IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
The Laurels, CRAIGAVON, BT63 5HQ

See Image for prices December 2008.

EIIR pillar box (BT63 15) at the post office on the Gilford Road Image

Average petrol prices have fallen in time for Christmas 2008 to their lowest for more than 21 months. They peaked in June and July to around 118.9 pence per litre. SeeImage

Bethany Free Presbyterian Church officially came into being in July, 1967. The congregation met in various places, including the Town Hall and Corcrain Orange Hall, and it soon became clear that a permanent Church building was required. In 1970, a sizeable portion of land, situated in Levaghery Gardens was purchased, and the first sod was cut by Dr Paisley, at a special service, on 27th February, 1971. In October 1973, the present minister (Rev Kenneth Elliott) received a call for the Portadown Church, and he was ordained, and installed as minister, on 7th November, 1973. On Saturday, 31st May, 1975, Dr Paisley performed the official opening of the new Church building, and preached the first sermon in it.

The Milwaukee Harley - Davidson Company officially began with the completion of its first bike in 1903. Unofficially it all began in 1901 when 21-year-old William S. Harley drew up plans for a small engine that displaced 7.07 cubic inches and had 4-inch flywheels. By 1903 William Harley had joined with his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson, as well as Arthur's brother Walter. The first "real" Harley Davidson Motorcycle was finally completed with additional help from another Davidson brother named William. The company produced three motorcycles in 1903, followed by 3 more in 1904. Production rose to 8 completed cycles in 1905. The first Harley Davidson Motor Company factory was built in 1906 when a total of 50 motorcycles were produced. Production increased to 150 motorcycles in 1907. Another monumental change that occurred in 1907 was the completion of a prototype of a 45-degree V-Twin engine. Production continued to increase to 450 motorcycles in 1908 followed by 1,149 in 1906 and by 1914 production had reached 16,284. World War I saw the demand for motorcycles in the military. Harley Davidson provided over 20,000 motorcycles to military forces during World War I. Improvements and increased production continued after the war. The Harley Davidson Motor Company was in fact one of only 2 American cycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression and is still going strong today, despite bumps and bruises along the way.

Taken at 9.30am on 4th January 2008. Portadown area escaped the deep snow fall experienced around the Belfast area. Image

See Image Nearer home, this Portadown Foundry manhole cover is on the Gilford Road across from Wildwood.

Camera appears to have shown the freezing fog droplets. Taken at 8.30am while still dark.