6th April, 2000
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FOLLOW THE BAND

Everybody loves a marching band be it brass or pipes. I recall as a child chanting 'Clear the road, the band is coming.' With the Boom! of the Big Bass Drum or the skirl of the bagpipes we joined the growing numbers of young and old marching to the bandstand on the Mardyke for the free show.
The haunting sound of the pipes echoing over the Scottish Moors struck fear into the hearts of the Englanders, notwithstanding the fact that the English better trained and possessing superior equipment eventually won the day.
Buttera, Barracka, Volunteers, Carrigaline etc. Brightened up our childhood. We had the working- mans band. A wag at the time noted that all members of the band were in fact idle!
To swell their numbers some bands included 'Dummies', i.e. those without a note in their head, marching along pretending to play. I recall the day a few 'Dummies', so intent on putting on a show as the band turned right, the lads turned left, blowing their cover so to speak! Strike up the band!
Neil O'Donoghue
Douglas

'OUR LOVELY DAY' - LOVELY

Dear Michael
Reading the letter re 'Our Lovely day' brought back fond memories to me. We got married in 1968. - Reception at the Metropole Hotel - Menu £1.2.6 old money. I enclose a copy of the bill - food and drink for the day for 84 people cost £121.7.0.
The youth of today will never have the golden memories we hold of our yesteryears. I feel sorry for them. They are being brainwashed with Sex - Drugs and Violence on T.V. and videos.
P.S. Lovely letter Neil.
Yours sincerely
Happy days.

(Editors note; sorry we couldn't print all of the bill, suffice to say a bottle of whisky cost £2.12.6 old money , i.e. £2.65)

THANKS FROM DOUGLAS BOOK

Dear Michael,
On behalf of all the staff of Douglas Books, I would like to thank you and all your staff for the tremendous job you did in advertising our tenth anniversary celebrations. I would also like to thank all our customers who have supported us so well over the last ten years. And a special thanks to all who took out advertisements in last week's issue.
Yours Thankfully
Mark, John, Richard & Kieran

LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR DOUGLAS?

Dear Sir
In a recent issue of the "Examiner" it was disclosed that the people of Ballincollig are well on the way to setting up their own local Authority. I commend them for their attempt and wish them well in their endeavours.
It must have occurred to many people living in the greater Douglas Area i.e. Douglas, Grange, Frankfield, Rochestown etc. How remote we seem to be from the centre of power, with the consequent impression being formed that the area mentioned is getting less than it's fair share of the regional cake.
An elected public representative tells me that there have been four new urban local Authorities created since Independence, i.e. Shannon, Tramore, Leixlip and Greystones. I'm Sure many a successful political career began on these town councils and that local interest in the well being of these individual areas is much higher than average.
I am writing this letter to stimulate interest in this idea and look forward with interest to any replies.
Regards
Brendan Lyons

TRAFFIC FLOWS SHAMROCK LAWN

Dear Mr. O'Hanlon,
I wish to send this short note to add my support to the concerns being voiced at the proposed changes, especially at Shamrock Lawn. Please let me know what can be done to prevent this monstrosity of a proposed road through a residential area, next to a school.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Malone

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