In Reply to: Re: Memories of summer posted by BERNADETTE MEE-KEAVENEY on May 29, 2011 at 01:52:10:

The Mall was an incredible fcility. When the grass was cut, we would build forts and play cowboys and indians. Football games lasted all day, especially one called '3 to get in', where you got to be goalie when you scored 3 goals. We were told on good authority that four laps of the Mall was a mile so we ran mini marathons before anyone else. Sometimes we did the laps on motor bikes, making engine sounds through pursed lips, even increasing the volume to indicate gear changes. Other times, we did the laps on horse back, using twigs to beat our own arses to improve speed and performance as if we were some sort of man beast.. The chains around the Mall made great swings. At night, the hanging tree was an ideal venue for telling ghost stories.
Often, we would cross Simms's field and into the woods, continuing on to the railway track. Saleen was just beyond and we would maybe continue to Langstaons Hill. There were hazel nuts and black berries all over when the season was right. Wooden sleepers by the side of the railway made far better forts than the grass on the Mall and looked the part as well.