In the late Summer, early Autumn of nineteen and sixty two,
The Kelly Girls of Ravenhill were in a nuptial flurry, it is true,
As first Jim Skelton married Jill and then Wilfie Elliott wed Pat
One wonders what their parents REALLY thought of that!
The Newly-Weds soon settled down into their married life
The Skeltons in Kew Gardens, The Elliotts moved to Sharry Drive.
Soon their numbers were increasing as the children they appeared
Between them they’d had six so things were hectic I do fear!
Debbie, Paul and Kathryn within just a year and a half
Then Nicola, Vicki and Alex before they stopped
to take a breath!
Towards the end of that fair decade saw The Elliott’s first flit,
From the bosom of home across to the Mainland they did hit,
Wilfred’s job in Customs and Excise did require the rearrange
So they packed up both the children and they made good the exchange.
Wilfred’s job was in London though they set up home in Billericay
Where soon Pat’s artistic flair took flight and one day
things got quite sticky!
The chimney breast annoyed her so she got hold of some cement
At this point no one would have guessed the scale of her intent,
Her mission to improve it so she stood apace and aimed
Throwing handfuls of the stuff where it artistically remained.
Delighted with her efforts and content now with the view
She waited til it dried and painted on a lovely shade of blue.
Although many happy times spent there and most stories I’ve not told
Far too many for me to mention within the verses of this ode.
As the Seventies began it was time for home once more
So once again the Elliotts left to find a new front door
From whence to raise their family, it was time for pastures new.
The best was yet to come and soon they’d find out that was true.
After a few months in Craigavon they bought lovely Derryadd
On Lennys Road, a huge house – they must have been quite mad
Though it proved to be just perfect and worked out for all concerned.
Many, many hours and weeks and years of toil it took to remodel it they learned.
But Pat and Wilf worked hard at it and they made that house their own
Somewhere warm and welcoming – in short it became our second home
We spent many happy times there and had fun the whole year round
Whether in the summer sunshine or when winter’s frost was on the ground
We shared picnics in the summer and in winter bonfire nights
When the roast spuds in the ashes wrapped in tin foil taste just right
And we’d all sit around the blaze in winter coats
and watch the flames a-burning bright.
Then there was always the home baking in the kitchen where Auntie Pat
Would produce yummy scones and cakes by the dozens – just like that!
Her method always fascinated me as she never measured things,
Especially her famous Christmas pudding, and brandy butter made with zing!! (HIC!)
At Derryadd it was decided since the grass had grown quite wild around
and would prove too much for Wilf to mow – so a solution must be found,
Enter Fred and Flossie, their eco-friendly quite mad Goats
who were very economical and whose only other need was oats.
They were a great source of hilarity and a talking point for all
Flossie even had a kid or two I think, but whose names I can’t recall.
During those halcyon days for children – for the adults life went on
Pat took a job in Saxone, where she sold shoes all day long.
Though the time that I loved the best was when she worked in Tullylish
As we got to see the Pottery, play with clay (although we never made a dish).
We were allowed to help make our own mugs which survived to recent times
And can still be found on shelving somewhere bearing all our names.
When time passed and we all grew up Derryadd had one more gift to share,
As when I married John in ’92 our fantastic Reception was held there.
They cleared a big space to put the Tent and really set the scene
We had over a hundred guests and the day really was my dream
Everybody pulled together, worked so hard and fantasy came to life
Of a perfect wedding venue the day that I became a wife.
That’s over 20 years ago, and the Elliotts moved once more
From the shores of beautiful Lough Neagh to the lush Mountains of Mourne.
An old Schoolhouse they bought and they’ve restored with loving care.
Wilf’s many talents are displayed in the woodwork right through there.
He’s retired now and between vital golf games he’s showcased his talents
When Pat would have him work still more he reminds her life needs balance!
In the tiny townland of Closkelt they designed a very special place
That again we love to visit.
Life has come full circle now it’s Grandchildren whose voices ring within it!
On the same land shared by Jim and Jill who now live just next door
So here’s the reason for this rhyme – the Kelly sisters are celebrating once more.
Now 50 years have passed since they both wed – which is quite an awesome feat
So congratulations from us and have fun this weekend – I hope every moment is a treat!!
5 October 2012
Debbie Larmour - Storyteller 