodation guests could look forward to. The romanticism of the county is conveyed through scenes of the Mournes, whilst a poem is read aloud and traditional Gaelic music plays. With no little charm, the promo showcases the County Down in its finest light and transports the viewer back to a simpler time as;

'In this land, there is time... time to live; time to feel.

In this land, there is room.... room to relax; room to move.'

The images in this programme are taken from The Quiet Land created by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in 1974.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-7th-celtic-film-festival-2886

Joe O'Neill, chats about the chorus society in town which sparked a new drama group and thus provided Liam with his first acting experience. He recalls his presence whilst on stage and how he was "always a great mover". Joe, also gives insight into how determined Liam was, as he gave up secure employment in Ballymena for a 6 week contract with the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

Tony McAvoy, remembers Liam fondly from his boxing days and how he seemed to be good at everything. Over at Liam's old secondary school, St Patrick's, journalist Billy digs up an article which he wrote about Liam, where he calls him "the star of the production without doubt".

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-early-days-of-liam-neeson-4248

As the Queen’s Festival 66 opens in Belfast, one young actor by the name of Stephen Rea uses the UTV Boardroom to perform a skit on the confusing situation in Northern Ireland to the eyes of the British politician.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/divided-ireland-a-queens-festival-66-5516

The laying of the foundation stone of the new Lyric Theatre on Ridgeway Street in Belfast. Irish poet Austin Clarke lays the stone and in the crowd we see a young Seamus Heaney. Also in attendance is the founder of the theatre, Mary O’Malley and Hubert Wilmot of the Arts Theatre. A time capsule is placed into the stone.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/laying-the-foundation-of-the-lyric-4518

Series looking at the increasing ethnic diversity of Northern Ireland.

In this episode, Joe Mahon reports on the experiences and history of the Indian and Jewish communities in Northern Ireland.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-sense-of-belonging-episode-1-2435

Through the use of photographs, home videos and interviews, experience what life is like for those who emigrate to Northern Ireland. In this episode, we meet Roma, a first generation Filipino immigrant, now living in Northern Ireland. She describes the experiences that she, and many other Filipino emigrants have encountered, including a degree of discrimination. She also recounts day-to-day difficulties - be it learning to understand the local accent, or to appreciate the local food. In order to alleviate these difficulties, and foster a sense of belonging amongst her fellow emigrants, Roma established an ethnic support group in her new hometown, in Omagh.

Recent years have seen an upturn in immigration from places such as Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. However, wherever they come from, and be they recent school leavers or professionals, they have all come to NI with the expectation and hope that they might create a better life for themselves. Love of travel is another reason that people come to Northern Ireland. By contrast, an interviewee from Indonesia speaks about the tribal wars occurring in her home country and, so, for her, safety is the primary reason for her stay in NI. The programme concludes with an interview with a representative of the Ethnic Minority Support Group. They stress that it is not enough to simply accept people, we must welcome them too.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/homelands-to-townlands-newcomers-2564

In this episode, Joe Mahon explores how ethnic minorities go about maintaining their cultural identity whilst living in Northern Ireland and the challenges they face in doing so. Also, he asks 'how are we able to assist in the process'?

The largest ethnic group in Northern Ireland is the Chinese community, with many emigrating from Hong Kong from the 1960s onwards. We are introduced to Stan Lee, the second generation of his family to live in NI. Being born in Ulster, he considers himself an 'Ulsterman' however, he still stresses the importance of teaching his children the Chinese language and culture.

Michelle Lyons married a local man and moved to Northern Ireland to start a family. She was asked by the local council to research the needs of the Chinese community and assists elderly and vulnerable Chinese people, many of whom do not speak English. A point raised within this interview is that there is a growing generational divide within NI's Chinese community, language being a particular point of contrast, with younger members of the community who cannot speak Chinese and much of the older generation having never learnt English.

David White provides a lesson on the particularities of language, specifically interpretations of the word 'tolerance', a word that can be used to promotes subservience, or a sense that tolerance equates with permission, or allowing someone to have something which is their human right in the first place.

What is echoed across the interviews with Stan, Michelle, David and Yuko Chiba is the everyday racism which they encounter. Michelle has gotten around this by teaching her children Chinese history, so that their culture and background cannot be used as an insult against them.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-sense-of-belonging-episode-2-2563

A film by Samuel Bracegirdle, showing a wedding, and then the reception at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast, which opened in 1959.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/wedding-at-park-avenue-hotel-5637

Glorious summer weather arrives in Northern Ireland and everyone is enjoying some time in the sun. Children get to ride the donkeys while the farmers get lots of work done. The film includes scenes from Tollymore Forest Park.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/summer-in-northern-ireland-5242

Lisa Campbell and a dog explore a Ballycastle beach watched by her grandfather, Joseph McConnell and her mother, Josephine Patricia Campbell, who gives the dog a drink from a cup. At a picnic, young Gary takes off, creeping along at a great pace, while later his aunt, Nan Campbell, shields the infant from the summer sun.

The film was probably shot by John Dermot Campbell and it is part of the Campbell Family Collection.     

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/family-day-out-near-ballycastle-3450

Footage of the town and the activities at the market.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/richhill-market-1748

A barrow boy selling fruit and veg on York Street. Cigarette ash, no extra charge.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/barrow-boy-on-york-street-4527

Leslie Dawes investigates the latest craze in beer brewing. He meets Charlie Lavery, later the owner of the famous Lavery’s Bar in Bradbury Place. Charlie is making and selling beer-making kits and they’re very popular. Leslie is all for trying a sample and Charlie gives a demonstration of how easy it is to make your own stout.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/brew-your-own-beer-at-laverys-3641

The Alexander Hall, Balmoral hosts the exhibition, ‘Office Mechanisation 65’. Charlie Witherspoon looks at the future of office work including data-entry machines, computers and a massive calculator that costs £900! And another reminder of how the 1960s was a different era right at the end.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/office-mechanisation-65-4415

The wonders of communication technology in the 60s with the advent of Telex messaging; a two-way text messaging service. Here we see a demonstration of this latest equipment in Telephone House in Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-telex-machine-4508

A 1964 computer – it’s not quite a laptop. Jimmy Greene reports from International Computers and Tabulators (ICT) in Castlereagh as orders are coming in. You can have one for only £20,000. He interviews Mr Boyd from the firm. Mr Boyd explains how the new computer at Shorts is good value for money for only £100k!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-modern-computer-at-ict-3792

Scenes at Dublin Airport as an Irish International Aer Lingus Boeing 707 arrives. A presentation of a model of the plane to the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Robin Walsh interviews Mr Dargan, GM of Aer Lingus on flights between Aldergrove and England and transatlantic flights from Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/aer-lingus-plans-to-fly-from-3400

An Aer Lingus Boeing 707 has landed at Shannon airport. Is that Charlie Witherspoon coming down the steps?! It is. He’s just arrived in Shannon to do a piece for UTV.

There’s great footage here of the inside of the cockpit and the plane, and all the preparations needed to get the plane airborne.

Shannon Airport was the first airport in Europe with an established duty-free zone.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/charlie-flies-to-shannon-5097

Belfast Lord Mayor Jenkins, Irish Minister for Transport and Power Erskine Childers and Charles Haughey are among those on an inaugural Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Chicago.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-first-aer-lingus-flight-to-5193

Video by Archie Reid, showing the Ballyclare May Fair. Tradition dates back to 1756. Horse trading and hiring of people were big parts of the fair. The film shows the huge changes that have occurred throughout the fair's history.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-ballyclare-may-fair-5544

A short film by Archie Reid, young people visit the Larne and District Historical Centre.

The centre contains numerous artefacts relating to Larne and its history. The teenagers get to look at artefacts showing how life was in the past, like water pumps and bellows.

Members of the historical society go about Larne in costume, as the re-enact how fair days would have been in the past.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/larne-and-district-historical-centre-5586

Film about Newtownabbey, Ballyclare and the surrounding areas. Made by Archie Reid and presented by Robert Armstrong.

He explores raths, underground tunnels, the Cairn of the Sun and the Hole Stone.

He visits Rashee and Mallusk Graveyards, seeing the graves of Jemmy Hope (a United Irishman) and Francis Joseph Bigger. He sees St Brigid’s Well and Carnmoney Churchyard.

There are some historic houses for him to visit: Sentry Hill, The Whitehouse, Newtownabbey, and the ancestral home of US president Andrew Johnson.

He visits Cogrey Mill and cinema, and learns about Florence Mary McDowell writer of ‘Other Days Around Me’.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/places-from-the-past-5552

Northern Ireland Screen invited four artists to respond to the films within the Digital Film Archive. The Looking Glass Anthology is a collection of beautiful works by a range of musicians and poets that capture what the archives mean to them on a personal level.

Poet Stephen Sexton was drawn to explore what those being filmed in the past may have imagined the future to be and how we, the viewer looking back, see their lives. These are actual people with actual lives, hence the poem’s name The Actualities.

Soundtracked by an evocative bespoke composition by Ian Livingstone, Stephen reads his poem alongside the archives he selected. The images inspired the words and the words found their match in the images. The result is a beautiful journey back in time that gives new life to the people we see in the archives.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-actualities-stephen-sexton-5512

A young Frank Carson singing a song about a donkey.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/frank-carson-253

Mesmerising film of Willie Campbell playing the saw in Donegall Square. He gives a poignant rendition of Danny Boy. Wee Willie lived on Sandy Row and was a well-known figure around the city centre.

The musical saw has been played around the world for over a century. The most famous saw player was Marlene Dietrich!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/willie-campbell-plays-the-saw-4097

The new Passport Office at Marlborough House on Victoria Street in Belfast has opened.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-new-passport-office-5551

Newry’s smallest shop, the Hat Box, is sadly closing. The shop was on Monaghan Street in the town centre. The list of reasons for closure is quite vast and includes the atom bomb and the weather.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/newrys-smallest-shop-closes-5531

Charlie Witherspoon is at the Conway Hotel. He starts with Dickens but then plunges into the world of high-tech pre-cooked food. This vending machine and microwave don’t produce the most appetising of dishes, it has to be said. Charlie talks to David Trace who is the contract holder of the business. He has high hopes this style of food will spread from night shift workers to restaurants within four years. Today, the only place you might see this style of food serving is on an airplane.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/precooked-food-at-the-touch-of-5541

In Crawfordsburn, it’s the Irish Rolling Pin Championships and the men’s and women’s competitions are in full flow. Various techniques are used to see who can get their pin the farthest.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-irish-rolling-pin-championships-5249

This challenge is a far cry from the Krypton Factor but it might be harder than it looks. Watch Gordon Burns and Tony Eames battle it out on the floor of the UTV studios in a clumsy race for the finish line. Could this be the Northern Irish heat for the National Pea Pushing Derby, which took place in Walton on Thames eight days later?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/pea-pushing-contest-1931

Queen’s students practice the serious sport of Tiddlywinks ahead of a championship match. Geoffrey Scott, leader of the university club, tells Leslie Dawes all about it and how the game is played. It is much more complicated than the game we played as children.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/tiddlywinks-at-queens-5051

Sakura is part of A Silent War, a COVID-19 response poetry project written by Ross Thompson during the first lockdown. The poem represents a moment of ephemeral beauty as scented spring blossom catches the poet’s imagination, reminding him of the enduring persistence of the life force amidst the dark days of the pandemic.

