Summer on the Bann From Harry Foy's Book 'Growing up in Portadown in the Thirties and Forties' |
The banks of the River Bann was our playground when we were young. Behind the pumping station, close to the Bann Bridge, the reed grass was five foot high - a wonderland of jungle. Here we played and chased water hens. It was here too that we learned about boats. Joe Grimason ran a boat hire business beside the bridge and he taught us how to row a boat. During the Scottish holiday week, the town was invaded by exiles visiting friends and family. A row on the the Bann was a great attraction. There was always a couple of bob to be earned rowing visitors to the Point of Whitecote and back. The Bann was also our swimming pool. Marley Street gangs swam on one side of the river while the Edenderry boys swam on the other. We undressed high up in the girders and then climbed down a big thick rope given to us by one of the tug men. The nearby stream which ran from Corcrain through the park and past Francis Street was where we sailed homemade boats or threw in tin cans and then tried to sink them by hitting them with stones. There were a lot of rats in the river and we used to shine torches along the banks at night to spot their beady eyes as they scurried around. I can recall the River Bann being frozen over twice. On one occasion Ned McIlkenny, a coalman, drove his horse and cart across the Bann from Sand Quay to Foundry Street. On another occasion, Shillington's Coal yard caught fire and burning coals fell into the water. That night some lads from Edenderry took to the water for a midnight dip. |
Market Day in
Portadown.
Street gangs and fogging orchards. Even the dog understood the language.
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A long throw since skittles game was born. |