Tuesday 16 December 2008

Why Do I Not See Flags Flying?

The steel cage that has protected the Clifton Street Orange Hall in Belfast from Fenian attacks over the years is to be taken doon.

Yes let my people go!

Well no its actually a complete face-lift for the landmark building which is close to the Carlisle Circus intersection which isn't a real circus and separates the loyalist Shankill estate from the republican New Lodge area.

The hall was built in the 1880s. During the Troubles windows were blocked up and the building surrounded by the cage to prevent arson and paint attacks.

William Humphrey, a DUP councillor for the area, said the work would "return the building to its former glory".

"This is all about making Orange halls accessible to the community," he said. Which community ? the ones that want to visit or the ones that want to burn it doon?

"It is a unique building, the statue on top of King William and his horse is the only equestrian statue in Belfast.

(Unless you count the Queen Victoria statue at the city hall as she looks a bit of a nag)

"It is also a beautiful building in the inside and we want to place the Orange hall at Clifton Street at the heart of Belfast's tourist package."

I give it a week before some Fenian young buck decides to firebomb it at the usual time of 3 am which is the traditional time to petrol bomb things.

I have gone to the nearby courthoose for various reasons I do not want to get into right now but I know the area. A lovely place for tourists just don't step out of yer vehicles or look any thick necked tattooed men in the eyes.



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11 comments:

Daisy said...

i was trying to locate the picture i took of it but have yet to find it...i took it 3 or so years ago when i was wondering the streets...at the time i thought it was a great building...but i fear you are correct with your assumption and it will not be much longer...

dai said...

Can you sell it someone in Arizona, take it apart, ship it over there and then rebuild it?

Anonymous said...

It's just a 19th century schoolhouse in poor condition: Wet walls, unfitting modern windows, an ugly door, and plants growing over it. I am sure that an ineffective heating is in and all lines and tubes must be thrown out. I doubt that it is worth the effort of reconstruction and repair.
Is Belfast that poor of historical buildings that this poor old rat-hotel is a "landmark"?

Jenny said...

I see a GAP being located in the new lobby? Next to it? Jamba Juice.

The Mistress said...

Boxer: What's with this upstart Daisy taking firsties two days in a row?

Do we have cause for concern here?

Is she after the old man's cap?

h said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
h said...

Amazing how tribal the 3rd World Countries remain in the 21st Century. Wave a bit of orange or green around, and they return to the Stone-Age.

Jenny said...

MJ - she's clearly after something. We need more information. Stay tuned.

Daisy said...

mj and boxer...just a lack of sleep...two nights in a row the sleeting rain pounding against the window has woke me early...i'm just after more sleep...truly...

Old Knudsen said...

daisy you wandered the streets? must be a tourist.

dai There are so many other things they can have instead like the Albert clock that never works.

mago its full of Victorian buildings I believe it was designated as a city in 1888.

Matt thats Sunni and Cher to you.

boxer I see thick necked thugs asking for protection money.

trolly yeah those Mexicans sure do group together as do the whites and blacks but I wasn't going to turn this into an anti-American rant, so what if you can't drink the water here from a faucet without getting poisoned this is a great 3rd world cuntry.

MJ she just likes to come first.

boxer maybe I need more attention.

manuel they need a week to get worked up and find a young un dumb and drunk enough.

daisy the thought of me keeps many weemen awake at night I understand.

Daisy said...

OK...actually i was a bit drunk which is why i used the word "wondering"...i didn't know where the fuck i was and was taking pictures to try to locate which way i came...ended up just jumping in a taxi...