Retro

Decorating the Christmas cake with snowmen and Santas was a festive ritual

Retro: Making a homemade Christmas cake

The Apprentice Boys of Derry 335th ‘Shutting of the Gates’ takes place in Londonderry on Saturday, 2nd December. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Advice issued ahead of weekend Apprentice Boys ‘Shutting of the Gates’ event

A still from No Poor Parish: Newtownstewart (1988) show fair day in Newtownstewart. Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

Watch: No Poor Parish: Newtownstewart (1988)

An old postcard showing tractor and binder binding corn with Scrabo Tower in the background. Picture: Darryl Armitage/News Letter archives

The history that lies deep in shadow of old Scrabo Hill

Established in 1963, Setanta Construction in Magherafelt has evolved over the six decades. Pictured is Liam Gribbin with co-workers taking a tea break on the building site during the early Gribbin Construction days

NI's Setanta Construction celebrates 60 years of construction history

Worshipful District Master of Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge (LOL) No 1, cattle farmer, husband and father to two children Darryl Hewitt's Orange Order Collarette or Sash,Bowler hat ,tie and parade gloves lie on his bed early on Sunday morning 7th July on his farm outside Portadown Co.Armagh. Later he will head into the town centre to lead the annual Orange Order parade to Drumcree Parish Church.:-

The long running Portadown Drumcree parade dispute in pictures

Finlay team members enjoy the 65th anniversary celebration

Pioneering NI manufacturer celebrates 65 years of innovation and success

General image of The Holy Bible

Advent charity drive by Church of Ireland for Israel/Palestine Anglican diocese

Pictured in November 1980 at the Ulster Ram Breeders Association annual dinner and prize distribution which was held at Ballymena, pictured are W B Stevenson, second right, URBA president, with Harold Dickey, secretary, Jack McElroy, chairman, and James Armstrong, secretary. Picture: Farming Life archives/Darryl Armitage

The magical 300-egger is ‘in the hatching’ declares minister (1973)

Surveying on Binevenagh Mountain. Picture: Submitted

Local legacy of world first mapping project marked at conference

The Flamingo, Ballymena, where some of the biggest names in music played live

Retro: The Flamingo Ballroom, Ballymena

An artist's sketch of novelist Dr James McHenry

19th century novelist from Larne will be remembered by Ulster History Circle

A clip from The Ulster Way - Roe, Bog and Sperrin (1985). Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

Watch: More from The Ulster Way - Roe, Bog and Sperrin (1985)

Dundrod rider Joanne Jarden (left), pictured at the start of October, with former Irish International Jessica Harrington, from Kildare, and her horse Apple Shaw at Loughanmore. World class riders took part in the third annual Loughanmore international horse trials at McKean's estate at Templepatrick. The trials had 93 confirmed runners out of a total entry of 108 horses. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

UFU ‘does not take the YFCU seriously’ says frustrated president (1953)

Eugene Lavery pictured at Moira Station in October 1992. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Eugene looks back fondly at his days on the railways (1992)

Gerard Derry of Derrys Furniture, Armagh with Katy Mee and Victor Mee of Victor Mee Auctions, with 19th Century boneshakers bicycle just one of the key lots from Victor Mee's Medussa Architectural & Antique Sale Credit: Andres Poveda

1500 antiques from an iconic Belgium salvage yard go under the hammer in Armagh
A magnificent 19th-century Neo-Gothic oak pulpit by Charles Buisine-Rigot and a boneshakers bicycle are set to be the centrepieces of the auction which can be viewed in Derrys of Armagh this Sunday

Caramac fans have expressed their disappointment after maker Nestle confirmed it is discontinuing the caramel-flavoured bar after 64 years.

Sweet memories: End of an era for Caramac!

The National Trust has completed the acquisition of the historic Causeway Memorial School, which accepted its last primary school pupils in 1962

Historical 1915 Causeway school to be restored by National Trust

Donaghadee harbour with lighthouse and lifeboat pictured in November 2009. Picture: News Letter archives/Brian Little

Steamer is wrecked off the coast at Groomsport (1923)

Delaney's was an iconic restaurant in Belfast city centre

Delaney's restaurant - gone but not forgotten

Elizabeth ploughing in 1965 as part of this week's Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive clip Elizabeth Ploughs Her Own Course (1965). Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

Watch: Elizabeth Ploughs Her Own Course (1965)

British general Cornwallis surrenders at the Yorktown in October 1781 by John Trumbull. Picture: Public Domain

The capture of New York reported by the News Letter (1776)

Class of 1974 at the Ulster College of Physical Education (UCPE) reunion to mark the 70th anniversary