In the poem, nature weeps softly with the world, but endures, a sense that resonates with Terence McDonald’s film, Requiem for Sally (1979), which also uses the motif of cherry blossom as a symbol of the fragility of life. In her creative response to Sakura, Artist, Filmmaker and Musician, Susan Hughes drew on the visual imagery from McDonald’s film, which itself shows the influence of Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now (1979). The resulting film contains heart-stoppingly beautiful visual moments, with a delicate, yet stately soundtrack that celebrates and laments those fleeting moments of illumination.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sakura-5509

McGilloway's Way: The Foyle in Spring
25min 6sec
1992

Oliver McGilloway present's McGilloway's Way, a programme which celebrates the dramatic and beautiful landscapes surrounding Ulster.

This episode is set by the vast River Foyle, which stretches through three counties, Derry, Tyrone and Donegal. Stretching 30miles it consists of river and lough with eventually the Foyle feeding into the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the journey from stream to sea, the Foyle supports an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, who can be found within the waters and surrounding it. Herby, a local, meets McGilloway at the highest point of the river, Porthall, and explains the rich history of the area.

Later on, we meet some lively pheasants, and their breeder, who talks to McGilloway about the ideal time to release game birds for the shooting clubs and how long he's been in this business, making McGilloway question "is there no affection between you and the pheasant?".

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mcgilloways-way-the-foyle-in-spring-3323

UTV household name, Jenny Bristow, joins us again for a new series which is all about cooking for occasions.

This episode helps solve what to serve for large gatherings of people - Bristow recommends a buffet, with salmon, lasagne and chicken dishes all which can be made the night before, with simple tasty bites also being prepared to get the party started!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/high-days-and-holidays-in-celebration-4260

The young patients at the Royal Victoria Hospital are delighted to receive a giant Easter Egg.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-giant-easter-egg-for-the-5177

The streets of Belfast are very busy as everyone gets ready for the Easter holidays. Passengers arrive at York Street bus and train station and Aldergrove is buzzing with arrivals and departures.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/busy-easter-travellers-5174

Two young women in chicken costumes walk down the street in Coleraine, as part of an egg marketing publicity stunt.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/egg-pr-stunt-in-coleraine-2918

It’s springtime and time for the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge to be rigged for the summer. The island was traditionally used for salmon fishing and this temporary structure was used for generations. The bridge is now owned by the National Trust and a permanent crossing for tourists was erected in 2000.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/preparing-carrickarede-4443

Downpatrick races in full flow. The course is packed and the crowd watch intently as the horses come in.


Downpatrick Race Course has a long and interesting history. The first race meeting was originally held over 300 years ago in 1685 at the old grounds a few miles down the road from where it is situated today. Racing has continued to take place throughout the years with few interruptions since the first race. The current Racecourse is situated one mile away from the centre of the historic town of Downpatrick and racing has been held on the present course for more than 150 years.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/race-day-at-downpatrick-3832

James Boyce and his wife Dorothy are doing a tour of beautiful Donegal, starting in the fishing town of Killybegs and then off around the coast to the stunning cliffs at Muckross Bay. On then to Buncar, on some fairly treacherous roads, stopping to look at the beautiful Buncar cliffs. They drive into Donegal town before heading off to Lough Eske Castle.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/james-and-dorothy-visit-donegal-5314

An exhibit of modern Irish paintings owned by Great Southern Hotels, has opened at the Ulster Museum. Many dignitaries are present, including Lord Clanwilliam. Minister Brian McConnell is also present.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/modern-irish-art-at-the-ulster-5469

Magilligan is an area of both historic and conservational significance. The peninsula lies in the northwest of County Derry, at the entrance to Lough Foyle and at the foot of one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country, Binevenagh. Joe Mahon heads to the shifting shorelines near Magilligan Point, the tip of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The way the coastline constantly changes has generated a lot of interest and is one of the main reasons why the site has been declared a nature reserve. Joe also visits the Martello Tower, a great example of the small defensive forts of the early 19th century and the only one of its kind in Northern Ireland.

It is not only the natural beauty of the area that gives the place it's character. Joe meets the locals who share their memories of times past, work and everyday life. Joining Sarah and Mary in their electricity free thatched roof house, Joe gets to listen as they recall their smuggling exploits back in the day.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lesser-spotted-ulster-magilligan-2949

James Boyce visits Derrymore House in Bessbrook, owned now by the National Trust and build by Isaac Corry. James explores the story of Corry and the house. Within the Treaty Room, James tells us that the Act of Union of 1800 was signed here. The 1921 Declaration of the Constitution of NI was signed on a table kept here too.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/derrymore-house-bessbrook-3478

James Boyce and his grand-daughter, Myrtle Mehaffey sit down to the latest in continental cuisine with a Greek dinner. James espouses the delights of this lovely food which was being slowly introduced to Northern Ireland as package holidays became more popular. We especially love his description of moussaka as “transcendental shepherd’s pie”.
Sadly, we believe this might be one of James’s last broadcasts as he passed away not long after. He was a wonderful, eccentric and well-informed broadcaster who added so much to UTV and BBC television at the time.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/james-boyce-introduces-greek-food-5478

At the Building Centre in Belfast, Lesley Dawes visits a new display of building materials from Finland. He meets the Finnish Ambassador, Leo Tuominen.
The Finnish designs are beautiful and very modern. And of course, the exhibition includes a sauna, complete with a very warm model.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/finnish-design-exhibit-5467

A coachload of French students arrive on a visit to Bangor, looking effortlessly cool, of course.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/french-students-in-bangor-4590

In the run-up to St Patrick’s Day, shamrock is presented to RAF personnel at Aldergrove Airport.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/raf-personnel-receive-the-shamrock-5124

The census forms are brought across to Rathlin Island. Beautiful images of the harbour and life on Rathlin, including the tiny school. A policeman delivers the forms and explains them to residents.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/delivering-the-census-on-rathlin-island-5458

Minister Brian McConnell inspects the new traffic wardens about to hit the streets of Belfast. The new parking meters and parking restrictions are being launched in a bid to control traffic congestion. Free parking was to be banned in Belfast from November 7.

Mr Irwin explains how the enforcement will work. Good job the training includes dealing with ‘lady motorists’.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-traffic-wardens-begin-duty-5439

Leslie Dawes visits the lovely village of Glynn near Larne. He meets Stanley Smith, a wood turner who uses a waterwheel to power his tools. Sadly, another dying craft. Mr Smith gives a demonstration of his skills.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/woodturning-in-glynn-4747

Blackhead Lighthouse, near Whitehead, and Charlie Witherspoon is outside with a shillelagh. Of course he is. He meets Bill Power, Lighthouse Keeper and maker of shillelaghs as souvenirs. He shows Charlie the process he follows to make the tiny cudgels for the tourist trade. We suppose time passes slowly in a lighthouse.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/making-shillelaghs-at-blackhead-lighthouse-4381

A lovely but short clip of boat building.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/boat-building-4438

The Rolling Stones arrive at Aldergrove ahead of their first Belfast gig. Cue mass hysteria!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-rolling-stones-arrive-at-aldergrove-4727

The United Social Club from Canada arrive at Aldergrove and visit the Northern Ireland Tourist Board stand.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/canadians-arrive-at-aldergrove-4585

The Mexican football team arrive at Aldergrove ahead of their international friendly against Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland would win this one 4-1.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mexican-football-team-arrive-at-aldergrove-5295

Children play in all kinds of ways. Some enjoy street games such as hopscotch, others are playing in the park in Woodvale Park in north Belfast. Some go the toy shop.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/how-we-played-5373 

Beer Barrel Racing in Ballycastle
41sec
1966

A beer barrel race is on in Ballycastle. Competitors have to push the barrels from the Diamond down to the harbour.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/beer-barrel-racing-in-ballycastle-5335 

Travelling by Caravan
2min 45sec
1966

Lovely film of a beautiful horse-drawn caravan on the roads of Templepatrick. Leslie Dawes talks to Evelyn from Templepatrick Riding School. The school rents out these caravans.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/travelling-by-caravan-5419 

A Special Wedding Day, 1965
04min 34sec

An older couple are married at St Teresa’s Church on the Glen Road in Belfast. A crowd gathers to attend the wedding and celebrate the occasion. And afterwards, there’s a wonderful reception at Andersonstown Pensioners Club. There are speeches, toasts and the first dance for the happy couple.
A beautiful film of a lovely day.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-special-wedding-day-4677

A Hindu Wedding in Magherafelt, 1965
30sec

A Hindu wedding in Magherafelt. The bride and groom leave the house after the wedding took place inside. The bride was Kusam Chada, whose family lived in the town and the groom, Surinder Bahl, came over from London.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-hindu-wedding-in-magherafelt-4447

A Golden Anniversary, 1965
28sec

Mr & Mrs Morgan are celebrating their 50th (golden) wedding anniversary and everyone gathers to congratulate them.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-golden-anniversary-4672

Young People Clear Carnmoney Hill, 1966
3min 52sec

Young people are working hard on Carmoney Hill. Dr Charles McLaughlin talks to Charles Witherspoon about what they’re working on, clearing an old path on the hill. Charles talks to a few of the youngsters who are very hard at work. They’re all very enthusiastic despite Charlie’s best attempts to sow seeds of discontent.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/young-people-clear-carnmoney-hill-5330

A New Conservation Scheme for Strangford, 1966
4min 59sec

Scenes of Strangford Lough as a new conservation scheme is launched. Leslie Dawes meets Major Hugh Montgomery, Chair of the Strangford Lough Committee of the National Trust. Major Montgomery tells Leslie of the object of the scheme.
Major Hugh Montgomery was a member of the Montgomery family, who had owned the land around Grey Abbey since 1452.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-new-conservation-scheme-for-strangford-5201

Road Improvements at Devil’s Elbow, 1966
24sec

The infamous Devil’s Elbow corner undergoes some road safety improvements. This dangerous S-bend on the Belfast to Bangor road marked one of the busiest points of this road and was the scene of many accidents.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/road-improvements-at-devils-elbow-5222

