Don’t let Sirocco story die, ex-workers say

Calls for tribute to pioneering inventor

A MAN who worked at the former Sirocco factory has called for its founder to be recognised with a lasting memorial.

Terence Mills wants the contribution of Sir Samuel C Davidson to Northern Ireland’s industrial history to be officially marked.

In 1949, a young Mr Mills, from Donaghadee in Co Down, walked through the gates of the Sirocco engineering works in Belfast for his first job.

By then, Sir Samuel had made Sirocco a worldwide brand and central to the city’s industrial boom.

Today, the waterside site is derelict but plans are underway for a £450m housing and office development.

The only sign of the former Sirocco Works on the site is an unofficial and misspelled blue plaque to Samuel ‘Davison’ as well as a ‘Sirocco Walk’ sign on a section of paving stones.

Mr Mills and a group of seven other surviving “Sirocco Dinosaurs” meet every month and are calling for a fitting tribute to the “genius inventor” who reshaped Belfast.

“Joining Sirocco absolutely changed my life,” he said.

“Sir Samuel was a man who brought industry and employment to thousands of people. He’s not recognised at all today and that’s not right.”

The group is calling for the current “eyesore” plaque to be replaced with a more suitable tribute at the original factory gates.

Mr Mills has also applied to the Ulster History Circle to have an official blue plaque erected at

Sir Samuel’s home in Seacourt, Bangor.

The society said it will consider the application this year, although the schedule for new plaques already stretches into 2020.

As the youngest ‘Sirocco Dinosaur’, Allen Nelson started in 1984.

“There’s less of us in the group each month, so the longer we

keep this going the better,” he said.“There’s nothing for Samuel C Davidson anywhere. He was a genius in many ways for his inventions and foresight.

“He’s a founding father of the Former Sirocco workers (from left) Ross Harte, Terence Mills, Martin Dunn, Victor Chestnut, Allen Nelson, Victor Pickering and Bertie Savage; and (left) workers from the pattern shop in the factory in 1961. Below: the workshop floor

industrial revolution and I say he’s as important as Harland and Wolff.”

A spokesperson for The Waterside redevelopment project said the site’s history and heritage would be included in the new design, including retaining an historic red-brick chimney as a focal point.

“We will continue to consider the site’s history as more detailed plans come forward,” he said.

The group is working with Belfast City Council on the masterplan application and expect a decision in the coming months.

It has also committed to further public engagement as further plans are prepared.

It is hoped construction of an office development will start early next year, with redevelopment to be completed by 2023.