Governor's Notebook 4

The industrious pace of the Ulster Mills intersects with serene rural prospects and ceremonial spectacles. In a darkened factory raw flax is transformed into the iconic Irish linens which are inspected in the sunlight. Meanwhile follow the Governor and his wife as they inspect the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers and meet the nurses at the District Hospital. Finally after a whirlwind of hand shaking and small talk, cruise home to Government House in the Wakehurst’s car.

These are previously unseen colour rushes from A Governor’s Notebook. It is a personal record by Lord and Lady Wakehurst that was released in black and white. John de Vere, 2nd Baron Wakehurst (1895-1970) was Governor of Northern Ireland from 1952-1964. Throughout his life he was a prolific filmmaker who used his privileged access to capture historic moments in glorious colour. He wrote thrillers with Hilary St George Saunders as Cornelius Cofyn. Lady Wakehurst actively contributed to the local community and founded the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health in 1959. Government House also known as Hillsborough Castle is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.