Road Improvements at Devil’s Elbow, 1966
24sec

The infamous Devil’s Elbow corner undergoes some road safety improvements. This dangerous S-bend on the Belfast to Bangor road marked one of the busiest points of this road and was the scene of many accidents.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/road-improvements-at-devils-elbow-5222

Launching A Homemade Boat, 1966
01min 47sec

Measure twice and cut once might have helped this handmade boat get out of the backyard where she was built. The Sea Witch was built in Cookstown by the Maghery MBSC (Maghery ? Sailing Club), and made her way down the main street before being launched on Lough Neagh.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/launching-a-homemade-boat-5243

A Boat Rally on Lough Erne, 1966
31sec

Lough Erne welcomes boats from all over at a rally.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-boat-rally-on-lough-erne-5264

100 Years of Carrickfergus Sailing Club, 1966
06min 39sec

Carrickfergus Sailing Club celebrates its centenary with sailing in what begins as beautiful weather. Minister Fitzsimmons and the Carrickfergus Mayor are in attendance. One little Flying 15 struggles to stay upright but the boatsmen do a great job. And one of them is Leslie Dawes! Leslie talks to Terry from the club on the secret of its success.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/100-years-of-carrickfergus-sailing-club-5194

Seamus Heaney Reads From ‘Death of a Naturalist’, 1966
06min 12sec

Charle Witherspoon talks to poet Seamus Heaney about his first collection, ‘Death Of A Naturalist’. By the banks of a beautiful river, Heaney tells Charles about his own background which influenced this collection. This is a wonderful conversation with the young Heaney who was about to become the most important modern Irish poet. We are also so lucky to have Heaney reading, ‘Waterfall’ from the collection.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/seamus-heaney-reads-from-death-of-5227

A Press Run for the Ballymena Times, 1966
36sec

The Ballymena Times gets its first run at the printers. Wonderful film of a printing press in full flow. The Ballymena Times has its roots in the Ballymena Observer, founded in 1855.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-press-run-for-the-ballymena-5225

Charlie Witherspoon Researches Bank Strikes, 1966
02min 48sec

An all-Ireland bank strike is threatened and Charlie Witherspoon is in the Linen Hall Library in Belfast doing some proper research into a bank strike of the past.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/charlie-witherspoon-researches-bank-strikes-5204

The Winter Sales Begin, 1963
36sec

Don't hang about if you want to get a bargain at the shops. Lots of people seen here taking advantage of the post-Christmas sales.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-winter-sales-begin-3269

School Lunch Protest in Ards, 1966
31sec

Our notes say these children have to eat outside the school grounds following a school lunch protest. We are intrigued to learn more. Do you know what made them go on strike?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/school-lunch-protest-in-ards-5168

Fashion Show at Fivemiletown Secondary, 1966
40sec

There is a fashion show at Fivemiletown Secondary School. The girls wear all the latest style but the last two models are particularly adorable.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/fashion-show-at-fivemiletown-secondary-5167

Snowy Scenes in Fermanagh, 1965
37sec

Slow progress on the roads of Fermanagh in the snow of March 1965.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/snowy-scenes-in-fermanagh-3502

Heavy Snow in Crumlin, 1966
1min 2sec

The roads are impassable due to heavy snow at Horseshoe Bend near Crumlin.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/heavy-snow-in-crumlin-5067

Snow-Storm Catches Northern Ireland Unawares! 1965
3min 22sec

Cleaning the roads after a snow-storm was hard manual work. And bad timing too as a young honeymoon couple wait to be helped before heading off.
The ground at a football stadium is rock solid. And the electricity lines are down elsewhere.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/snowstorm-catches-northern-ireland-unawares-4283

January Snowfall, 1965
39sec

Snowy scenes and children having great fun in a huge snowball fight.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/january-snowfall-4081

The First Salmon, Dublin, 1968
30 sec

The first salmon of the year is prepared and presented in Dublin. PJ Cullen, fishmonger, shows off the fish which is then cooked and served.
Traditionally, the first salmon caught in the new year is auctioned to the highest bidder, usually one of the top hotels in Ireland.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-first-salmon-dublin-3402

Planning a Summer Getaway, 1965
3min 00sec

The start of the new year is traditionally when people think about planning their summer holiday. Rory Fitzpatrick meets Mr Cunningham of Thomas Cook, who suggests that the island of Elba might be popular this year. He also suggests the Algarve in Portugal as an alternative to the usual southern Spain. The northern countries such as Norway are also popular.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/planning-a-summer-getaway-4013

Making Wisps for the New Year, 1965
2min 3sec

In Kilkeel, the children gather to make wisps to sell door to door. Wisps are twists of straw, traditionally representing the straw from Jesus’s manger. People would hang them in the house for good luck in the new year.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/making-wisps-for-the-new-year-4010

New Year’s Eve Activities, 1963
1min 3sec

One of the big nights of the year and being this gorgeous doesn’t come easy! New suits, hairdressers, a wee bottle of something for the night. New Year greeting cards were all the rage. At City Hall, preparations are underway for a big event. And time to start thinking about those summer holidays!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-years-eve-activities-1963-3279

Looking to a New Year, 1964
4min 33sec

Some older people are interviewed on their reflections of life and what they’ve learnt. Mr Crooks, Miss Robinson and Mr Craythorne talk about what they would have changed or not. William McGookin meets them in the nursing home they all live in and asks them how they feel about starting a new year.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/looking-to-a-new-year-4009

Carols at the Hospital, 1963
3min 6sec

The nurses and doctors at the Royal Victoria Hospital tour the wards singing Christmas carols. A beautiful lamp-lit procession down the corridors and around the tree. Time too, for a lovely chat with the patients and a quick ward round. Then for a visit to the children's and baby wards.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/carols-at-the-hospital-3267

Coming Home for Christmas, 1965
2min 30sec

Families arrive at Aldergrove airport, home for Christmas. Leslie Dawes talks to some of the travellers who come from all over the world.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/coming-home-for-christmas-4981

Mummers in Dervock, 1965
5min 47sec

Wonderful film of an entire Mummer’s play from Dervock in county Antrim. The ancient tradition of Mummers predates historical records. The Mummers visit homes on the traditional 12 days of Christmas and once they are invited in, they act out variations of the same play. If the homeowner can identify the actors beneath their disguises, the Mummers reveal themselves.

In this film, we see the entire play. It is usually a variation of the same characters. Here, this includes Prince George, the Dead Man, the Doctor, Big Head, Beelzebub, Devil Doubt and Johnny Funny. The children are really enjoying the play and it is very entertaining.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mummers-in-dervock-4972

Last Call for Christmas Post, 1964
3min 46sec

Do you send Christmas cards? The shoppers are out in force buying their cards in 1964. They’re definitely keeping the shop assistants and the post office workers busy! Despite the Post Office’s appeal to post early, the Postmaster here says the transport strike has affected posting. He expects 7 million cards to come through!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/last-call-for-christmas-post-3708

A Children’s Christmas Party at STC, 1966.
32sec

A Christmas party for all the children at STC (Standard Telephone & Cable) in Cookstown. A showband provides the entertainment and everyone is having a great time twisting away.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-childrens-christmas-party-at-stc-5007

Cinderella Arrives at the Opera House, 1964.
25sec

Cinderella arrives at the Grand Opera House ahead of the 1964 pantomime.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/cinderella-arrives-at-the-opera-house-4007

Christmas Lunch in Killyleagh, 1965.
1min 6sec

In Killyleagh, older people gather for a Christmas dinner. Father Christmas pays a visit while they all enjoy a festive feast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-lunch-in-killyleagh-4978

Santa in Ballygowan, 1963.
39sec

Santa arrives in Ballygowan. The Village Store truck pulls up and out jumps Santa to greet the children and hand out gifts.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/santa-in-ballygowan-3339

Sorting Parcels for Christmas, 1963.
1min 24sec

Busy scenes at the Balmoral sorting office as parcels and letters are processed in time for Christmas. It looks like a free-for-all, but think of it more as organised chaos.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sorting-parcels-for-christmas-3262

Belfast is Buzzing! Christmas Shopping, 1963.
36sec

Everyone is looking for those last-minute presents for others, and themselves! Mistletoe, jewellery and a glance in the toy shop window of course.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfast-is-buzzing-christmas-shopping-3263

Christmas Cakes at City Hospital, 1964
26sec

At Belfast City Hospital, the staff are preparing for Christmas, making and decorating cakes. Everyone gets involved.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-cakes-at-city-hospital-3686

Belfast’s Christmas Lights, 1964
35sec

Beautiful lights and decorations as Belfast gets ready for Christmas 1964.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfasts-christmas-lights-1964-3672

Christmas Lights in Lisnaskea, 1963
34sec

Switching on the Christmas lights in Lisnaskea, with the Maguiresbridge Temperance Silver Band and St Mary’s Silver Band from Tempo.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/christmas-lights-in-lisnaskea-3236

Sir Patrick Moore at Armagh Observatory
04min 38sec

Readings are taken at Armagh Observatory as Patrick Moore, holds a press conference at the tourist office on Armagh’s Mall. Sir Patrick Moore was the first director of the planned Armagh Planetarium which opened in 1968.

He is interviewed by Jimmy Robinson. He is looking forward to moving to Armagh to head up the development of the Planetarium. He explains the purpose of a planetarium.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/sir-patrick-moore-at-armagh-observatory-4281

Floods in Tyrone
01min 54sec

Torrential rain all over Northern Ireland has caused major flooding. In Tyrone at Caledon and Aughnacloy many places are underwater and rivers have burst their banks.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/floods-in-tyrone-5066

A Fog Descends on Belfast
03min 33sec

Maurice Smyth talks to people about the fog enveloping Belfast. Journeys are slow although 30 mins from Finaghy to the city centre doesn’t seem that bad to us! The various shots of the mist make it look quite romantic.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-fog-descends-on-belfast-3647

Father Borreli Visits Bryson House
27sec

Italian priest Father Borreli visits Bryson House and receives a cheque for £600 from Dennis Barrett. Mario Borrelli (Naples, 19 September 1922 – Oxford, 13 February 2007) was a Neapolitan priest, sociologist and educationist. In the 1950s he established a home for the street children of Naples which later evolved into an international network for social support, called Casa dello scugnizzo (House of the Urchins). Subsequently, following his laicization, he maintained his international reputation for his civil commitment and his studies on peace research and education. Bryson House (now Bryson Charitable Group) in Belfast is a charitable organisation focussed on social enterprise and innovation.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/father-borreli-visits-bryson-house-3615

Belfast to Armagh in a Bed!
33sec

Another fundraising event as a student sets off on a journey from Belfast to Armagh – on a bicycle carrying a bed. No record if he could take a nap while travelling.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfast-to-armagh-in-a-bed-4311

Riding Around Ireland for Charity
2min 22sec

A man on a special mission sets off from Dungannon. Retired schoolteacher from County Tyrone, James Slevin, is on a tour of Ireland to raise funds for the Gorta: Freedom From Hunger Campaign, accompanied by members of the South Union Hunt.

