Photo collection is a record of days gone by

James Diver, from Roulston Avenue, came into possession of the album of photographs when they were left to him following his father Thomas Diver’s death.

Thomas was born in 1905 and lived in The Fountain and the record of images begins in 1930 and spans much of the highlights witnessed by the Apprentice Boys and B Specials between then and the end of the 1950s.

There are never before seen images of the Royal visit in 1945, parades, demonstrations and personal photographs charging Thomas and James’ lives.

“I have had the album for 20 years or more,” he said, grazing the front of the album affectionately with his hand. “It has been in the house ever since my father died.”

It has never left the house until now. James said he enjoyed the weekly History Page and wanted to share the images in the family album, some of which are reproduced here.

“I bring it out to let other people see it and have a look through it. Most of the images are of the Orders but there are a few of the B Specials in there as well.

“My father was a wild man for photos and was terrible for picking out photos. He worked in Phillips in Shipquay Street which sold musical instruments. They were next door to the old Standard office so maybe he got some of the pictures out of the Standard office, because he was very friendly with the fellows in there,” said James.

With around 80 images to share with Sentinel readers, James has supplied the Sentinel with quite a bit of material for the History Page for some weeks to come.