Wednesday, 27 January 2016: Dr Haldane Mitchell: Video Memories
Dr Mitchell gave a video presentation of material he had gathered over the years of two of our most cherished members, now sadly deceased, Andy Mc Aleer and Michael Pollard. Michael was shown on an old steam engine where he talked about the construction of a railway system to accommodate the moving of farm produce from rural areas circa 1780. Other topics touched upon included the tramway in Victoria Bridge, community relations in Coalisland, and the effects of the Omagh bombing in 1998. Footage of Michael at the vintage car rally in Drumquin and saying grace at the Probus Christmas lunch was also shown.
Andy Mc Aleer was videoed in 2008 when he spoke on his life and times. One of a family of six he attended Castletown Primary School. On leaving school he worked with local farmers before being employed by Northern Ireland Railways at Ormeau Road, Belfast. Shortly after this he moved to the health service where he was to spend 40 years in various jobs. On night duty up to 100 patients were left in the care of three members of staff with Andy now promoted to Charge Hand. Andy was a great communicator with a lively sense of humour.