Newry Bachelors Ball: A group of eligible bachelors of the town formed themselves into a Committee for the organising of this popular annual event. It possibly worked too well for these well-placed young men were quickly snapped up and by the late 50’s –early 60’s the Bachelors Ball was in decline.

The Wee Entries: Many of the older streets of the town of Newry – such as Water Street, Castle Street and North Street – had ‘wee entries’ off them where many people lived in close proximity in a densely packed area. Community closeness thrived.

Cooking the Turkey: Many people could stretch their resources to a turkey at Christmas but many had not the means to cook it, having only open fires for cooking purposes. The local bakeries came to the rescue and for a small payment, would cook the Christmas chicken, goose or turkey and bake the Christmas Cake into the bargain.

 The Golden Teapot: Though re-instated, it hasn’t the significance of old as a rendezvous spot or a symbol of Newry Town Centre. In its heyday it graced the premises of Kelly & Calvert, a big grocery store in Margaret Square.

The Big Clock (or Blaney’s Watch): Fondly remembered by all the older folk of Newry, The Big Clock got the latter nickname from a former Town Clerk. It stood in the centre of Margaret Square.

The Three Golden Balls:  These were hung over the pawn-shop of ‘Uncle Joe’ McConville in Hill Street. In former times family valuables (or just the father’s only suit!) would have temporary custody there, left against the loan of a few shillings until pay day and redeemed then in time for Sunday Mass. A plethora of bric-a-brac (acquired in the same way) was offered for sale there.

Eve and Brunitex: These were sachets of powdered soap which had to be dissolved in warm water before application – for blonds and brunettes respectively! A fore-runner of today’s shampoos they left hair soft and sheeny.

Rinso and Glee: They did the same job for clothes. They were the soap powders of the day. 

 We had a little song in infant’s class ,the first line of which was

‘bunny rabbit full of Glee’.

 I used to spend ages wondering how the soap powder got into the rabbit!

Sunlight Soap: This was a large bar of hard, yellow soap used for everything from baths to laundry. There was a red, carbolic soap too.

 Dolly Blue bag and Washboards:  These were used on wash days. The latter also was the only ‘musical instrument’ I could play!

Robin Starch: It was used for shirts and bed linen.