This beautiful set of clips from the McDowell family collection contains some truly idyllic childhood scenes. The camera follows the family and friends from back gardens to beaches, train stations, boat yards, flying clubs and even the zoo. The footage contains one of the filmmaker Dr. Frank McDowell’s favourite moments as two children interact on a first birthday. A toddler takes her first steps, small boys play in cowboy hats, kites fly on the beach, children return to school and the sun seems to shine, even in winter. The clip’s title, McDowell Pot Pourri 1959-61, comes from the film-maker’s detailed notebook.

Locations include Greenisland; Crawfordsburn; Whiterocks; Bellevue Zoo; Meelmore, Co. Donegal;  Newtownards; Ballyferris; Portrush; Larne Harbour Station; Brown’s Bay and Strangford Lough.

A scene at Ards Flying Club shows a Tiger Moth light aircraft.

 

Dr. Frank McDowell