Summer, Milltown, Belfast 1980's

Milltown, Shawsbridge in the 1980's... When the sun had possession of the season and tarmac was treacled by the temperature. When we went to war with the wasps and ventured wide eyed in 'the planties' to the roped thrall of commandoland. Back when 'mr freeze pops' and 'cherry coke' was our sustenance against the beating sun. When real music blared from ghettoblasters and parents red raw slurped ice cold harp via can. When shawsbridge was appealing and patchworked in vibrant beach towels, folks clustered in defeat of the sun. Back when the Barclay had an arcade machines and we cross pollenated each's bedrooms to play Nes, Atari and Amstrad CPC 464. Back when our longsuffering knees were raw to the pavement and rollerboots were means of transport. When kirby was played and water pistols our means of defence. Back when reality glimmered.... And summer shone with meaning. S.J.C