Age 66 he is making the trip riding a grey hunter named ‘War Paint’. Over a five week period, he will cover around 950 miles.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/riding-around-ireland-for-charity-4370

New Customs Post at Strabane
30sec

A new customs post has opened in Strabane. The officers are out checking cars for smuggled goods.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/new-customs-post-at-strabane-4487

Ministers Meet on the Border
44sec

Minister of Agriculture Harry West meets Erskine Childers, Irish Minister for Transport & Power at Aghalane Bridge, which spans Fermanagh and Cavan. They were there to pay tribute to the young volunteers of the International Voluntary Service who had worked hard to clear the Woodford River of debris and mess. They return from the river to have tea in the Bullock Cottage.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ministers-meet-on-the-border-4615

Naming the Bridge at Lifford – A Vox Pop
1min 50sec

The new bridge connecting Lifford in Co Donegal with Strabane in Co Tyrone is about to open. Charlie Witherspoon asks ‘what should the new bridge be called?’ Lots of locals wanted the bridge to be named after the late President Kennedy. Others weren’t so sure. In the end, the bridge was called ‘Lifford Bridge’.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/naming-the-bridge-at-lifford-a-3237

The Art of Gretta Bowen
3min 34sec

Charles Witherspoon visits a new exhibition by Belfast artist Gretta Bowen (1890-1981) and speaks to her son, artist George Campbell. George introduces Charlie to Gretta’s lovely work which is really a joy to see. Gretta didn’t take up painting until she was in her 70s and went on to international success.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-art-of-gretta-bowen-4736

Artists Call on City Hall
22sec

Joe Tomelty, William Conor and artist Padraic Woods call into Belfast City Hall to greet Lord Mayor Jenkins.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/artists-call-on-city-hall-4983

An Art Exhibition in Coleraine
41sec

An art exhibition opens in Coleraine. Lord Enniskillen is in attendance. The exhibition is very popular.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-art-exhibition-in-coleraine-4915

The M1 Ghost Story
5min 14sec

Restrain your hearty laughter and hear a sober tale of a ghost that hitchhikes on Northern Ireland's new motorway.
Just two years after the opening of Northern Ireland's first motorway legends have already begun to take root. Join Charles Witherspoon on the M1 flyover as he interviews William Nesbitt for Ulster Television news about his roadside psychic experience. This encounter with a ghostly hitchhiker is not Mr Nesbitt's only tale of telekinesis, judge for yourself as he testifies to the viewers at home.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-m1-ghost-story-2136

The Tale of Stumpy's Brae
4min 36sec

Charles Witherspoon is at Stumpy's Brae to tell the story behind the myth and the song of the same name. A tale of gruesome murder and ghosts from near Lifford in Donegal. Charlie really goes for the drama in this rendition.
The song/poem based on the myth was written by Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander, wife of the Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and the author of Once in Royal David's City, All Things Bright and Beautiful and There is a Green Hill Far Away.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-tale-of-stumpys-brae-4810

The Killyleagh Ghost
7min 3sec

Is the Blue Lady a ghost with a stout heart or a devious spirit? Destroyed wills and murderous plots are more enjoyable ingredients for this ghost story. Find out what happened when the 2nd Earl ignored his mother's warning and signed a new will leaving the Hamilton estates to his wife. Was this a fatal move?
Decide for yourself then use your imagination to mentally edit the shadowy scenes and ghostly apparition of the transformed news reader in a finished spooky news story.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-killyleagh-ghost-1916

Scribes, Scholars and Saints: Book of Kells
26min 2sec

Dr. George Simms presents this programme on the "Ten Irish Treasures" focusing on biblical manuscripts with special attention drawn to the Book of Kells.

Footage of Irish landscapes and religious artefacts are intertwined with Simms commentary as he delves into the history of these famous books. In-depth descriptions of how the scribes worked is present throughout, with even an explanation and a demonstration on how calfskin was turned into Vellum, the material on which the scribes wrote on, shown.

Anecdotes are recalled to further enrich the stories such as how Columba, a Christian Monk, borrowed a book from the Monastery of Finnian and copied the whole thing, only to be caught just as he finished - the first recorded breech of copyright! What is discovered early on is that the illustrations found within these manuscripts serve to further illuminate the passages.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/scribes-scholars-and-saints-book-of-2669

Irish Writers: Bernard MacLaverty
19min 10sec

Profile of the renowned Irish writer.
Bernard MacLaverty discusses the life experiences and cultural touchstones that were pivotal in his development as a writer. He shares his thoughts on the writing experience and quotes from his own fictional works.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-writers-bernard-maclaverty-2864

Kilkeel Girl Wins Essay Competition
4min 20sec

Maurice Smyth meets Mary Trainor, a pupil at St Colman’s PS in Kilkeel. Mary has won an essay competition with her story about milk and now she’s off to Finland for a big reception. Mary reads a piece from her delightful writing.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kilkeel-girl-wins-essay-competition-4488

Making Rosehip Syrup
2min 17sec

At beautiful Carnlough, children are picking rosehips and making a bit of pocket money. The hips are to be turned into rosehip syrup and we see the full process here.

Rosehips are from the apple family and the syrup is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/making-rosehip-syrup-4849

The Impact of Flu Season
3min 2sec

Jimmy Robinson interviews Dr Henderson on the impact of flu season. He has seen a doubling of house calls, receiving up to 30 calls a day. How have vaccines been effective? A restriction on the availability of vaccines has impacted on treatment and cases.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-impact-of-flu-season-3334

Flooding in Pomeroy
37sec

Flooding in Pomeroy and the locals have to wade through some big puddles. Some definitely have an easier time of it.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/flooding-in-pomeroy-4466

Belfast Marathon (1987)
1min 30sec

Join the 'Glengormly Galloper' and other running enthusiasts, as they take part in the 1987 Belfast Marathon.

In these rushes, we see the start of the race, with the throng of competitors setting off. As the race progresses, follow the runners along Donegall Road, up the Falls Road, past the Royal Victoria Hospital and on towards Andersonstown. Along the way, the runners are chaperoned by members of the army and RUC.

At the close, witness Scottish runner Calum Bark cross the finish line in first place, with a time of 2:17:47.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfast-marathon-1987-2835

Under-16 Cross-Country Running
1min 46sec

At Ballynure, the Ladies under 16 cross-country race is on. One contestant looks fed-up by the end.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/under16-crosscountry-running-4888

The Orchard County Harvest
45sec

An abundance of apples from deep in the heart of the Orchard County. A lovely crop of apples gathered at The Moy in Armagh. Driving through Armagh today, there are still plenty of orchards to be seen.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-orchard-county-harvest-3705

Why Are Teenage Boys Growing Their Hair?
4min 04sec

Young men chat about to Diane Berber about their ‘long hair’. All of them seem to cut their hair themselves which is more worrying than the actual haircuts.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/why-are-teenage-boys-growing-their-4831

Student Lodgings at Queen’s
4min 40sec

The new student accommodation at Queen‘s University – known to us now as The Elms - is nearly complete. Some students are making quite a racket preparing their tea at their accommodation.

A spokesman from Queen’s addresses the current accommodation crisis. The new hostels are not going to be enough to house everyone. At his lodgings, a student explains how lodgings work. It doesn’t sound so tough - they have a cleaner! A very dapper student shows his living situation. How many students these days come home and put Beethoven on the turntable?

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/student-lodgings-at-queens-4852

Business Flight to London
54sec

MP Robin Chichester-Clark boards a flight to London. Inside the plane, the air hostesses hand out meals and at the other end of the flight, the passengers get a shuttle bus, arriving in London just over 2 hours after they left Aldergrove.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/business-flight-to-london-4668

The Future of Libraries
11min 29sec

Do you remember the joy of visiting the library? Brian Baird introduces a report on the Library service. Dr Whiteman discusses the new School of Library Studies at Queen’s University. Its aim is to create new librarians. Where are the vanishing readers? What role will the computer play? This film includes lovely shots of all kinds of libraries including Belfast Central Library where a Telex machine is making life easier for the librarians. And on the streets of Belfast, the mobile library is doing its rounds.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-future-of-libraries-4769

Ballynahinch Library in the Community
40sec

Libraries are such a valuable asset to our communities. Here in Ballynahinch, the library is also doubling up as a welfare clinic.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ballynahinch-library-in-the-community-4844

The Life of Thomas Russell
5min 29sec

Charlie Witherspoon is in yet another graveyard. This time it's Down Parish Church in Downpatrick, and he’s telling the tale of Thomas Russell. Russell was a founding member of the United Irishmen, a close friend of Henry Joy McCracken. He was also the librarian of the new Linenhall Library. His is a fascinating life story.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-life-of-thomas-russell-4848

The Cures of Banagher Sand
3min 44sec

Charlie Witherspoon tells the story of St Murrough O’ Heaney, who confined the last serpent in Ireland within the stream of the glen. Charlie visits the old church where Murrough O’Heaney is buried and meets Paddy Heaney, a direct descendant of the holy man. Paddy tells of the power of Banagher sand which has special properties for cures and in law suits.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-cures-of-banagher-sand-4393

A Visit to Castle Leslie
6min 43sec

Charles Witherspoon visits beautiful Castle Leslie in Glaslough, County Monaghan. He meets with Desmond Leslie, the owner who is a delight and happily welcomes people into his home. He tells the history of Castle Leslie and shows Charles around. The house is full of all kinds of treasures, some of which we get to see.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-visit-to-castle-leslie-4444

The Strange Tale of Margorie McCall
3min 11sec

At Shankill Graveyard in Lurgan, Charles Witherspoon tells the tale of Margorie McCall – lived once, buried twice.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-strange-tale-of-margorie-mccall-4770

Reading Time in the Classroom
22sec

At the Sir Robert Hart Memorial Primary School in Portadown, and Carrick PE School in Lurgan, children are hard at work looking at their reading.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/reading-time-in-the-classroom-4749

School Reopens After Health Scare
29sec

The William Foote Memorial School in Lisburn has reopened after an outbreak of meningitis. Two children were hospitalised but recovered.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/school-reopens-after-health-scare-4501

Potato-picking Children
7min 09sec

At Annalong, it’s potato gathering time and the fields are full of children helping. Charlie Witherspoon looks into how the schools gave children time off to help with the harvest. Eamonn Cunningham gets 15 bob a day and he’s happy. Marian, however, would rather be at school. The teachers are less happy about the situation. An interesting insight into the attitudes towards children working.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/potatopicking-children-3941

The Aul Lammas Fair, 1965
1min 52sec

It’s the end of August and that means it’s time for the Aul Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. The hawkers are out in force, selling all sorts of wares – everything from yellowman to rope. A palmreader is ready to tell the future. The crowds are out for this busy holiday.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-aul-lammas-fair-1965-4717

A Pantomime in Ballycastle
2min 49sec

Ballycastle is staging its first pantomime. Oh no it isn’t! Well, yes actually. It’s a staging of the Aul Lammas Fair with a terrifying witch and a very large cat.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-pantomime-in-ballycastle-4276

A Hootenanny in Ballycastle
10min 19sec

Charles Witherspoon visits Ballycastle on the eve of the Lammas Fair. For the first time, a Hootenanny has been organised by the town clerk, Mr James O’Kane, who organised the event. Charlie meets some of the performers and audience, including Nurse McGuckin who has come over from Rathlin Island especially.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-hootenanny-in-ballycastle-3589

Irish Writers: Brian Moore
19min 05sec

Profile of Brian Moore (25 August 1921 – 11 January 1999), the renowned Northern Irish novelist and author of acclaimed titles including The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1955) and The Emperor of Ice-cream (1965).