UCPE reunion welcomes back graduates to mark 70th anniversary milestone

The Royal British Legion’s Northern Ireland Festival of Remembrance paid tribute to the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland

RBL Festival of Remembrance includes tribute to UDR Greenfinches

Shane Holland

Holland pays tribute to inventor namesake with sculpture

Bloomfield Auctions Managing Director Karl Bennett with a sword pistol linked to the 1689 Siege of Derry

Historic sword pistol with links to the Siege of Derry sold for £40,000

Mimi Turtle, CEO, Strand Arts Centre and Kathryn Thomson, chair, Strand Arts Centre are joined by Belfast parkour artist, George McGowan, as they announce plans for a transformational £6.5 million redevelopment project to preserve Northern Ireland’s only operational art deco picturehouse, which is poised to begin early next year. Picture by Stephen Hamilton, Press Eye.

£6.5m redevelopment of Northern Ireland’s only operational art deco picturehouse
The major restoration of the Strand Arts Centre is poised to begin early next year and will secure the future of a treasured Belfast landmark

The original painting, entitled ‘A Special Pleader’ was by Charles Burton Barber

This print was a must-have for 1980s living rooms

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted that The Workhouse Enniskillen has been shortlisted for the finals of the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for planning excellence. Following success at the RTPI NI Awards earlier this year, The Workhouse Enniskillen has been shortlisted for the National Awards in the excellence in planning for heritage and culture category. The award recognises projects that drive economic success and promote a sustainable and thriving future for our communities

NI workhouse shortlisted for finals of RTPI Awards for planning excellence

Pictured in September 1992 at the Ahoghill Horse Fair is Noreen Hamill, right, who was celebrating her 14th birthday at the fair with Pauline McKeown from Randalstown, and Charlie the pony. The premier championship award at the fair was awarded to Robert Campbell of Ballymena for his Clydesdale mare with foal. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Fewer migratory Irish agricultural labourers crossing the sea to find work (1909...

Apprentice Boys leader reacts to Ormeau Road parade ban

Uncertainty persists over the future of eleven trees at the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim which are consider unsafe. The scene was made famous by the Game of Thrones television series.
Photo: Michael Cooper/Woodland Trust/PA Wire

Unsafe trees at Dark Hedges - Department can overrule council

Lewiston Maine mass shooting: The sister of Baroness Kate Hoey (pictured) sister is one of thousands who have found themselves under lockdown in Maine while police hunt for the gunman responsible for 16 deaths.

Maine shooting: Hoey's sister one of thousands under lockdown

JMK Solicitors celebrates an incredible 20 years of success. As part of their continued growth, JMK recently opened an office in West Belfast to add to the
Newry, Belfast City Centre, and Londonderry offices. Pictured are Olivia Meehan, legal services director, Jonathan McKeown, chairman and Maurece Hutchinson, managing director

NI personal injury law firm celebrates an incredible 20 years of success

The Royal Navy Museum's official portrait of Admiral Viscount Nelson which is considered to be the best likeness of the great man and is typical in it's view of him from his left side. Britain's most famous sailor favoured this view perhaps because his most visible battle wounds were to his right. Nelson died at the of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 after being injured several times in previous conflicts. He lost the sight in his right eye at the Battle of Corsica in 1794 after being struck by shrapnel, he was shot in the arm while leading a boarding party at Tenerife in 1797 which was consequently amputated to avoid infection and suffered further head injuries at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 which left him with a sizeable scar over his right eye. Information has just come to light that Britain's greatest sailor only had half a brow above his right eye, so consequently the museum has acted swiftly to ensure their life-size wax work of the hero is anatomically correct. The 200th anniversary of Nelson's great victory against the French at Trafalgar is being celebrated this year with a series of nautical events called Sea Britain. Picture: PA

Legendary Lord Nelson is remembered on the centenary of his death (1905)

Picture of the old Jet Centre as work begins to renovate the venue. Credit Movie House Jet Centre

Blast from the past: Do you remember the 'old' Jet Centre in Coleraine?

