When I attended Glynn Primary School (Glynn P.S.) back in c1953 it meant an early rise. Living at that time in 46 Quintons Row (next continuous row up was Dandy Row, now both are known collectively as Quinton's Avenue) Magheramorne. No school buses for us, we (my brother Iain and sister Sheena and other local kids) walked down Quinton's Row and the Ballylig Road to Magheramorne Railway Station.

Catching the early morning Larne bound train to disembark at the Glynn Railway Station then walking from there to the Glynn P.S. Yes, we stopped along the way at Leslie's shop for our 1/2d or 1d of sweets, ( I think the 1/4d (£sd Farthing a quarter of the old penny of which there was 244 pennies to the £1 ). At school we had packed lunches to compliment our half pint glass bottles of milk supplied free by Government/Antrim County Education Committee.

No school dinners. After school each day our parent(s) would be waiting for us younger ones to see us home. While they had beene waiting they would chat with other parents from the Village and from the Bank Quays. Once we were free the long walk to our respective homes would commence, (at 2.30- 3pm no trains ran from Larne to take us home).

Us frae Magheramorne would pass a sweet fresh water spring that drew us like a magnet at which to slake our thirsts. Cowboys and indians , tigg or similar childhood games were played along the way. On reaching the foot-o-the Pathe (Ballypollard Road) we climbed the Pathe to our respective homes. By the time we got home there was still a little time to play but not for our mothers. Of course it was a miserable for all if it was a dreekit (very wet) day.

A year later on moving into Larne to live, where school was never too far away (except in the mind at weekends and holidays). Aah! what adventures were awaiting us back in the late 50s and 60s, but that's more recollections. Isn't that so, Gerry, Ronnie, David, Liam, Eddie, Mac, Esler, Peter and co? Others names and those of the other gender have not been included to save blushes and for safety reasons, my safety.

Your Responses

Valerie Elmitt (nee Waite) - Feb '07
I attended St. Mary's on the Hill – Glengormley 1947. Headmaster was Jack Miles. We had a lady teacher called - Miss Rose. Any old school pals out there-still alive and kicking?

Glen Brown - Feb '07
Having just recently returned from another enjoyable and pleasurable long weekend visit to Larne, I was pleased to read Patricia Hughes's added comments. During my visit I saw many friends at church , in Magheramorne and in Larne. Including my cousins, Nance & Arnie Dorrans, Randal & Phyllis McDowell, Sam & Susie McCready. and Alex & Brenda Brown. By prior arrangement I met a fellow ex Magheramorneman Robert McCelland and let him view photographs from earlier times taken in Magheramorne. My pals & friends always make sure that time passes quickly and I could have used another month to enjoy the company of more friends.

Mandy Ross (nee McCallion) - Feb '07
Hi, If it's any help to your compilation of names of former residents of Quinton Row, my late father, Wilson McCallion, with his parents and siblings, lived at number 49, until the death of my grandparents, when my aunts Susan & Beth moved to Larne, where most of their brothers had set up home with their families.
As is often the case, as a child when my father related tales of his childhhod, my interest was somewhat limited, but now I would love to find out about the families in the area he grew up in. Some of them I already know - I went to Larne Grammar with Patricia Hughes' brother David, and presently work with her niece Ann, but as for the other families ..............
I recall my familiy's neighbour was called Rhoda, but I can't remember her surname. Sadly my father died in 1998, aged 56, and my contact with my aunt and uncles is very infrequent, so I will watch this space with great interest.

Thanks for making it so interesting. Also, I was a pupil of Moyle Primary, as were my children, so I'll keep an eye on developments for the forthcoming celebrations.

Patricia Hughes - Nov '06
Hello Glen
I have just came across this site and I must say, reading it has brought a tear to my eye. You see I am Patricia Murray, Hugh & Maimie (Mary) Murray's daughter and sister of Myra Graham. How happy I was to read that Myra has responded to you. I have just got the broadband at home and for the readers that don't know, we have met as you say and I would like to say that I think you are doing a tremendous job, you are keeping people in touch with each other and I thank you for that.

Glen Brown - Jan '06
The above article was submitted a year or so ago.

