Author:
Geoff Wall via TSP
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Date Posted: "Mon,Jul30,2007, 7:20:27
Author Host/IP: 90.200.43.123
Northern Ireland as it is now -- Geoff 'Brick' Wall, 03:43:07 07/29/07 Sun
Since retiring from the Police in Jan 2006 i have taken up a post with the Histrorical Enquiry Team in Northern Ireland, basically speaking it is the review of the murders that occurred during the troubles (bet 1969 & 1998)and trying to give some resolution for the loved ones of those that were killed.So I thought it may be interesting to the ex Hampshire Gunners who toured the provice to give you an update on the current state of your old stomping areas.Firstly the 1977 tour, (23 Bty)The camp in Portadown has just closed but is still standing, the last military unit moved out about 2 months ago, (56 Bty)the 'nicker factory' in Lurgan has been demolished and is now waste ground. (6 Bty) The Maze prison is unused and derlelict and it looks like it is about to be demolished and replace with a National Sports Stadium. The 1980 tour, i can't remember exactly which Battery was where, but here go's, the Central Hotel is now a smart City Centre Shopping Mall, Girdwood Park still stands ,but is unused, the green gates are still the same though, Flax Street Mill has been tidied up and is offices, the Crumlin Road Prison is unused and derelict along with the Court House directly across the road, but i think developers are going to start on them both soon. The check point into Aldergrove airport was only knocked down in Feb of this year. What does remain are the murals on the wall ends and they are now a tourist attraction. Belfast is now a very popular city to visit with lots of good guiness being served, if any one is thinking of a break over there send me a mail and i will point you in the right direction for a good night out.
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Re: Update on Northern Ireland