Halloween took on a new meaning in 1959. It was the day Ulster Television opened its doors to the public, initially in the Belfast area but destined to become a station popular in the west, down south, even across the sea to Scotland.

This Thursday is the 65th anniversary of that day and many ‘TV types’ will be meeting over lunch to celebrate and to laugh and cry over our wonderful lifetime in television.

I find it very pleasing to know that much of the old film is being archived and made available to the public. For instance, you can view 650 clips reflecting programmes and events just by visiting the local library, all part of the British Film Institute Replay project.

• Use your loaf and bake bread for peace - Anne HailesOpens in new window
• The Outcasts’ Greg Cowan: ‘I played Paris when I was 17 and imagined I was David Bowie. The next day I was painting the railings in Ormeau Park’ - Anne HailesOpens in new window
• Gaza one year on: Belfast Jewish and Palestinian voices appeal for prayer - Anne HailesOpens in new window

Or, if you want to sit at home and be entertained, the Digital Film Archive is a treasure trove of thousands of hours of programmes. It’s enthralling, it will bring the older viewer back years and the younger viewer will be fascinated.

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