During my visits from Edinburgh I often visit Magheramorne, attending church and visit old family friends and relatives there.
As far back as I remember Murrays have lived in the Quinton Avenue since before I was born in 1947.
Renently in 2005 I had the pleasure of accepting an invitation to visit Mr and Mrs Hugh Murray and their daughter Patricia homes. Hugh's late Mother lived there past her one hundredth year. She was greatly cherished by all who knew her.
I have reason myself to be grateful to the late Mrs Murray. It was the norm (in1947) for expectant mothers living in rural areas to give birth at home. 1947 was the year I had the good fortune to be born in the Avenue to my parents John and Helen Brown. Mrs Murray's attended and assisted my Mother at my birth. A service rendered to many in Magheramorne by Mrs Murray.
I am most grateful to the Murrays for their hospitality and friendship.
Also their help in recalling the names of Avenue residents living in the area during my early years (1947-54).
The passage of time caused me to forget several names but like the Murrays, their kindness never forgot.
Recently I have been compiling a list of names of those that lived in Quinton Avenue, Magheramorne, previously known as Quinton Row (lower half) and Dandy Row top half.
There is a public right-of-way footpath leading across to the Ballypollard Road from the Avenue has almost disappeared by lack of use or intention?
Glen Brown
Edinburgh 31/01/2006

YOUR RESPONSES

Glen Brown - Sep '06
During my recent visit to Northern Ireland I was given two school class photos.
One is my first year's primary class HM QEII Coronation Year 1953 when I was at Glynn Primary School.
The other, my first year at Greenland Seconday Modern Intermediate (now LARNE HIGH) School, FORM 1B c1959 Form Teacher Miss Topping; ater married another Teacher Mr Frank 'Scratch' Dennis.
I also met several old class/ school mates and friends and shared the craic.
Having enquired for several years about an old classmate, I having used 'my pronouncement' of the surname BOYLE was corrected while naming those pictured in my class photo. Local (Larne district) pronounce it Boale.

Glen Brown - Aug '06
Hi Sheena Geyson (Re your response July 06)
Thank you for your kind remarks.
I am visiting Larne district later next week and I know several Burns' there. If you care to contact me direct at my email address laharna60s @ yahoo . com I will reply to you direct on receiving your email, either before I travel or immediately on my return to Edinburgh (early September).
Later from mid September to mid October, I am visiting Hong Kong and KL.
I like to share my interest of the local history of Magheramorne and Larne borough Therefore I will be happy to send you copies, of those Magheramorne related articles/pictures I still retain and of those I have already donated to Larne Historic Centre.
In the early 60s one of classmates was Christine Burns from Magheramorne. Christine and several other ex Maghermorne folk live in the 'The Glynn'.
I look forward to hearing from you further.

Today, just before I replied to Sheena Geysen posted comments to this article, I had an email from Ann Cameron another ex Magheramorne. Once I have further communication I will add more here later.

Sheena Geysen - July '06
I've just read your article about Ballylig. It was terrific hearing your reminiscences. I remember my dad talking about Ballylig village which was where he was born - or his father came from there. My dad, Charles Burns, was born in 1900. I remember him talking about Dandy Row. His father, Hugh Burns, worked in the quarry, but died in 1909 of peritonitis. I'd love to know more about the area and the people who lived there. I grew up in Larne and migrated to Australia in January 1968.

Glen Brown - June 06
Hello Myra,
Sorry for delay in replying. I've just returned this evening, from a holiday over in County Antrim.
During my visit, I spent over an hour with your Dad at his home yesterday, reliving happy memories. He said that you had mentioned this article while on the phone to him recently.
I have several remaining photographs that you may help me identify several old neighbours from my time in Magheramorne.

Please contact me direct at my private email address laharna60s at ahoo.com

Yours in friendship,
Glen

Myra Graham - May '06
I have just read your letter, which was of great interest to me, as I was also born in 1947 at Quinton's row, although I lived in Dandy row. You see the Murray family you talk about happens to be my mum & dad & sister Patricia. Sadly my mum passed away in march this year. My name is Myra Graham, I now live in Marysville, Australia. My husband, Bertie, & I came to australia in december 1968.