Screening of short film on Canon’s Excursion

Screening of short film on Canon’s Excursion

21 August 2019

DOWNPATRICK’S Ballymote Centre is the venue this Friday evening for the screening of a special short film on the old Canon’s Excursion.

Every summer, over 30 buses packed with local families would head off from Downpatrick for a day in Newcastle which to some excited children at the time seemed like a million miles away when in reality it was literally only up the road.

New shoes and clothes were purchased ahead of the annual excursion so everyone was looking their best, with families gathering at the St Dillon’s Avenue sports pitches before marching to the town’s bus station via Edward Street, John Street, Irish Street and Market Street.

A fun-filled day was spent in Newcastle, when the summers always felt warmer than they are today, with families returning home by bus, exhausted after a frantic but thoroughly enjoyable day.

The last excursion is believed to have been held in the 1970s, but local people are being offered a unique opportunity to relive those halcyon days thanks to a new initiative being spearheaded by the Stream Street Residents’ Association.

It has helped put together a short film which captures some of the the sights and sounds of the Canon’s Excursion which was one of the key events in Downpatrick’s social calendar.

The film will be screened this weekend with invitations extended to residents in Stream Street who are being encouraged to take their seats after 7pm. Following the screening, there will be tea, Paris buns — a staple of the annual excursion — and sandwiches served.

John Gordon, who was involved with the work to commission the film, has praised the Housing Executive, Stream Street Residents’ Association and others involved in bringing the project to fruition.

His mum, Mary, has an old film from 1967 which he has watched several times, explaining that it is fascinating to look back at some of the town’s old characters who feature in it. John also went on the Canon’s Excursion when he was younger.

“The excursion really was a great day out and took place in an era where people did not have very much. Everyone looked forward to dressing up for the excursion and boarding a bus really was a big adventure, even though we were only going to Newcastle,” he said. “I hope Friday night’s screening will bring back many happy memories for people.”

John said the project to produce a film depicting the Canon’s Excursion was launched around two years ago and hopes people will enjoy what they will see this Friday evening.

“One person who features in the film is Basil McDowell, who many people will know. Basil was one of the excursion’s stewards and he will provide a short commentary about the annual event,” added John.