I wanted the solitude of the country
I’d been living in town and wanted to live in the country. It took me a week to find this place. Because it was so isolated, no-one really knew where the road was and the ‘For Sale’ sign had blown down. Eventually I … Continued
There are not many female ministers.
Whenever a minister moves to a church, part of their call is that the manse will be in good order. The house comes with the job and you have to live in the house. The last minister lived here for … Continued
I slept on the sofa – for three years.
I slept on the sofa – for three years. I liked it because I had somewhere to put my head – and I wasn’t out on the street. The place where I was staying was over-crowded. There was my friend, her … Continued
This has always been a happy, family home
They all still consider this to be the family home….. My husband and I bought the house in 1961. The house was £1,400… and we had a job finding £50 deposit – that was big money then. It was £9 a … Continued
In the caravan you have all mod cons
M: As a child I grew up through the ‘Troubles’ and every weekend we were away in the caravan somewhere… somewhere beautiful in the middle of nowhere. We didn’t know what was going on in the rest of Belfast. I … Continued
These places will disappear before me.
This is all that’s left of the farming community. It’s quite sad…. They built wind farms so there are lots of deserted farms. They just leave these places and they fall into disrepair. I’m always trying to get in before … Continued
When I first got the house, I felt really good.
I was looking for quite a while and wanted something in the same locality near my work. I wasn’t specifically looking for anything with a big garden, just my own space. I viewed about 5 -10 houses and this is … Continued
He loves his room. “It’s great here”.
Dad went into residential care a year ago. While he was still living at home there was always a worry: would he be OK… was he happy… would he leave the back door open… or have an accident? He is … Continued
In this area you always felt a strong sense of community.
I’ve lived here my entire life. In this area you always felt a strong sense of community. There are a lot of families like our family who have been here 30+ years. They had children and have chosen to stay … Continued
Women who have to leave their home and come to a refuge… it must be the bravest step ever.
Women who have to leave their home and come to a refuge… it must be the bravest step ever. When a woman first comes here it’s important how you greet her. Most of all she needs a cup of tea. … Continued