Hello sj,
I have very very fond memories of miss McCormack she lived directly facing me in Hillman St. I remember she would bring me into her parlour, where her piano was situated and play for me. She would give me a biscuit and a glass of milk. She must have taken a liking to me because I was the only kid in the street that she allowed into her house. Her friend lived next door Miss Cormican and miss McCormack kept an eye on her, she was an older lady. I was not fornunate enough for my family to be able to afford piano lessons but later in life i found that I had a ear for music. My wife bought me a guitar for my 40th birthday and I taught myself to play t a reasonable standard. Since I have learned to play the tin whistle, harmonica, and am currently struggling with the mandoline. Maybe all those years ago listening to Miss McCormack taught me something.
A few doors down lived The Scullions and I remember them well. I also remember The Donaldsons and I would have played with them and the Cummings. I was a similar age to Edward and it broke my heart when they left Hillman st. One of the older brothers is on friends re-united and lives on York Rd working as an undertaker. I attempted to contact him with no reply. The Cummings eventually had a girl Linda I think was her name she was the youngest.
Thinking back then its very sad that because of the troubles friends were lost when nearly all the protestants left Hillman St. Familys that I grew up with including The Cummings, The Donaldsons, The Mussens, The Toppings, The Muterys all left.
I remember The Cannings very well and they were such a lovely family. Brian I think was the youngest and they lived above the shop. I remember they had a viandra which looked onto the Antrim Rd. There was also a daughter who was very good looking and was really nice. Mr and Mrs Canning were lovely people and I think they moved to Bangor and Brian looked after the shop.
Thanks for reminding me of Miss McCormack, she always wore Black I wonder did she lose a loved on in the war or something and never married I suppose we will never know but she was a lovely lady.
Hello Dickie,
I went to primary school at the Star of the Sea which was very close. In the top end where you lived I knew the Donaldsons . 2nd door from Hallidays Rd on l.h.s. and further up there ws the Cummings who were a family of six boys and they al went to the Jaffa school. On the r.h.s. there was Tommy Lee...ist door past the shop and then Miss Mc Cormick who taught the piano. Relations of my mothers lived near Miss Mc Cormick and they were called Scullion.Do you remember the Cannings, Mickey and Brian whose parents owned the Academy newsagency opposite the Cliftonville Rd. Just below the Hallidays were great friends of mine, the Shiels...1st door past the shop and on the opposite side was the Cappers. My mum had the small shop beside the entry at the top of Spamount St.