From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 12, 1978

From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 12, 1978

12 December 2018

DOWNPATRICK — One of Downpatrick’s largest fashion houses, which was completely destroyed by terrorist fire bombs at the weekend, is to be rebuilt almost immediately.

Mr Basil Coburn, who lost his shop and extensive Christmas stock, confirmed this week that he has plans to begin rebuilding a “bigger and better store”.

The attack on Coburn’s in Church Street was on Saturday evening when it is believed incendiaries were left in parts or the shop during the heavy Christmas afternoon rush.

The devices — it is not known how many — were obviously timed to go off when the shop closed and it was early on Sunday morning when police raised the alarm.

Downpatrick firemen raced to the scene within minutes, but the fire had spread too wide for them to have any chance of saving the building.

Mr Coburn, who received news of the inferno at 2.30am, rushed to the spot and stood helplessly watching his premises disintegrate. Other key holders in the area were called out to check their premises and large crowds gathered throughout the first hours of the blaze.

Surveying the wreckage, Mr Coburn said that his firm will still be trading through their smaller Irish Street store and they would try to continue as normal.

STRANGFORD LOUGH — A young Portavogie man lost his life on Sunday morning while out duck  hunting with three other friends on Strangford Lough. Leslie O’Brien (22), an engineer, was a young married man with no family.

The boat the duck hunters were using capsized near Long Island. Two of the party who survived the incident managed to swim ashore with their dogs. The other member of the group was picked up by a fishing boat.

BALLYNAHINCH — Ballynahinch Chamber of Commerce, which was in danger of winding up several weeks ago, received a massive vote of confidence at a special meeting in the town this week.

The best ever attendance of local traders greeted the Chamber’s call for more support and it is now obvious that the group, set up two years ago, is ready to spearhead Ballynahinch’s bid to establish itself as a major shopping centre.

Mr Woodrow Graham, the Chamber’s officer, said the attendance squashed any possibility of the group folding. “It was certainly one of the best turnouts of the Chamber,” he remarked.

“Attendance had more than doubled from the previous meetings and, apart from a few apologies, there was almost a full turnout of members. It’s heartening to know that the traders do want their Chamber to continue and they showed by their presence that the idea of folding up would not be allowed.”

Mr David Dickson, vice-chairman, was delighted that the Chamber would be carrying on. “The turnout of traders gave the group’s officials a big boost. With this renewed support we can only go from strength to strength,” he said.

Mr Bill Irwin, of NIS Superfoods, was pleased that the Chamber has at last been accepted as a viable proposition.

“If the Chamber head folded it would have been a tragedy for the town. It is the only voice the town has and it can help push for things like car parks, housing, footpaths, lighting etc,” he said.

“Make no mistake, business is booming in the town and a strong Chamber of Commerce can only bring even better results.”

NEWCASTLE — Police in Newcastle intend clamping down on motorists who insist on following the local fire engine to the scene of fires.

A spokesman said that the number of motorists rushing to the local fire station after the siren sounds has reached epidemic proportions.

“We have received a complaint from the local Road Safety Committee about this. Firemen on the way to the station are actually being obstructed and often the fire engine is obstructed as cars wait around the station entrance,” he said.

“It is an offence to follow the fire engine or cause any obstruction, so we will have to deal harshly with anyone we catch.”

PORTAFERRY — The headmaster of St Columba’s High School in Portaferry, Mr Liam McQuillan, has stressed the importance of parent-teacher liaison as a force to combat juvenile delinquency and vandalism.

During his report at the school’s prize distribution, Mr McQuillan spoke of the worldwide increase in underage drinking and vandalism and pointed out the role of the parent.

“We, as teachers, can indicate the proper standards for decent social behaviour, but what use is this if, in the world outside the school, young being are exposed to standards which are diametrically opposed to those in school,” Mr McQuillan asked.

“Parents just cannot opt out of their responsibility to help train and educate their own flesh and blood.

Mr McQuillan praised the work of everyone who had been connected with the school during the past year and thanked the pupils who raised £600 for the Down Cancer Society, £250 for the Relief of World Hunger and £200 for the Diocesan Seminary Fund.

KILLYLEAGH — At a recent meeting of Killyleagh, Shrigley and District Town Committee concern was expressed about the lack of street lighting in Killyleagh’s Irish Street.

The committee claims that many of the elderly residents in the new houses are effectively trapped in their houses after dark and that it is difficult for friends to visit them.

Col Denys Rowan-Hamilton reported that he had contacted the Housing Executive and the Department of the Environment and that he hoped speedy action to end bad lighting and footpaths would follow.

KILLOUGH — Angry residents in Killough have hit out out at the “terribly inadequate” street lighting in the village. Their grievances were recently pointed out at the monthly meeting of Killough Village Committee.

The meeting was told that only half the number of lighters needed in the village have been installed and that these are “filthy and in a poor state of maintenance.”

Now the residents want urgent action before someone is injured in the complete darkness which they claim exists in certain areas of the village.

SEAFORDE — Down councillors have slammed a decision by planners to refuse a Seaforde restaurant owner permission to erect a sign.

The council have asked the planners to review their decision which prevents Mr J Boyd, owner of the Seaforde Inn, from displaying a notice showing the location of his premises.

COMBER — A new school under construction in Comber was described as a “monstrosity” this week by Ards Borough councillors.

They hit out at the new premises which are being built for the Andrews Memorial Primary School, which is presently operating nearby in a church hall.

“This new building is a monstrosity,” said Mr Jim McBriar. It is being built in red brick and yet there are no other buildings of this colour in the area. It just does not blend.

SAINTFIELD — A new organ was dedicated during a service at Second Saintfield Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning.

The new Allen Classic 20 digital computer organ was purchased from Tughan Crane, Fountain Street, Belfast. The guest organist was Mr Roy Holmes, whose family has connections with the congregation.

During the course of the service the Rev Desmond McBride, church minister, paid tribute to the enthusiasm, loyalty and devotion of the church choir under their organist, Miss Nancy Davis.

Thanks to their personal efforts and the support they received from the individual members of the congregation, almost the entire amount needed for the purchase has been raised within the space of 12 months, Mr McBride said.

KILLINCHY — Members of Killinchy Women’s Institute held their annual Christmas dinner in Balloo House last week. After the meal there was dancing to the music supplied by Mr Hugh Hewitt and his Band. Games took over from the dancing and during the interval 15 members received ballot prizes.

KILMORE — A pulpit edition of the Authorised Version of the Bible was presented to Kilmore Presbyterian Church on Sunday. Mr Robert Patterson, treasurer of the congregation, made the donation in memory of his parents.