A little piece of West End history #dundeewestend


Many thanks to the Step Row resident who sent me this photograph of a part of walling in the street that looks a little smoke-damaged.
   
She was told by a lovely elderly lady who lived at 33 Step Row long ago, that on VE Day, local folk lit a celebratory bonfire and all brought out chairs to celebrate together. 

This wall bordering the former blind institution property (now sheltered housing operated by Caledonia Housing Association) still shows the effects of that bonfire 75 years later!

The elderly lady who told the story many years ago was the late Mrs Margaret Clark – Peggy to her friends.   Born around 1901, she was one of 13 children of a shepherd in Aboyne and was in her eighties when she passed away.   She lived across the landing to her brother William Watt and his wife in the first tenement at number 31.   He had retired as lighthouse keeper on the May Island, possibly the last to man it.

With the recent VE Day 75th anniversary commemoration taking place, it was great to learn about this little piece of history in the West End.



DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics – 2019-20 Quarter Four

The ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics 2019-20 Quarter Four’ report, containing statistics for January to March 2020, is now available.




Executive Daily Update: Initiatives to deal with Coronavirus (27 May 2020)

Northern Ireland Executive ministers and their officials have over the past 24 hours been involved in a number of initiatives and critical decisions relating to the Coronavirus emergency.




Covid-19 press conference – 27 May 2020

The Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced a range of Active Travel initiatives and also discussed restart of some DVA services & enabling social distancing for essential journeys on public transport.




… and Happy 100th birthday Arthur!


Many happy returns to Arthur Harris of Pennycook Court 
as he celebrates his 100th birthday!

My very best wishes!