A DAY OUT

If shopping is really your hobby
Just take a walk down the street
Your first stop would be the home bakery
Where you’re sure to get a nice treat
If a Sunday joint you are after
Lamont’s butchers is surely the place
Your choice of meats there is endless
And you might see a nice friendly face
The next stop would be the Day Fresh
With their fruit and veg there displayed
It all looks so very inviting
They all really know their trade
We now have our new Post Office
Which serves all our daily needs
A birthday card or a postage stamp
It caters for every creed
Just call in with Bertie the butcher
If it’s nice tender meat you are after
You’ll see it displayed on nice silver trays
Or a hindquarter hung from the rafters
Another store known as Simpons
At the end of Pottinger Street
Everyone calls for their papers
It’s a great place for people to meet
If you’re buying a TV or radio
Pat Rafferty he’s yer man
From washing machines to fried freezers
A bargain you’ll get on demand
Across the street is Maine Bakery
It’s shelves full of cakes and wee buns
To get to the other side of the street
You have to make sure and run
Next door to Maine Bakery is Apparel
Some beautiful clothes you could buy
A nice rig out for a wedding
Or something you just want to try
If you’re looking for entertainment
Or perhaps a nice quiet meal
The Village Inn is the place to go
I’d say you would get a square deal
Maybe you just want a carry out
Moby Chip will welcome your trade
A tasty fish supper or pizza
Your order will soon be made
If you feel like sitting in at night
And there’s nothing good on TV
Just call into the Bell Video
Have a browse round and see
Our chemist at the end of the village
Where you’ll meet Sally and Jack
They will get you your scripts in a moment
A cough bottle or a rub for your back
We now have a Spar Supermarket
Where the Maine Works used to be
Just drop in and get all your groceries
And the car park is really free
If your car is low on fuel
Don’t turn round and drive away
Just o’er the bridge at Hayes Garage
You can fill up and be on your way
If your windows you want to replenish
There is blinds of every kind
Just wander up the Ahoghill Road
Till you come to Village Blinds
Next time you drive through the village
Just stop and pause for a while
You won’t go away disappointed
On your face you’ll be wearing a smile

Nan Anderson, December 1995