THE HAMILTONS OF BALLYDOWN
In the closing years of the nineteenth century Rose and John Hamilton have much for which to give thanks. As well as the new-found security of living in their own home at Ballydown, outside Banbridge, John is a valued employee and friend of Hugh Sinton, owner and director of four textile mills in the district.
But life still continues to challenge. Change makes demands on both John and Hugh who feel responsible for the large workforce whose jobs depend on keeping machinery and processes up to date. Illness is no respecter of persons even among those who are adequately fed and nourished.
Most challenging of all for Rose and John is watching James, Sam and Hannah and their last-born, strong-willed Sarah, make their own choices and mistakes. That is when they both have to draw on inner reserves of courage and steadiness to face both pain and joy.