Brain Moore discusses the life experiences and cultural touchstones that were pivotal in his development as a writer. He shares his thoughts on the writing experience and quotes from his own novels.

For Brian Moore, becoming a writer was an act of defiance. He rebelled against the notion that he should follow a pretermined career path - in his case to become a doctor. An aptitude for French helped him get a job in North Africa during WWII and, in the process, helped him escape his parents' expectations. After the war, he would emigrate to North America

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-writers-brian-moore-2831

Schoolgirl Author
01min 38sec

A Braniel Primary School pupil is a budding author. Once she gets home from school, she sets up her typewriter and gets to work on her latest masterpiece. Sadly, we don’t know what she was writing.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/schoolgirl-author-4091

A Handbook for JPs
02min 25sec

Mr Henry Skeehan, a former RUC officer and Justice of the Peace, has written a handbook for Justices of the Peace. He hopes it will provide helpful guidance for those serving.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-handbook-for-jps-4086

What Will You Do When You Leave School?
2min 44sec

Jimmy Greene talks to some 15 year olds at Orangefield High about their intentions now they are at school leaving age. Some want to get out and get working, some are staying on.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/what-will-you-do-when-you-3834

PM O’Neill visits Our Lady of Lourdes School, Ballymoney
10min 48sec

Prime Minister O’Neill visits Our Lady of Lourdes school in Ballymoney and it’s all hands on deck to show him everything the school offers. He calls into various classes including the gym, woodwork and typing classes. There’s a recorder concert, lunch and more. The school has a wide range of classes and PM O’Neill talks to William McGookin about the government’s funding for voluntary schools. Fr Cleanaghan, the Parish Priest is delighted that the school is such a success.

PM O'Neill then visits another school but sadly, we don’t get the full tour this time.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/pm-oneill-visits-our-lady-of-3847

The Lockwood Committee
1min 51sec

The Lockwood Committee meet at Stormont.

Sir John Lockwood was invited to form a committee to look into the location of a second university in Northern Ireland. The report took two years and in the end, somewhat controversially, the decision was taken to place the university in Coleraine, rather than in Derry City.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-lockwood-committee-3887

PM O’Neill visits Our Lady of Lourdes School, Ballymoney
1min 25sec

Minister for Home Affairs, Brian McConnell opens the new ROSPA (the Royal Office for the Prevention of Accidents) office and presents the awards at the Annual Lorry Driver of The Year competition.

The awards cover all kinds of commercial and military driving from milk carts to articulated lorries.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lorry-driver-of-the-year-awards-3618

Queen’s Graduation Parade, December 1963
2min 6sec

A Queen’s Graduation featuring Sir Tyrone Guthrie, then Chancellor.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/queens-graduation-parade-december-1963-3274

Greenmount Prize Day
1min 9sec

Terence O’Neill presents prizes at Greenmount Agricultural College.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/greenmount-prize-day-3518

A Ride Through the Glens
2min 57sec

A jaunting car takes us along the roads of the Glens of Antrim, near Cushendun, to an old cottage and past a fairy tree.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-ride-through-the-glens-3557

Irish Travelogue
4min 21sec

A journey around Northern Ireland - from Portrush to Belfast and Bangor, featuring Richard Hayward.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/irish-travelogue-124

Week-End Escape
7min 33sec

Amateur film from the 1930s shot by Wilfred Capper showing the activities of a group from the Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/weekend-escape-132

No Credit at the Corner Shop
14sec

Don’t ask for credit at the wee shop on Havelock Street in Belfast for, as they say, a refusal often offends.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/no-credit-at-the-corner-shop-3594

Vintage Lorry Delivering Minerals
5min 19sec

A vintage Leyland lorry takes to the roads for TBF Thompson, delivering C&C minerals. Getting it started is a real effort!
This lorry was rescued from the scrapyard some time before and it's great to see it back at work.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/vintage-lorry-delivering-minerals-3633

American-style Shopping Development at Knock
3min 7sec

Robin Walsh with developer Mr Moore on the prospects of an ‘American way of shopping’ with the development of a shopping mall in Knock. He addresses some of the local opposition and admits that plans for a bowling alley have been abandoned.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/americanstyle-shopping-development-at-knock-3379

“Summer” in Bangor
50sec

Well this looks familiar... it’s summertime therefore it must be raining. Bangor pier and seafront doesn’t look too hospitable but some brave souls are venturing out.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/summer-in-bangor-4609

Summer Holidays 8min 14sec

This beach hopping home movie invites you to traverse Ireland’s north coast with the Carrey family. Share in their joy as the family play to the camera, skipping with seaweed and clambering over rocks. From the sandy beach at Waterfoot to a windy stop in Donegal, every place is a chance to entertain each other. As the film ends take a last look at Larne and wave farewell for another year as the ferry takes the family back to Stranraer.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/summer-holidays-2058

A Day Here and There: Fermanagh 12min 12sec

Maria McCann hosts this holiday programme with this episode looking at Fermanagh and all it has to offer.

Opening with - "if its excitement, fun and adventure you're after, then look no further than Fermanagh!" - McCann delves into what Ireland's lake district has to offer. John Creighton (Director of Tourism, Fermanagh), lists all the possible activities one could do in the area, however he advises that its "not a passive holiday" and there's lots to do if you're a 'holidaymaker' rather than a 'holiday taker' Not only is the location popular with Northern Irish locals, it also holds appeal for the European holiday goer.

McCann, meets Hans and Lilo Eilers, from Germany, who call it "one of the most beautiful places" that they've seen in their lives with the serenity and fishing drawing them here. Other activities found in the county include, canoeing, surfing, sailing, kayaking and exploring the Marble Arch Caves.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-day-here-and-there-fermanagh-2722

The Clogher Show 1967 1min 5sec

Lots of prizes to be won at the annual Clogher Show as farmers parade the best of their stock.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-clogher-show-1967-3545

Balmoral Show 1962 1min37sec

Lots of things to see at the Balmoral Show including a concert by the Royal Marines Band and the finest cattle, horses and other agricultural displays.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/balmoral-show-1962-3204

Lord Erne Meets The Beast 36sec

At the Ulster Farmer's Mart in Enniskillen, Lord Erne meets a bull called The Beast. A fine animal no doubt in great demand for stock-breeding.
Lord Erne, or Henry George Victor John Crichton, 6th Earl Erne, KCVO (9 July 1937 - 23 December 2015), was an Anglo-Irish peer and a Lord Lieutenant of Fermanagh. He was known to his family and friends of Harry Erne.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lord-erne-meets-the-beast-35096

Interview with Eddie McArdle, Cyclist 3min 01sec

An interview with cyclist Eddie McArdle, record holder of the Mizen Head to Fairhead challenge in the run-up to the attempt by Maurice Foster.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/interview-with-eddie-mcardle-cyclist-3515

Wimbledon Players Make Predictions 4min 24sec

It’s Men’s Final Day at Wimbledon and Maurice Smyth is meeting the two top-ranking South African tennis players, Cliff Drysdale and Keith Diepraam. They had both performed very well at Wimbledon this year. Maurice asks for their predictions, and (spoiler!), they‘re both wrong. They are here to look around the factory in Monkstown where their rackets are made.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/wimbledon-players-make-predictions-4557

An Interview with Trevor Thompson - Footballer of the Year 1964 2min 52sec

Syd Maguire interviews Trevor Thompson after he was awarded the Ulster Footballer of the Year. Thompson is very humble about his win, sharing the credit with his Glentoran team-mates. He talks about his football career.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-interview-with-trevor-thompson-footballer-3986

Around Shaftesbury Square 2min 29sec

Lovely footage of streets around Shaftesbury Square and Donegall Pass including Packenham and Fulton Streets off the Dublin Road.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/around-shaftesbury-square-4424

Ballyclare Fair 1964 9min 8sec

Amazing film of all the goings-on at Ballyclare Fair.

Warning: Some shots may cause dizziness! Fairground rides, horse sales. Charlie Witherspoon on the whirligig. Get some yellowman, or a wee white mouse. This was a week-long fair.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ballyclare-fair-1964-3361

Old and New Parks 1min 50sec

A sad child looks upon the tied-up old swings in Ormeau Park, while in Castlereagh, everyone is going crazy for the new park opened there. Adrienne McGuill is there to join in the fun.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/old-and-new-parks-4223

The Lough Erne Cot 02min 40sec

At beautiful Lough Erne, Charlie Witherspoon looks at the history of the Lough Erne cot – a boat peculiar to Erne.

He meets John McGoldrick who was born and raised on Innisleague, an island near Lisnaskea. John has rode on cots for eleven years, transporting milk. The cot was originally made of oak. Incredibly, here we see John and his family load a tractor onto the boat.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-lough-erne-cot-3987

Bangor Speedboat 01min 27sec

Join Josephine Patricia McConnell with her brother, Terence McConnell and sister-in-law, Rosie as they venture out for an exciting speed boat ride in Bangor. John Dermot Campbell who is behind the camera, married Josephine Patricia McConnell half a year later in February 1930.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bangor-speedboat-2829

The Ruffian 03min 56sec

Northern Ireland takes great pride in its boat building heritage, watch masters at work in Portaferry with news rushes from Ulster Television.