Michael Duffy is pictured presenting The Ulster Way - Roe, Bog and Sperrin from 1985. Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

Watch: The Ulster Way - Roe, Bog and Sperrin (1985)

British general Cornwallis surrenders at the Yorktown in October 1781 by John Trumbull. Picture: Public Domain

More despatches from American War arrive at the News Letter office (1926)

Bloomfield Auctions managing director Karl Bennett with a sword pistol linked to the 1689 Siege of Derry which is among an historic trove of guns set to go under the hammer in Belfast. Duelling pistols, carbines and revolvers are among the collection which has been valued at more than £1 million. They were collected by Antrim man Leslie Martin who died a few years ago. Pic: Phil Magowan/PressEye/PA Wire

Siege of Derry artefact among historic guns to go under the hammer in Belfast

Pictured in September 1992 is Violet England, chairman of the Women’s Institute in Northern Ireland, with the 60th anniversary tapestry which had been made by all the branches in the province. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

A ‘great sale of Royal farm stock’ is held by the Prince Consort (1853)

Larry's Piano Bar on Belfast's Bedford Street was famous for patrons dancing on the tables. Photo courtesy, David McFarlane

Stars like Bob Dylan and Van Morrison were spotted in Larry's Piano Bar

A photograph concerning the fire at West Presbyterian Church, Ballymena, which appeared in the News Letter on Tuesday, October 19, 1926. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Ballymena West Presbyterian Church razed to the ground in blaze (1926)

This week's clip features ploughing in Co Down from 1964 and courtesy of UTV © ITV. Picture: Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive

Watch: Old film captures a ploughing match at Listooder from 1965

A historic bar in South Belfast which dates back to 1898 has re-opened following a major renovation. The Post House, formerly known as the Eglantine Inn, which is located close to Queen’s University on the Malone Road, was bought by the Clover Group in September 2022 with the business investing £3m in the project. Pictured are Clover Directors Paul Langsford, Colin Daley and Mark Beirne

Historic 125-year-old Belfast bar reopens thanks to major £3million renovation

Londonderry's fascinating links with World War II will be among the stories and historic artefacts under the spotlight on Sunday as the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow airs an episode filmed during the summer at Ebrington Square. Pictured are some of the local people who raided their attics to bring along heirlooms and items that helped tell the story of Londonderry and Strabane down through the years

Antiques Roadshow takes a trip through time as it visits NI this Sunday

The future of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest houses is in danger after damp was discovered in the original timber frames of the 17th century property. Owned by the National Trust, Hazlett House near Castlerock dates back to 1691 and is regarded as one of the best preserved vernacular buildings of the Plantation period still standing. However the iconic thatched cottage needs urgent repair work to restore the structure which could cost the charity tens of thousands of pounds. Pictured is the exterior of Hezlett House at Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, County Londonderry (Credit John Millar)

Damp found in 17th century Hezlett House is putting its future at risk

Ulster Unionist MP, first prime minister of Northern Ireland and 1st Viscount Craigavon James Craig (1871 - 1940) arrives at the House of Commons in London for the Irish Home Rule debate. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Sir James Craig: ‘There is no border question to discuss’ (1923)

Fred the donkey made such an obstinate ass of himself in August 1980 that he had to be withdrawn from the Strangford Festival donkey derby. It took the combined strength of Ciara Sampson and Maura Savage to get him out of the way. Picture: News Letter archives/Darryl Armitage

Bygone Days: UFU laments poor weather conditions and potato harvest (1926)

Rev David McMillan

Thought for the Week: The need to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation

May 1924: Prime Minister of the Irish Free State William Cosgrave (1880 - 1965) meeting with British Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald (1866 - 1937) and the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland James Craig (1871 - 1937), at Chequers. (Photo by Firmin/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

‘Our enemies will have to trample on my grave’ – Ulster Premier’s defiant stand ...

Going into the tunnel of the unknown on the Ghost Train at Barry's Portrush

Retro: Travelling back to scary times on the Ghost Train at Barry's Amusements

The first sod of the Silent Valley reservoir was cut by Lord Carson during this week in 1923. Picture: Submitted/Reader's

The first sod of the Silent Valley reservoir is cut by Lord Carson (1923)

Ulster University has launched a powerful Exhibition ‘Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict’ offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lived through conflict in Northern Ireland to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. The free exhibition reveals unique and everyday stories through a range of loaned objects such as twisted metal from an exploded car, a journalist's notes scribbled onto unused cheques, a bullet-proof clipboard used by the security forces, all with labels written in the words of those who own them

Free exhibition looks into the lives of those who lived through the NI conflict

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon has been included in a £200million commitment launched by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help areas across the UK thrive. Starting a 10-year journey within the ABC Council area, The Lottery Fund will transform its heritage, through the new Heritage Places initiative

ABC Council first of nine UK places to get share of £200m Lottery windfall

There was more success at the 2010 Mounthill Fair for Kilwaughter Beauty, who once again lifted the champion mare award. She is led by Colin Crooks while his father Houston Crooks from Kilwaughter leads Kilwaughter Blade, winner of the championship foal. Picture: Larne Times archives

Cattle scheme ‘putting farmers on the dole’ warns Fermanagh farmer (1963)