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#292 Prison Officer Bill Allen on Physical Courage, Violent Men and Giving Up Drink

#292 Prison Officer Bill Allen on Physical Courage, Violent Men and Giving Up Drink

FromBest Of Belfast: Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast


#292 Prison Officer Bill Allen on Physical Courage, Violent Men and Giving Up Drink

FromBest Of Belfast: Northern Ireland's #1 Interview Podcast

ratings:
Length:
60 minutes
Released:
Jan 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Bill Allen (William Frank Allen) is an ex-prison officer who worked in the Crumlin Road Jail and Maze Prison at the height of the troubles. In today’s episode, we talk about: Growing up in London after WW2 Mars Bars coming off the ration How he got into prison work Physical courage War hero and friend Ken Lewis The Shankill Butchers Why rough men keep the world safe How a dog foiled a prison escape His dislike of certainty And 50-years of sobriety This conversation is part of our Wild Wisdom mini-series in partnership with Sai Kelly where we talk with older men about what masculinity means to them, the experiences that shaped them and the hard-earned lessons they’ve picked up along the way. Check it out. // https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/bill-allen-prison-officer //
Released:
Jan 2, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

We believe Northern Ireland has a better story to tell — one that goes beyond bombs, bullets and a sunken ship. You are part of this story. With 180+ conversations featuring some of the incredible people who call this place home, our weekly show gives you the chance to get away from the clickbait and connect with the amazing things happening on your doorstep. Previous guests include NASA Scientists, Billion-Dollar CEOs, 91-year-old parkrunners, teenaged entrepreneurs, Oscar-winning directors, Olympic Gold medalists, Bitcoin Auctioneers, Tim Burton's puppet-maker and a guy who built an aeroplane in his garage. Well-known voices include Snow Patrol, Foy Vance, Julian Simmons, May McFettridge, Zoe Salmon, Andrew Trimble, The Dead Rabbit, Michael Deane, The Priests, Two Door Cinema Club, Oliver Jeffers, Pete Snodden, Colin Geddis, Mary Peters, Rebecca McKinney and May Blood — the millworker who became a peer in the House Of Lords. Best Of Belfast is an independent, crowdfunded show with no political or religious agenda. It's hosted by 26-year-old writer Matthew Thompson and publishes a new episode every single Monday! To see photos of all 180+ guests, sign up to our free newsletter and support the show please visit https://bestofbelfast.org/