WHEN Down Cathedral board next next month, top of the agenda will be measures to curb the recent spate of vandalism at the cathedral. It is possible that the building will be closed to visitors in a bid to avoid a repetition of the destruction of the past three weeks.
The diary of desecration reads: Lectern Bible slashed with knives, hymn books ripped apart, microphones damaged, pulpit used as a urinal, cigarette ends stubbed out on carpets and hymn numbers stolen. The visitors’ book was torn and the sheets later found in the streets.
The verger, Mr. Albert Sage, is on hand from 9am to 6pm and locks the church door at 9pm. But his duties, including the care of the graveyard, keep him away from the immediate vicinity of the church.
NEWRY — Thousands of members of the Royal Black Institution paraded in Newry on Saturday where the county demonstration was held and local preceptories taking part included Crossgar, Kilmore, Ballygawley, Clough and Ballydonnell, who had with them Hollymount Pipe Band.
Water wagons and truckloads of soldiers were on duty at key points in Belfast where 33 bands and thousands of marchers took part in the parades through the city prior to travelling to Killyleagh where the traditional ‘Last Saturday’ celebrations were observed. At this venue the local Killyleagh and Toye preceptories acted as hosts to the visitors.
ARDGLASS — Ardglass residents this week made clear their views on what they want done with a five-acre field which is owned by the council and adjoins the village’s newest housing estate, Parkside. They want playing pitches — provision for both soccer and gaelic football — facilities for children and amenities for the elderly.
At the end of an hour and a half of discussion, attended by Mr. Gordon Pentland, East Down Council Clerk, and some 70 villagers, local councillors Mr. Robert Magee and Mr. Daniel Sharvin pledged to put the residents’ demands to the council at the meeting in two weeks’ time.
BALLYNAHINCH — Ballynahinch police want anyone who witnessed a hit-and-run accident on Thursday of last week to contact them at Ballynahinch 2222. A vehicle driven by Mr. Joe Rice, of Windmill Street, Ballynahinch, was damaged by a Cortina car whose driver failed to stop on the Downpatrick-Ballynahinch Road.
SAINTFIELD — The Belfast and County Down Railway Museum Trust are holding an open day at Saintfield Station on Saturday when they will have on display a large selection of relics, photographs and other items of Irish railwayana. “As well as the static display we hope to have a small steam engine running to give rides to children,” says the Trust secretary, Mr. Bob Pue.
KILLYLEAGH — A new summer activity was held by Killyleagh Y.F.C. on Tuesday when members staged a tractor driving competition. Mr. David McKelvey provided the use of the field and Mr. W. R. Neill, of Killinchy Y.F.C., acted as judge. Most members tried their skill at this new venture which was won by Mr. Edgar Bassett. The runners-up were David and James Lindsay.
The annual Ringdufferin Cup stock judging competitions were held recently at the farms of Mr. J. Morrison and Mr. J. Lindsay. Judges were Mr. R. McBride and Mr. O. Priestly. Results: cattle judging — 1st Helen Lindsay, 2nd Brian Morrison, 3rd David Lindsay; sheep judging — 1st Jill Gibson, 2nd Brian Morrison, 3rd Ian Lindsay; pig judging — 1st Anne Gibson and David Lindsay, 2nd Ian Lindsay, 3rd Brian Morrison.
PORTAFERRY — Colm and the Sundowners, the popular Portaferry country and western outfit, broke the crowd record at Drumaroad on Sunday night last. Now they have decided to turn profession and their first date as full-time ‘pros’ is the new Hillbilly Club in the Stormont Hotel, Dundonald, on September 5.
LISTOODER — Listooder LOL 1607 staged another successful dance in the local hall on Friday night when there was a good turnout for dancing to the popular music of Jimmy McVeigh and his band. The duties of MC were carried out by Mr. John McMillan and the stewards were Messrs A. Glover and D. Hawthorne. A ballot was won by Mr. T. McNamara, Ballynahinch, and once again the ladies’ committee obliged by supplying an excellent supper.
SEAFORDE — Members of Seaforde W.I. spent an enjoyable day as guests of their Ballycastle counterparts. After a delicious lunch, they toured the local beauty spots. Miss Walker proposed a vote of thanks to the hosts for their hospitality, and Miss Breen seconded.
RADEMON — Having recently purchased and installed a new electric organ, the congregation of Rademon Non-subscribing Presbyterian Church met on Sunday afternoon for the dedication of the new instrument. The guest organist for the occasion was Mr. Trelford Withers, organist at Raffrey Presbyterian Church.
DOWNPATRICK — Sixteen year-old Christopher Buckley, a student at Down High School, Downpatrick, has won the A. L. Keeble Memorial Prize, awarded annually for the candidate gaining the highest mark in the Northern Ireland G.C.E. examination in woodwork, practical and theoretical. Christopher’s father, Mr. J. E. Buckley, is headmaster at Down High School and when the prizegiving takes place in early December he too will receive a plaque, for one is also presented to the school. Credit must go to the school’s woodwork teacher, Mr. Brownlow McClean, of Dundrum.