Portaferry is a home of Weatherly Yachts renowned for their quality fibreglass boats that go by the name of Ruffian. The original Ruffian was a 33ft Ocean Racer designed and built by brothers Dickie and Billy Brown in 1969-70. Most of Billy’s designs were born in creative bursts around 3am. “When I can think most clearly as at that time the ether isn’t clustered with other people’s ideas”. Ruffian was an immense success that started the remarkable family business in this film.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-ruffian-2021

Trout Nursery in Armagh 03min 04sec

Charles Witherspoon visits a trout nursery in Armagh and interviews Mr Culbert of the Armagh Anglers Club. There are 250,000 baby trout ready to be released to the ten lakes the Anglers Club supplies.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/trout-nursery-in-armagh-3482

Barrel-making in Derry 06min 39sec

Charles Witherspoon visits Jimmy Ramsey, one of the last coopers in Derry. Jimmy shows him how to make a barrel. In this case, an American barrel (or schook) used for whiskey. This is beautiful footage of a long-lost skill. Jimmy also talks about how he wears a copper bracelet that has cured his rheumatism.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/barrelmaking-in-derry-3373

Carving Whet-Stones on Eshbralley Mountain 02min 46sec

At the sandstone quarry on Eshbralley Mountain near Lisnaskea, Charlie Witherspoon reports on the famous Lisnaskea whet stone (or scythe stone). The stones were used to sharpen knives, blades and scythes. We see the hand-crafted process from beginning to end.

The Mulholland family had quarried this site for at least 150 years.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/carving-whetstones-on-eshbralley-mountain-3985

Lumière Frères: Queen's Bridge, Belfast 38sec

This is one of a series of actuality films shot by the French filmmakers, Auguste and Louis Lumiere, in 1897, two years after the invention of cinematography. This is the first known material filmed in Northern Ireland.

Title sourced from the Irish Film Archive

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lumiere-freres-queens-bridge-belfast-10

Charm of Ulster 13min 25sec

Let Walter Love be your guide as you discover the charms of this land of mountains and many waters. Travel 35 miles from Scotland to a land that inspired ballads, from the Tears of the Mountain to the Giant’s Causeway you can still enjoy many of these charms today. Temptations for tourists are peppered with displays of Ulster produce.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/charm-of-ulster-1787

Picnic From Portaferry 5min

Amateur film of an outing from Portaferry across Strangford Lough.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/picnic-from-portaferry-133

Enchanting Portrush 7min 48sec

Sunny scenes at the seaside resort in this Northern Ireland Tourist Board footage, as families and holidaymakers are shown enjoying all the attractions of the popular location.

With its natural charms - not least its three sandy beaches - and numerous crowd-pleasing diversions, Portrush, in County Antrim, is a beloved tourist destination. In this footage we see visitors enjoying many of the entertainments it has to offer, be it the miniature train and Moon Rocket at Barry's Amusements, a frolic in the paddling pool, or donkey ride on one of the pristine beaches.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/enchanting-portrush-1843

The Story of Noon’s Hole 3 min 9 sec

Charles Witherspoon climbs up out of Noon’s Hole to interview Patrick McConnell who knows the story of Dominic Noon, a Ribbonman, who was a revolutionary turned informer, murdered and tossed down the hole c. 1826.

Noon’s Hole lies about 5km northwest of the centre of Boho, in the townland of Old Barr in the parish of Devenish, County Fermanagh. It is 81m deep and Noon's body was found at a depth of 190 feet (58 m) and retrieved. The body was then carried to a chapel for a wake but local people blocked the doorway preventing entrance. The murderers of Noon were never caught despite the offer of a £100 reward.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-story-of-noons-hole-3480

The Rag Tree in Dungiven 3min 38sec

A wart well and a rag tree at O’Cahgan’s Tomb near Dungiven. Charlie Witherspoon tells the story of this mystical place. Rag, or clootie trees and wells are a fairly common sight in parts of Ireland. This well is said to have the cure for warts, and those seeking help must follow very particular rituals.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-rag-tree-in-dungiven-4218

Repairing the Roof of Carleton’s Cottage 33sec

Thatchers work on the roof of the cottage of William Carleton, novelist and poet, who was born near Clogher in 1794. Carleton was a somewhat controversial figure who took the stories of his impoverished childhood and wrote them into ethnic sketches of poor Irish people.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/repairing-the-roof-of-carletons-cottage-3544

Building Bendhu House 04min 13sec

Up near Ballintoy, Charlie Witherspoon visits an unusual house built by a mysterious man who declined to be interviewed or filmed. The house is still under construction and had been now for 29 years. It’s a maze of rooms with no apparent plan. The internal artwork is staggering. Now we do know the story of Bendhu House and its original owner thanks to research including the book, Bendhu and its Builders by Andrew Cowser. ‘Bendhu was the creation of Newton Penprase, a remarkable Cornish artist based in Belfast,’ explains Cowser, an architecture lecturer at Queen's University.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/building-bendhu-house-3927

Heather House 36sec

Heather House is located at one of the two entrances to the grounds of Castlecoole. Here it lies in a dilapidated state but it is now part of the National Trust.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/heather-house-3496

Bonamargy Friary 03min 49sec

Are you a keen historian or a ghost enthusiast? Travel to Bonamargy Friary to enjoy a tale of the mysterious Black Nun and her uncanny last wish.

These Ulster Television news rushes tell tales of Julia McQuillan, a mysterious prophet and a recluse who chose to live alone among the ruins of Bonamargy after the Friary fell out of use in the 17th century.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bonamargy-friary-2034

Angling at Lough Muck 04min 40sec

Charles Witherspoon at Lough Muck in Fairy Water, Omagh, where some well-known anglers are fishing for pike. These include Peter Tombleson and Sonny Crag of the Angling Times, alongside local Dan McCrae, Cyril Inwood and Denis Pyle. Peter talks about why they’re all here. He has high hopes as Irish fishing has so much potential and the Tourist Board is hoping they will all spread the word.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/angling-at-lough-muck-3603

McGilloway's Way: Fish and Fishers 25min 08sec

Oliver McGilloway present's McGilloway's Way, a programme which celebrates the dramatic and beautiful landscapes surrounding Ulster.

This episode is set by the River Faughan, Co. Londonderry, waters which are rich in fish, particularly trout and salmon. All kinds of anglers "from all creeds and classes" come to the river hoping to catch fish. The main problem at the moment however, - "and one which the anglers have difficulty understanding" - is that despite the bountiful river, very little fish are being caught. Hear from the locals about their theories of why this happening, from water oxygen levels to algae!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mcgilloways-way-fish-and-fishers-3311

Fishing Festival 14min 32sec

160 competitors pour into Fermanagh to snare their share of the coveted £5,000 prize. Keep a careful eye on the leader board to see if the only female competitor Shirley Saltariche makes it into the top 10. Drama and handy travel tips from the Tourist Board go hand in hand. Hotels are nestled so snugly on shore of Lough Erne you could fish out the window of your room. Ecologists may wish to have closer look at the weigh in, you’ll see no shortage of fish in the clean Fermanagh waters.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/benson-and-hedges-fishing-festival-1906

Will There be Peace in Ireland? 22sec

Unionist Sir James Craig seen here giving a speech during the lead-up to the historic negotiations which would lead to the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December of 1921.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/will-there-be-peace-in-ireland-68

Is it Peace? 01min 05sec

Newsreel item showing Sinn Fein delegates arriving in England for a conference on peace in Ireland. This conference, in October 1921, would lead to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6th December. Members of the delegation go to Downing Street - Arthur Griffith (head of the delegation), Michael Collins, Gavan Duffy and Erskine Childers (secretary to the delegation).

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/is-it-peace-57

Government's Answer to De Valera 33sec

This records a crucial moment during the Anglo-Irish negotiations. On 17 October 1921 Lloyd George took the very unusual step of summoning the cabinet to Inverness. The film shows Inverness Town Hall and the Prime Minister, Lloyd George, and Churchill.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/governments-answer-to-de-valera-50

Spade-making in Fermanagh 8min 3sec

Charlie Witherspoon straddles the border in Fermanagh to meet the McMahon brothers who are traditional spade-makers. One of the brothers talks Charlie through the whole process. There are many different patterns, each area of Ireland having its own design. Is this the origin of ‘having a face like a Lurgan spade’? Great images of the foundry in action.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/spademaking-in-fermanagh-3921

John Mercer: Plants in Bottles 4min 14sec

Gardening expert John Mercer talks about growing plants in bottles. John was a regular on UTV and had a column in the TV Post. Planting in bottles is a tricky business and John has created his own tools for the job.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/john-mercer-plants-in-bottles-3630

Loughry Agricultural College Orchards 2min 54sec

Scenic shots of Loughry Agricultural College in Dungannon, which only opened its doors to male students in 1962. Prior to that it had been the Ulster Dairy School and catered only for female students providing two main courses on poultry keeping, dairy and rural housewifery. Here we see the establishment of an orchard and some pruning techniques.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/loughry-agricultural-college-orchards-3195

Kitchen Garden: A Cabbage May Look at a King 12min 13sec

Apart from the advantage of cutting your food expenses, there is nothing tastier or healthier than using the freshest ingredients for the kitchen table straight from your own garden. In this episode of Kitchen Garden, gardening team David and Philip advise of how to grow and care for different varieties of veg in Brassicaceae family – red cabbage, Brussels sprouts (yes, they do come from Belgium!) and the hardy member of the family, the Savoy. Join kitchen garden experts Davis Wilson, Philip Woods and Jenny Bristow and learn lots of useful tips, tricks and recipes to make sure you get the tastiest produce from your plot and on your table.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kitchen-garden-a-cabbage-may-look-2850

A Bar in the Student Union? 3min 30sec

Charles Witherspoon at Queen’s investigates the shocking proposal of a bar in the Student’s Union. Opinions are divided. The Bursar, however, is all for the idea; he feels that a bar in the Union will allow the university to supervise the students drinking better.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-bar-in-the-student-union-3656

19th Century Meals at the Windsor Restaurant 2min 28sec

Jimmy Greene is served ‘King William Champ’, a 19th Century dish. Mr Harry Toner, owner of the Windsor restaurant, explains it’s part of a promotion for a competition that also includes the waitresses wearing 19th Century uniforms.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/19th-century-meals-at-the-windsor-3651

‘Happy Event’ Maternity Wear Shop Opens 5min 47sec

The opening of a maternity wear shop in Howard Street, Belfast. ‘Happy Event’ brought a new sense of style for pregnant ladies. Jimmy Greene visits the shop and meets Mrs Diane Berber, the proprietor and designer, who explains the range of garments and why the need for such a shop exists in Belfast. Mr Berber talks of the importance of a range of clothing for expectant mothers.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/happy-event-maternity-wear-shop-opens-3621

Producing Local Honey 08min 52sec

A film of the entire process of bee-keeping and honey making. It is a delicate process that produces some of the most beautiful honey in the world.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/producing-local-honey-4059

Red Deer in Caledon 01min 04sec

Beautiful footage of red deer in Caledon.

