
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.
_________________________
"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
_________________________
"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
_________________________
"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
_________________________
"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)
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