Judy’s book about family’s link to Newcastle

Judy’s book about family’s link to Newcastle

27 November 2024

A NEWCASTLE woman has published the last in a series of books about her family’s connection with the town in the 20th century.

‘Newcastle Co Down 1953-1956 Further Snapshots from a Family Diary – Letters to the Paper’, by Judy Grove-White, is the third in a series of local history books using newspaper reports and diary entries to give a glimpse into everyday life in the seaside town in the years 1953 to 1956.

Judy’s grandfather, Ian Knighton Smith, lived in Burrendale House –- where the Burrendale Hotel now stands – and it is his diaries that have provided family and everyday details. 

The first two books in the series chronicle the years 1939-1945 and 1946-1952 respectively.  

During the years 1953 to 1956 on which this final book is based, Newcastle was in a period of change. More houses were being built and new schools being opened, and the town’s library also first opened at this time above Greenaway’s shop. 

The year 1953 was the Queen’s Coronation year, while 1955 saw the opening of Tollymore Forest Park as well as the last trains travelling into Newcastle. The year 1956 ended with the imminent arrival of Hungarian refugees to Ballykinlar.

Judy’s grandfather also saw changes within his family, with his daughter – now married – moving to Scotland and starting a family. Despite the arrival of television, Ian still preferred listening to the radio and reading newspapers.

The book includes an array of letters to the local newspaper, including one written by Ian about a possible solution to flooding in the area and one suggesting Newcastle should market itself as a winter resort.

The book costs £8 and is available to buy at Painted Earth in Newcastle and on Amazon.