Watsons and Lagmore Dam

[flower123]

Does anyone know anything about the history of the Dam at Lagmore  Derriaghy.

My grandfather was caretaker there from early last century until he died in 1938, when his son continued in his father's footsteps until late 1970s.



I know it is all built over and is now a large housing estate.
N I Water did research on this for me but have no records going back that far.
Any help would be very much appreciated.

flower

[your pete]

Hi Flower,

Try posting to this site

http://www.lisburn.com/forum.html#bn-forum-1-1-90420285/2

Although perhaps this a post from you???
it came up when Lagmore is searched and is dated April 2009

"Derriaghy and Lagmore Reservoir"

"Dear Jim.
I have been reading Lisburn Exiles Forum, it is the nearest I can get to Derriaghy.My primary interest is
Lagmore Reservoir. My grandfather Anthony Watson worked there until he died suddenly in 1938 when his son,also Anthony but known as Tony took over the running of the dam as it was known. He was there until the late 70s. I wonder if any of your correspondants know anything of the history of this place.I was born there and later lived on the Barnfield Road but moved away when still a child.I would appreciate any information. Iknow the dam has been built over and is history now, but it played a large part in my childhood. Many thanks for your site.Gladys Hudd nee Watson."


Also have a look at posting here

http://www.belfastforum.co.uk/index.php/board,5.0.html


the also have other pages you could post to.

Peter

[flower123]

Hi Peter.
Thank you for taking an interest in my quest.   Yes that was my post on Lisburn Forum, I had forgotten about it for a while.   Also have been looking through the Belfast Forum and found a post searching for Close ancestors in Hannahstown, A Close married one of my Watsons, but which Close?   

The Glen where the Dam was situated was a place of scenic beauty, with steep grassy banks which in spring were covered with daffodils.  And down the glen a mysterious magical place for a girl and her dog.  The grass on banks and surrounding the reservoir was mown with a sythe by Geordie Watson, nephew of Anthony senior. I can only hope my reminiscence will jog someone's memory.
Will try posting a photograph.
Regards
flower

[your pete]

Hi Flower,

The Lagmore area is now well built up and would be hard to recognise from your description - but I do remember the area when it was green fields.

Sorry I can't help further, but was wondering if the Water Service has an archive of employees etc. Lagmore I understand was a reservoir. Here is a link to their website.

http://www.niwater.com/

Peter

[flower123]

Hi Peter.
Again thanks for your interest.   I think I am on a long road to nowhere on this.   Last year I was corresponding by email and letter with N I Water, but they could not come up with anything. Their archive records did not go back to early 20th century.   So I have nowhere else to go on this. 

Will order a birth certificate on Monday for my uncle who was born in 1923 to find his birthplace.
Regards
flower

[flower123]

Sorry, cannot get the photos' right.

[charles w]

The dam that I believe that you are refering to is the Green Dam from which Poleglass get's it's name.  An Pol Glas.
The dam was drained many years ago for the building of the Lagmore estate.  There is a road running accross what was the centre of the dam.  Other than that there has been no building on the dam site.   It is still a green area.

[flower123]

Hi Charles w
Yes Mount Eagles road has been built along the edge of the reservoir where the deep wells were. On the right of the road a steep bank led down to the house occupyed by the caretaker and his family. I believe the land below going down the glen is still in a natural state.
I never heard it called The Green Dam and don't know about the connection to Poleglass.
It is 60 years since I lived in Derriaghy, but continued to visit while my uncle was caretaker.

flower

[flower123]

the Watsons at Lagmore  Waterworks