Ulster Folk and Transport Museum Old Sweet Shop

[@baconsoda]

That's my family home and was built by my Great, Great, Great Grandfather Walter Carruth. The house was the centre of our family's social life and we lived in it until about 25 years ago when Carrickfergus Council redeveloped Irish Quarter West. When I say 'we' lived in it it's because everyone stayed there for holidays etc so there was always an open door. In fact, the house door was open all the time, onto a busy street, and anyone could pop in, family or friend. I have wonderful memories of that house. The shop did operate until about 50 years ago and the counter was on the wall at right angles to the one where it is now. The shop was a builders' merchants and supplied materials to the trade and public. The house was also much bigger but they had to fit it into that space. I could type for hours about that house, it was a brilliant place for us all. I've hardly seen a video since I saw you in Oxford Island because I have been in the shed turning goblets for a friend practically non-stop. I'll try to catch up next week. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@TomMcClean]

baconsoda Hey Brendan I know you mentioned something about a house of a relative in the Folk museum but I must have had my usual memory/listening lapse for I hadn't twigged on to this, what you are telling me here! (bad grammer but who cares! ) Oooops lol! Hey why don't you start writing down your stories and reminiscences? If you don't do something all this could be forgotten -and I know you tell stories around the reveals but there you are. That's partly why I go back to my childhood/school/ Stranmillis, haunts to get some of the stuff on to KZbin videos that might make other people remember and it's there for the world to see forvever! Hey you should be out and about in the garden not stuck in a shed-that's for Winter time? But if it's for a friend in need, well then. good man. I've been up since 4. I couldn't sleep. Breakfast at 6. My sleeping has gone to pot! i'm up and down half the night every night. I'm at the old exam invigilation at school now. Easy enough but you need a clear head! Cu soon. Thanks for the interesting info. It brings it alive and makes it so much more relevant and worth while! Tom

[@TomMcClean]

GingerRootable Brendan is a walking story teller. If he had been living a few hundred years back he would have been one of those prized Irish story tellers who walked from village to village and sat round firesiides late into the night telling his tales to mesmerize the people. Go Brendan!

[@baconsoda]

Tom McClean + GingerRootable, More likely I'd have been burnt as a witch or something. My father, who told great stories once said to me, after I'd gently reminded him that the story he had told was slightly enhanced over the original situation he was retelling one night at a family get-together... "There's no point spoiling a good story for the sake of the truth". My wife, extended family, friends, and students have all told me to write books but I don't think I have enough information or knowledge to fill a book, unless I go for a "My First Book" type for 1 year olds. My wife tells me I have a great imagination but that's just the ability to tell lies within a millisecond of being caught out and, believe me, I have had plenty of practice. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@TomMcClean]

baconsoda Brilliant response Brendan, just as I expected. You have me smiling again!

[@TomMcClean]

baconsoda Hey Brendan, I did a video about a wood carving on a dead tree I came across in Orangefield Park and the guy's son got back to me. The dad, who carves has a studio. His name is Jim (James P Stewart from Lisburn.) He is on Facebook (I'm not. ) but I looked up his work. It is fab. You might be interested. He does figures and furniture. I'm at the old invigilation every morn. and have been getting the ground prepared at the back of ours to put up a fence. -Getting tree roots and hedge roots out! I'm knackered. The KZbin addiction continues! Hope all good with you and yours.Tom