Received from "Your Place & mine" contributor....

I grew up in Portaferry at a time when everyone knew everyone and you never closed the front door (early/middle 50's). A day out was a trip to Belfast - and that happened once a year. There were several little shops - Bobby and Maggie Lennon's, Maggie Magee, Eddie Hinds, and the best ice-cream was sold in Blaney's on the Shore Road. I used to think that the place was big. I don't live there now, but the first time I went home to visit - I couldn't believe how narrow the streets were.

My family lived next to the dance hall (no longer there) and every Friday and Saturday night there was always some Showband playing, and because we lived next door we heard them all. It must have been one of the first places Philomena Begley played when she started out. I have to say I have great memories of growing up in the place.