Portadown Post

01/04/2026

At an event today at the Ulster Aviation Society hangers in Lisburn I was able to get Chief of the Air Staff Harvey Smyth to sign a print featuring the WWII Observer Corps Spitfire.

I presented a framed copy of this print on behalf of 31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association to Sir Harvey last year at Stormont.

A replica of this Spitfire sits outside RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

16/02/2026

It’s been awfully quiet around here!

In the news today concerning bunkers in Northern Ireland…

Kilrea Post appears to be getting an extension at some point in the future if the local planning office agrees.

It’s nice to see that the post itself will be retained, with below ground access from the new dwelling too.

Yes, I have contacted the architect to offer my services, sure why would you not!

As we approach the end of the winter all eyes are on getting Portadown Post ready for our 2026 open days. All the details will be made available when I have them organised.

Plans are below.

25/11/2025

Both Colin and myself and very saddened to hear of the passing of local journalist Charlie Warmington.

He has visited the museum on a number of occasions over the years and written some excellent articles on us.

RIP Charlie.

https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/one-of-the-good-guys-tributes-paid-following-death-of-former-news-letter-columnist-and-bbc-ni-editor/a443749786.html?fbclid=IwRlRTSAOTEQxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe3g4sGfaWkCDSEffYR1-EWOZAHmmjMoiaqBgotvb7cWMsEJm7_Lfjirs-Wn4_aem_Fo7l0GKpPFGV9-xHe5xouQ

Tributes have been paid following the death of former News Letter columnist and BBC Northern Ireland editor Charlie Warmington.

09/11/2025

Our own Colin Woods representing 31 Group Royal Observer Corps Association at the Remembrance Service at All Saints Church Eglantine this morning.

29/10/2025

Today marks 100 years since the formation of the Observer Corps.

The eyes and ears.

From their first tentative steps in the early days of WWII, to the heights of the Battle of Britain, through the binocular lens they kept watch over the villages, towns and cities. It is no surprise that they became the Royal Observer Corps.

The ROC do it underground.

With the atomic age being thrust upon us, it was once again the men & women of the Royal Observer Corps who would form a vital link in the chain for the defence of our nation. From the confines of monitoring posts & operations rooms they faithfully carried out their duty once again.

Duty done.

I salute you all, to those that are no-longer with us and to those of you that I am proud to call friends and colleagues, the beacon will never be extinguished.

Forewarned is forearmed.

21/09/2025

Not everyday of the week you see the US Navy’s airborne nuclear command and control ‘Doomsday’ jet flying over Northern Ireland.

On its way to Germany apparently.

18/09/2025

With 2025 being both the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Observer Corps and the 85th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain, it is fitting that we now have a complete original WWII ROC Battledress in our collection.

The jacket and beret + badge were obtained earlier this year but the trousers eluded us and although similar in a lot of ways to RAF trousers of the period they are marked ROC inside on the label.

Step forward Ed Combes of Cuckfield Post in Sussex. A long time friend and supporter of not only Portadown Post but also of our displays at the Ulster Aviation Society.

Ed had an original pair of trousers spare and he very kindly donated them to my collection.

The even better news? They fit me!

Will I wear them? On special occasions maybe…

Thank you to Ed for once again allowing us to obtain an incredibly rare item.

06/09/2025

Had to honour of being invited to the 85th commemoration of the Battle of Britain at Stormont last night.

The Royal Observer Corps Association were well represented at the event with Tracey Malcolm and Paddy Malone also in attendance.

As well as having a front row seat to an incredible flypast by the BBMF Lancaster I also presented a framed picture of the Royal Observer Corps Spitfire to the new head of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Harvey Smyth.

Still pinching myself that it happened.

27/08/2025

**Open Day Update**

Unfortunately the weather forecast for this Sunday has deteriorated significantly with heavy rain and wind due from early in the morning until late in the evening.

I have therefore taken the decision to cancel.

I apologise to everyone who was planing to come to see us but health & safety comes first!

I will look at dates in September as I really want to hold one more event this year.

25/08/2025

See it for yourself this Sunday 31st August, 12-3pm.

“There isn’t a single piece of equipment used in Northern Ireland (during the Cold War) that I don’t have,” he states, “it has taken over my life…but I like doing it because it’s so much fun." https://tinyurl.com/4vucjsns

12/08/2025

Just to remind people that we are not taking part in this year’s European Heritage Open Days.

I have had a couple of emails and phone calls since last week with people trying to book.

Your last chance to visit the bunker will be on Sunday 31st August.