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Children's Hour
Remembered

Tributes

Broadcasting House in Belfast

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Tributes

Such was the popularity and impact of Children's Hour, that tributes have been coming in since this web site was launched. They come from local celebrities, people who took part in the show as children, and from those who have distinct memories of the show or Cicely Mathews.

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"If Cicely were around today she would be the leading edge interactive broadcaster. She created a wonderful rapport with kids and parents in halls and centre throughout the Province. I too was one of many who made their first broadcast on 'I Want to be an Actor'. Towards the end of her career, she did her best to make broadcasters out of the wave of young journalists on "Round Up", the predecessor of GMU. Lets also not forget the marvellous encouragement that Havelock Nelson gave to young musicians. And Charlie Witherspoon's Inishbann thrillers." - Brian Walker, former Politcal Editor, BBC NI

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"Just simply it was her voice. I can still hear her in my 'mind's ear'. Winter days, toast on the fork at the fire and Cicely speaking to me, and only me, from 50 miles away - so far, far away. All long gone..." - Shaun Wragg

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"In the early fifties, my sister, Bairbre Corvin, read a poem she had written on Children's Hour. I think the contact was made through her school, St. Louis, Kilkeel. As she died aged 17 in 1956, my mother treasured her autograph book, with a typed copy of the poem, a congratulations telegram, and Cicely's signature. I think it is still somewhere in the house." - Aedin Corvin

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"Thank you so much for this site, I've been overwhelmed with nostalgia. Childrens Hour was so special for me. I painted and wrote and won pencils, at one point, they had little crowns on top, later they became streamlined and smooth, no little crown however! I won book tokens and never missed a night. Then came 'Button Brown's Birthday Party'.I really, really wanted to be friends with her and go to her house. My mum said "Why not write and audition for "I Want to be an Actor", then maybe you can meet Button. Well I auditioned and met the wonderfully genuine and kind Cicely Matthews. Kathleen Mehaffy and Gerry McCrudden were also so encouraging and obviously empathetic with all the youthful, would-be thespians. I adored acting on various productions, especially Brogeen and the Princess of Sheen. I loved watching the sound effects being produced and hanging out with 'real' actors. Many years later, I am a full-time broadcaster and producer with Texas Public Radio in San Antonio and I still love radio. If Cicely Matthews had not been so warm and encouraging, I doubt that I would have felt so relaxed and confident during that crucial audition. So big thanks to Childrens Hour, and especially Cicely." - Deirdre Saravia (nee Trainor)

 

Tributes
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Your Responses

John Jordan - Apr '07
Cicely Matthews was a very special person in my young life in Belfast. Having won several Art Competitions on BBC radio, North of England, one day I recieved a letter from Cicely, inviting me meet her and to come into the studios in Belfast. She showed me around the station, then invited me to take part on Regional Round, which then was a sort of general knowlege childrens radio programme, live and on air. Afterwards Cicely told me that if I was determined enough ,that she thought I would do well in life and gave me great encouragement, for which I deeply grateful. I followed her advice...and have always had a warm spot in my heart for her.

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