Today we will be starting to post these old photographs, today’s selection comes from the 1980s.
See who you might see from days gone by.
Do you have an old photograph that you would like to share? Email: [email protected].
1.
Belfast actor James Ellis joined Belfast Zoo manager John Strong in the penguin enclosure of the zoo in 1988 to help feed a bunch of feathery friends. The News Letter noted that the penguins were among the luckiest in the world – because they didn’t suffer sore feet. The zoo had recently won a prestigious Zoo Animal Welfare Award for its penguin enclosure which beat some 24 other exhibits from all over the United Kingdom. Smelling strongly of fish, Mr Ellis, who was the star of BBC’s zoo series One By One, said: “I am an old hand with animals and birds. The penguins were a bit nervous of me at first but after a while I won their confidence.” (NEWS LETTER ARCHIVES)
2.
New £4m road link helps beat the traffic jams: Queue weary Belfast commuters in September 1980 had a welcome release when the province's M5 motorway link was opened. Environment Minister Philip Goodhart warned at the official ceremony that another motorway in Northern Ireland was highly unlikely for some years. He said: “Opening a new motorway doesn't happen anywhere in the world very often and it hasn't happened in Northern Ireland for 10 years – and its not likely to happen again in the near future unless we re-classify the M1-M2 link.” The Environment Minister is pictured walking along the new M5 at Greencastle in September 1920 along with the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Jim Smith and Mr Noal Prescott, director Road Services, DOE. Picture: News letter archives
3.
Jim Stephens (centre), chairman of the Belfast and Ulster Licensed Vitners' Association, in September 1980 with Harry Sheehan, right, association secretary, and Brian Lamb, treasurer. In September 1980 Ulster bar owners called 'time' on the government and announced a new drive to combat underage drinking in Northern Ireland. Picture: News letter archives
4.
Enthronement of Archbishop John Armstrong at Armagh in May 1980: Ian Paisley is arrested outside the cathedral for trying to break through a police cordon. Paisley, Peter Robinson and Jonhy McQuade as well as DUP supporters were arrested. They were held in custody for just one hour. Paisley etc. were there to protest at the presence of Premier Charles Haughey from the south who they claimed was willingly harbouring wanted terrorists.