IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Orangefield Grove, BELFAST, BT5 6DA

The long period of post-WW1 depression finally ended in the 50’s. In Belfast it was particularly noticeable in the east as new factories opened and new houses were built on previously undeveloped land. The Orangefield Road is typical of the architecture of the area and the period. The view is from the North Road Image towards the Sandown Road. The traffic calming humps are a much later addition. Continue to Image

See Image (October 2012). Slightly later in the season, the autumn view towards the Sandown Road from the North Road bridge. A bright and mild day which enhanced the autumn colours and encouraged people out for a dander. See also Image

Plenty of frothy greenery on display, on the Knock side of the North Road bridge, on a sunny day in late April. For a seasonal comparison see Image (November 2013).

Hawthorn, in full flower, between the North Road and the Sandown Road.

Exceptional winds on 22/23 May caused widespread disruption and damage over much of Northern Ireland. This view shows two fallen trees, on the Comber Greenway, near the North Road bridge (background). See also Image

See Image The widened Comber Greenway looking towards Dundonald. “Work on a £350,000 widening scheme for the Comber Greenway is scheduled to commence on 18 January 2018. The scheme will widen the existing Greenway between Holywood Arches and East Link Road, enhancing the experience for walkers and cyclists on this popular route.  The Department has carefully programmed the work to take place in phases with the first section stretching from Holywood Arches to Sandown Road. For health and safety reasons each section will need to be closed to the public while the work takes place. However, diversionary routes have been identified and will be signposted in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public. The first phase should be finished by mid-February with the full scheme expected to be completed by the end of March 2018. The planned dates for the scheme are subject to favourable weather conditions and the Department will keep the public informed of any change.” Official press release on 17 January 2018.

See Image The view from the North Road bridge, towards Dundonald, as the buds open into leaves. Image shows the same view just under a month later. For a comparison is the seasons and tree growth see Image

The inspiration for the Van Morrison song of the same name.

At 11.30 the heavy overnight frost was still lingering, on the old railway cutting, close to the North Road bridge Image

The view towards Knock and Dundonald from the North Road bridge. For a comparison is the seasons and tree growth see Image (March 2011).