The Red Deer is the last remaining Native deer to Ireland. The great Irish Elk and the Reindeer were also once native here. The Red Deer is now the largest land mammal. The other species of deer in Ireland, such as fallow deer and sika deer, have been introduced for hunting or farming.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/red-deer-in-caledon-4055

Restocking Tempo River with Trout 25sec

Restocking Tempo River with Trout

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/restocking-tempo-river-with-trout-4043

The North Coast in Colour 02min 11sec

Beautiful colour film of the north coast of Northern Ireland. Possibly the first colour film made by UTV.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-north-coast-in-colour-3725

Millbridge Waterwheel, Ballynahinch 03min 15sec

Near Ballynahinch, Leslie Dawes visits a wonderful working water-wheel, still in use at Millbridge. A beautiful film of the last of the water-wheels at a seed mill owned by Mr Harris. Mr Harris has owned the mill for 40 years and the wheel has been in use since the mill opened in 1816. He values the money the wheel saves him.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/millbridge-waterwheel-ballynahinch-3696

Visiting The Moy 07min 02sec

Charles Witherspoon visits The Moy in Tyrone which is a historical village famous for its horse fair. Charlie takes a look at the courthouse erected by Lord Charlemont and the story of how it moved around the village. Sadly, Charlie reports on the closure of the Petty Court and meets some of the locals who remember the olden days. Mrs Whitley recalls the horse fairs. Mr Peter Tohill’s father was a magistrate who saw over a fair few cases.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/visiting-the-moy-3707

The Mater Hospital 01min 29sec

Exterior shots of the beautiful Mater Hospital and images of the nurses and nuns at work inside, taking care of the patients.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-mater-hospital-3768

Nurses Prize-Giving at the Royal 01min 23sec

Prize-giving for the new nurses at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/nurses-prizegiving-at-the-royal-3715

The Open Door 21min 16sec

Witness the changing face of psychiatric care in this hospital sponsored public information film.
Follow the six-week journey to recovery of a fictional patient in the real Gransha Psychiatric Hospital. This film is written and directed by John Hume, the principle architect of the Good Friday Agreement and a leading figure in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland. Glimpse the recreational, occupational and industrial therapies that indicate the gradually changing attitudes and provision for the treatment of mental illness in the Derry hospital.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-open-door-1982

Mitchell and Kenyon - Tram Ride Through Belfast 02min 13sec

Street scenes shot from a moving tram. Shoppers, bicycles and the occasional horse and cart can be seen.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mitchell-and-kenyon-tram-ride-through-1762

Bullet-throwing at The Moy 03min 52sec

Charlie Witherspoon learns all about the art of bullet-throwing (road bowls). Mr Shannon explains that rules for gambling within the sport. Sean Cartmill and Harry Toal compete in a Score and lots of money changes hands. Throwing over 3 miles. CW interviews Harry Toal on his training regime and how he throws. The ball weighs 1 ¾ lbs.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/bulletthrowing-at-the-moy-3290

Mudplugging on Slieve Croob 04min 23sec

What is mudplugging? Good question! Mudplugging is a competition to get through 12 off road sections (six done twice). A section is usually 150 meters long and is laid out over rough, muddy, wet and difficult terrain. Ideal land would be a quarry, hillside scrub land, rough farm land, sand pit or a forest. The sections are laid out over rough terrain and marked out with stakes (red on left & white on right).

Each section is divided up by 10 gates all numbered 10 down to 0, and the objective is for the driver to negotiate all of the sections without touching a marker. Each section is judged by an observer who follows each competitor through the section, and the driver with the lowest total marks on the day wins.

The sections are driven generally at walking pace and in 1st gear, as the gates are specifically laid out on hills and hollows with plenty of mud and some water thrown in, there is only one competing car in the section at any time. The passenger has a special role – using his weight and bumping up and down to get car over rough spots. Some heavy clutch action!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mudplugging-on-slieve-croob-3256

Milestones or Millstones: Coming of St Patrick
12min 50sec

Paul Clark leads a conversation with Prof. F. J. Bryne (University College Dublin) as they explore the topic of Saint Patrick and how the early Christian Church was formed in Ireland.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/milestones-or-millstones-coming-of-st-2577

Saul Pilgrimage 05min 23sec

This traditional pilgrimage on St Patrick's Day has recently been re-established.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/saul-pilgrimage-201

Making Replicas of St Patrick’s Grave 02min 56sec

Jimmy Greene visits Down Cathedral and the grave of St Patrick. He interviews Lesley Hanna, retired journalist, about his business making small replicas of the gravestone. He came upon the idea after visiting the holy site himself and finding no souvenirs available to bring his wife.

The replicas are made of ground Mourne granite and plaster of Paris. Schoolboy Alan Leahy paints the replicas, following his day at school, before they are sold.

The main markets include visitors to the grave, as well as customers in England, Scotland and America.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/making-replicas-of-st-patricks-grave-3172

Suffragettes calling for arrest of Bonar Law and Carson 42sec

This newsreel shows a suffragette march in London. This clip (especially 04:13 - 04:55) shows that Nationalist and Liberals were not the only opponents Unionists and Conservatives faced. Both Andrew Bonar Law (leader of the Conservative opposition) and Sir Edward Carson (leader of the Irish Unionists) opposed votes for women and this was the reason why suffragettes called for their arrest. However, neither Herbert Asquith (the Liberal Prime Minister) nor John Redmond (leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party) would come out in favour of votes for women. It was not until November 1918 that women were given the vote

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/suffragettes-calling-for-arrest-of-bonar-20

Miss TV Post Finalists 1965 04min 28sec

Glamorous ladies compete for the title of Miss TV Post. Here we see the contestants getting ready for the big event and learn a little about what each of them works as. Nothing says glam like rounding up the cattle!

The TV Post was a programme listings magazine. It was the Northern Ireland variation of the TV Times.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/miss-tv-post-finalists-1965-3375

'Women In Construction and Non-Traditional Sectors' campaign 11min 45sec

News conference at the Women's Tec, on the launch of 'Women in Construction and Non-Traditional Sectors', a campaign to encourage and facilitate more women to work in the construction sector.

Features a variety of speakers at the press conference and interviews. Shots showing the 'Women in Construction' campaign posters and marketing materials.

Second part of the film features a woman carpenter at work, she is interviewed as an advocate for more women to join the construction industry.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/women-in-construction-and-nontraditional-sectors-2386

Lesser Spotted Ulster: MacNean 25min 28sec

Joe Mahon is in southwest of Fermanagh. First, we’ll have a look at Lough MacNean, a large freshwater lake on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Somewhere in the middle of it three counties meet - Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. Lower Lough MacNean the smaller eastern lake, is wholly within County Fermanagh. Upper Lough MacNean, the larger western lake, is split between Fermanagh, County Cavan and County Leitrim. On the strip of land between the two lakes are the villages of Belcoo (Fermanagh) and Blacklion (Cavan).

Joe Mahon visits a local farmer and tries out his traditional methods while enjoying the wonderful landscape that surrounds the lough. We will also get a taster of what it’s like to be in an old pagan sweathouse. Having enjoyed the beauty of the world above, Joe ventures downwards into the mysterious world of limestone caves, stalagmites and stalactites.

Such unique way of exploring local histories would not be possible without the local people and their wisdom, warmth and wit.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lesser-spotted-ulster-macnean-2397

Whose Land, The Bogland? 26min 12sec

The bog lands occupy a unique place in Northern Irish life.

Elemental, mysterious, home to a multitude of bog mosses and heathers that have evolved over millennia, this natural resource has been cultivated for centuries by countless generations of farmers and turf producers.

However, modern technology and processes have rendered a drastic change in how peat is extracted and, some would argue, impacted negatively on livelihoods, wildlife and the landscape.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/whose-land-the-bogland-2221

Mod Fashion on Sandy Row 01min 13sec

A couple of youths walk into a Sandy Row clothes shop and try on some mod clothes in May 1966, at the peak of the Mod era.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/mod-fashion-on-sandy-row-2865

Super 8 Stories Extra Footage: The Last Working Saturday on the Derry Line
11min 30sec

The 14 February 1965, saw the last Saturday train on the GNR line from Portadown to Derry via Dungannon and Omagh. This clip shows footage of the line known as the “Derry Road”

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/super-8-stories-extra-footage-the-680

Kennedy's Bakery Fruit Loaf Production 08min 29sec

Stage by stage in the creation of a fruit loaf.

The bakers of J.B. Kennedy's toil to produce all manner of doughy delights, not least their famous fruit loaf!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/kennedys-bakery-fruit-loaf-production-1935

The Griddle Queen 1964 05min 25sec

James Boyce at Goldstone Hall for the Griddle Queen of Northern Ireland competition. James interviews Mrs Boucher on how the competition gives the 'older ladies' something to do. All competitors must be over 65. The requirements that make up a good soda farl include colour, texture, flavour and shape. There is quite the discussion about what makes a good soda. The winner is...Mrs Robinson who seems slightly non-plussed by her cape and crown.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-griddle-queen-1964-3303

Message in a Bottle 11min 49sec

A story of a couple, Lyndy Stewart and Gordon Stewart, reunited after Lyndy’s love message in a bottle brought the couple back together. The message was recovered by Brian McCann, a self-proclaimed lover of love, who delivered the love notes to its intended recipient and helped to rekindle Lyndy’s and Brian’s relationship.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/message-in-a-bottle-2894

Super 8 Stories: 1939 Wedding 04min 36sec

Geoff Goldsbrough looks back at footage of his parents' wedding and of their reception at Belfast Castle in 1939. This is followed by scenes of his parents at his own wedding in the 1960s. This clip appeared in Series 1, Programme 1 of Super 8 Stories.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/super-8-stories-1939-wedding-528

Portadown Couples
04min 46sec

Two couples from Portadown (Jim and Georgie Lyttle and Rodney and Pamela Lynas) recall their memories of getting married in the 1960s and starting families with fun footage of their days out together. This clip appeared in Series 2, Programme 3 of Super 8 Stories

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/super-8-stories-portadown-couples-563

Belfast City and Countryside 04min 24sec

A 1920s look at the countryside that surrounds Belfast.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/belfast-city-and-countryside-113

Landmarks of Lisburn 05min 46sec

Take a tour through the Lisburn of yesteryear.
This evocative film takes us on a delightful expedition into Lisburn's past. There are familiar streets and buildings, but also places that have changed beyond recognition, or disappeared altogether.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/landmarks-of-lisburn-2118

The History of Enniskillen 04min 43sec

Charles Witherspoon visits Enniskillen and explores its interesting history from the 16th century to present, moving from war to modern commerce. He laments the lack of support for tourism in the area.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-history-of-enniskillen-3495

A One-Man Bus in Fermanagh 31sec Silent

All aboard the Fivemiletown to Tempo bus as it sets off on a snowy journey. Changing times, this bus has only a driver and his new ticket machine. No more conductors!

