Just found this forum and really enjoying seeing all the old photos of the Shore Rd on here and having a trip down memory lane. I grew up in Fairhill Walk, but have been out here in LA for the past 17 years. I went to Lowwood school and remember walking down the lane past the Waveney steps and the sandys too many times to remember. Went to the wee bakery at the bottom of the lane to get our paris buns too, and also to Shook's wee shop in the corner for sweets. I remember the pet store that used to be there too-had totally forgot about that, so was a nice flashback when someone mentioned it here. The Golden Fry was a staple for anyone growing up round here, and also the newsagent next door for the Beano and some sweets when I was wee. Remember the old flats across from Shore Crescent too, my mum's cousin Margaret Muirhead owned the wee sweet shop/newsagent there. Everyone knew the Texaco, and as a bored teenager at night, my mates and I would head over there for a Coke and chocolate bar and see who was hanging about. Remember when they built Loughside and we all thought it was a eyesore, walking to the Grove swimmers, playing at the Grove park, trips up to the CaveHill, playing football out in the street until dark or your mum called you in for dinner-good memories and glad I came across this forum!
Welcome to the forum mate! Great to hear your memories of the Shore Road, glad that the pet shop opposite Depot Terrace is getting more confirmation! Thought I was imagining things at first until you and Dargan said you remembered it too!
I actually asked my mum today on Skype (my parents are still back home in Belfast) and she also confirmed that there was that pet shop. Apparently my mum, granny & me went in there to buy shoes (made of cow skin) to give to our first pet dog. It's a very vague memory in my mind, but it's definitely there all the same. Funny how some memories come back to you in little fragments, they can be so small that you really doubt them. Once others confirm them, it's very comforting.
How do you find life in LA? One of my favourite rock bands are from California, you may remember them they're called Berlin. Do you still miss Belfast? I've spent the last 2 years in Montreal (Canada) with my wife, I do miss home so much. My wife is from Montreal so she is obviously happy to be here, but I I really miss the closeness of my mum & dad and also my friends.
To be honest, if it was not for my wife I would not have moved away from Belfast. I do like Canada, and I am learning French to fit into life in Montreal, but to me it's just not home.
It's funny, I know Belfast has its faults but I really miss it. It's my home.