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/a-oneman-bus-in-fermanagh-3501

Amphicar in action
37sec

A road-water car that allows its owner to cross Strangford Lough.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/amphicar-in-action-249

Flying BEA: Nutts Corner to Heathrow 10min 46sec

Flights take off and land at Nutts Corner, featuring BEA Viscount and Vanguard craft. The footage follows one flight from boarding to landing at Heathrow, including on-board footage from inside the cockpit, its return to Nutts Corner, and in-flight shots of passengers and crew. People watch the planes landing from a viewing area at Heathrow. Nutts Corner operated as an airport from the 1920s until 1963.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/flying-bea-nutts-corner-to-heathrow-3168

Lace-making in Fermanagh 05min 21sec

Charles Witherspoon visits Mrs Annie Ward at Carrickwick in Fermanagh to learn about lace-making. Beautiful film of Mrs Ward at her craft by an open fire but unfortunately we don’t get to hear her story. Charlie interviews John Lees in Enniskillen who runs a shop that sells the lace. He laments the lack of interest of younger folk in learning the skill.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/lacemaking-in-fermanagh-3484

An Expedition in the Mournes 11min 42sec

A group of men, women and child explore the Mourne Mountains. They go rock-climbing, map-reading and have a picnic, before going back to the Youth Hostel and having a sing-song in front of the fire. Up again the next day, after a solid breakfast, they have more adventures in the mountains. Beautiful footage of the Mournes and surrounding countryside.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/an-expedition-in-the-mournes-3163

Haggis Hurling 05min 33sec

Did you hurl haggis for Northern Ireland in 1980? If you missed your chance you can train for the next World Championships with this helpful news story. Hagrarian Robin Dunseath guides us through the rules and relics of this ancient tradition before having a hurl. Will reporter Gerry Kelly manage to keep his dignity as he clambers onto a whiskey barrel to address the heather? Wait for the sound of the haggis hooter to find out.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/haggis-hurling-1932

The Old Chemists 02min 39sec

Charlie Witherspoon visits Maginnis’s Chemists, the oldest chemists in Derry and possibly in Ireland. Established by Sir John Maginnis who was also the Mayor of Derry, this chemist’s still makes pills and tonics the old way. He meets Mr Ferguson, the Managing Director, who shows him some wonderful old documents.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/the-old-chemists-3336

Working on the Flu Vaccine 01min 06sec

A doctor and his assistant at the Royal Victoria Hospital work on the flu vaccine for this year’s (1966) virus.

A Spoonful of Sugar 37sec

Wee ones receiving their polio vaccinations on sugar lumps. Polio was a major cause of death in children in the early to mid-20th century. In the 1950s, outbreaks of the disease killed or paralysed millions of children and adults. At the time of this film, two vaccines had been created. One was administered by injection, but the other, developed by Albert Sabin, was orally ingested via a sugar cube.

Super 8 Stories: The Big Freeze

07min 52sec

In the winter of 1963 Northern Ireland was brought to a standstill under blizzard conditions with the snow playing havoc with daily life for weeks to come. Such was the severity of the conditions that this period would always be henceforth referred to as 'The Big Freeze'. Combining amateur film from a wealth of different sources across the country and interviews with the people who shot it we are able to see how this this event affected the people of Northern Ireland. From the seriousness of the situation in Castlewellen where the whole town was cut off and needed supplies delivered by helicopter to the fun side of things with people driving a Mini across the frozen waters of Lough Erne, as well as hearing the thoughts of Dennis Tuohy who was a television weatherman of the time. This clip appeared in Series 3, Programme 4 of 'Super 8 Stories'.

Skating on Ballysaggart (Newsview)

01min 58sec

The frozen waters of Dungannon's 'Black Lough' call to the adventurous and the ridiculous in this extraordinary video. Dogs, dancers and the daring alike make the most of the freak conditions, with local man PG McQuaid even testing the ice in his Mini!

Beginning just after Christmas 1962, 'The Big Freeze' was the toughest winter Northern Ireland ever had to deal with – with an average temperature across the whole season of 1.51°C. And it was no mere icy snap, the freeze lasted days, then weeks, hitting -15 degrees Celsius in late-January.This material is Courtesy of the UTV Archive.

Super 8 Stories Extra Footage: Arctic Antics

09min 15sec

During the Big Freeze of 1963 not everything came to a halt and one hardy bunch of cyclists endured the extreme conditions to have fun in the winter landscape. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'Winter Fun in the Big Freeze'.

Super 8 Stories Extra Footage: Christmas 1955

06min 34sec

A record of a family preparing for Christmas in 1950s Northern Ireland. Filmed by award-winning amateur film-maker, Gordon McKnight, we follow his family through from the writing of Christmas lists and acquiring the tree through to the big day itself. Sections of this footage were used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.

Christmas Checklist: Visit Santa's Reindeers

01min 51sec

The Digital Film Archive looks back at Christmas traditions - next up is visiting Santa's reindeers out in the snow!

Hanging stockings for Santa

36sec

Christmas Eve, 1964 and Brian and David are getting ready for Santa's visit. They leave out notes and fix a stocking each to the mantlepiece.

Super 8 Stories: Christmas Special
28min 37sec

Special seasonal episode of the Northern Ireland home movies series, Super 8 Stories.

Super 8 Stories Extra Footage: A Child's Christmas
13min 51sec

Short film by Gordon McKnight of a 1960s family Christmas with shots of Belfast shops and putting up decorations around the house, as well as opening the presents on Christmas Day. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The McKnight Family at Christmas' and sections of it were also used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.

Super 8 Stories Extra Footage: Shopping Centre Santa
07min 41sec

Comber brothers, Noel and Roy Spence, were born on Christmas Day, grew up to be national award-winning film-makers and also spent half of each year designing and building Santa's Grottos for shopping centres and department stores across Northern Ireland. It was only natural then that they combined these interests to shoot this wonderful film of an early 1980s Grotto they built for Ards Shopping Centre on 16mm film. It stands now as testament to a lost time when stores and centres throughout the land pulled out all the stops in conjuring up winter wonderlands for children to visit Santa in. Sections of this footage were used in the Super 8 Stories Christmas Special.

Leisureworld

07min 29sec

Take a nostalgic trip back in time to visit one of the Belfast's most beloved shops, Leisureworld.

Situated on Queen's Street, Leisureworld was a Belfast institution. The toy shop opened its doors on the 9th September 1976 and was a popular birthday and Christmas destination for generations of Northern Irish children. It closed in April 1998.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/leisureworld-2255

Belfast Christmas market

36sec

Shoppers gather at one of the markets in Belfast to buy their Christmas needs - vegetables, Christmas trees, holly and turkeys. One man is selling turkeys from a trailer and we see people picking their tree for the festive season.

Highdays & Holidays: Festive Fare

25min 12sec

Aromas of festive fare preparations and the Christmas cake baking in the oven are probably the best part of the build-up to Christmas day. From the warm and spicy atmosphere of her country kitchen Jenny prepares a mouth-watering array of food and drink for the festive season such as homemade mincemeat for mince pies, two-fruit Christmas cake, stilton and apple strudel, yule log and a drink with a difference.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/highdays-holidays-festive-fare-3159

Ella Fitzgerald in Belfast

02min 10sec

Arriving and disembarking at Aldergrove Airport, Ella Fitzgerald is interviewed by Jimmy Greene ahead of her first Belfast concert.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/ella-fitzgerald-in-belfast-3108

Plane and Train Passengers

02min 28sec

A clip from Norman Stockton's programme about the UTV archives.

Features an airplane landing at Belfast International Airport with further scenes showing the early flight glamour of the 1960's as passenger disembark in their finest travel clothes. Further travel is required for some passengers with shots of train travel shown.

https://digitalfilmarchive.net/media/plane-and-train-passengers-2785

Amateur film of Amelia Earhart and her plane in Gallagher's field in Co. Londonderry.

A Sense of Tradition: The Last Wolf

14min 53sec

Using the methods of re-enactment, time markers and maps, and by visiting current day locations, presenter Oliver McGilloway embarks on the fantastical, fascinating story of Ireland - from the time of the last wolf to the Great Famine. Carrying on from the previous episode of Celts and Vikings, we begin in the market town of Dungiven, County Londonderry.

The Last Pinta

9min 1sec

Footage shot of the final day's work carried out by a Newtownards milkman before his retirement. We join him on his last round in his milk float shot by his sons and show footage of the milk float being transported to its new home at the Ulster Transport Museum. This is the original unedited footage which was used in the making of the Super 8 Story, 'The Last Milk Round'

The Last Horse-Drawn Tram in Ireland

21min 39sec

As steam and horses give way to diesel and electric, witness the last horse drawn tram in Ireland.

Can you spot the gunpowder van in the bustling Belfast traffic? A. H. Martin captures the changing face of transport with enthusiastic detail. Jaunting cars that taxi passengers zip past. You can see the soft path of ash sprinkled on the tracks to protect the horse’s hooves. Glimpse the rusting shells of steam engines as diesel powered trains sprint across Northern Ireland. The last train to grace your screen starred alongside Sean Connery in The First Great Train Robbery.

Super 8 Stories: Farewell Voyage of the Queen Mary

04min 10sec

Ulster Sails West

27min 12sec

A patriotic take on the Ulster-Scot emigration to North America and how these "stubborn people" shaped America and its politics.

Ulster Sails West explores Northern Ireland’s links with America. Inspired by Marshall’s Ulster Sails West (1943), the programme demonstrates the extensive influence of Ulster-Scots in various aspects of life in America. Telling the story of the quarter of a million Ulster Scots who “fled from persecution and poverty at home” the ballad takes us on a journey through their history. Presenter Charles Witherspoon’s narrative is illustrated by Rowel Friers’s paintings.

From Here to the

Whitehouse

13min 54sec

Film Makers - Sharon Adams

06min 58sec

In celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich craft landscape, past and present, Sharon Adams was one of five makers invited to produce new work in response to heritage footage from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive.

Returning home to Northern Ireland after 25 years in S.E England, Sharon now works from her rural home and studio in County Antrim, using traditional craft skills to make one-off sculptural pieces and small editions.

Using wood, metal and textiles, she makes functionless tools which invite the viewer to imagine what they might be for and comments on the value of skilled making

Natural Selection: South for the Winter

25min 32sec

Looking at the age old ritual of wild geese migrating for winter.

Huge flocks of wild geese come south for our winter, down from the frozen wastes that were their breeding grounds, during the brief period of the Arctic summer.

Corfield's Camera Factory – Ballymoney

12min 41sec

Natural Selection: The Bat People

24min 18sec

Lucas

6 min 25sec

Heart-warming animation of a nocturnal moth who discovers sunlight after endless nights bathed only in the glow of the streetlamp.

‘Lucas’ is a thing of beauty. It is a film about finding the light in darkness and about finding hope in the world around you, even when that doesn’t seem possible.