From the pages of the Down Recorder, June 12, 1973

From the pages of the Down Recorder, June 12, 1973

12 June 2013

ELECTION — The electorate are looking forward to the new Down District Council getting down to work. And work will begin on Tuesday when the council holds its first meeting. With the Unionists and SDLP holding eight seats each, the power, from the political point of view, rests lies with the Alliance party’s two, Vanguard’s one and the independent. From a religious point of view the council is divided down the middle.

The outstanding feature of the election was the sweeping success of the Unionist candidates. Mr. Brian Faulkner describes this as a considerable vote of confidence in the former Unionist Government’s administration.

Mr. Edward McGrady, of the Downpatrick branch of SDLP, said: “We are very pleased with eight of the 20 seats. The party has been on the receiving end of attacks from all quarters.”

The impact of Alliance was most keenly felt in the Killyleagh area where Denys Rowan-Hamilton replaced Edward Lennon (Unionist).

CASTLEWELLAN — Three Castlewellan men were slightly injured last Thursday when their vehicles were in collision on the Clough-Castlewellan Road at Knocksticken. Peter Rooney, driver of one vehicle, Anthony Keown, driver of the other vehicle, and Edward McCartan were all taken to Downe Hospital for treatment. Mr. McCartan was detained with a broken ankle, while the other two men were released.

ARDGLASS — Two RAF men whose car plunged 14 feet into the North Dock of Ardglass harbour at midnight on Tuesday are now recovering in Downe Hospital after a dramatic rescue by two Ardglass men.

Malachy Crangle and Harry Digney were first on the scene when the car came down Quay Street, went out of control at a corner and plunged into four feet of water.

Mr. Crangle and Mr. Digney, both of Seaview, dived into the harbour and rescued one of the men who had struggled clear. The second man was trapped unconscious in the upturned car and the two Ardglass men returned to the car and managed to right it before being able to drag him clear.

Later, a police spokesman said: “They are very lucky to be alive and one of them almost would not have been were it not for the quick action of Mr. Crangle and Mr. Digney.

The two injured men, who are stationed at Bishopscourt, were taken to Downe Hospital where their condition was later said to be “satisfactory.”

SAINTFIELD — The outbreak of sheep worrying which has plagued local farmers during recent weeks continued at the weekend when a Saintfield farmer lost one lamb and had two more injured.

The latest killing, which happened on Sunday, brought Mr. Hubert Rea’s total losses to about £200 this spring. Mr. Rea, of Ballydian, saw two dogs on Sunday and shot one.

NEWCASTLE — Recent moves by Newcastle police to find premises for a youth club in the town were discussed at Newcastle Urban Council’s meeting on Monday night when it was agreed to offer rooms in Annesley Mansions for that purpose. An officer from the RUC Community Relations Branch had written to the council requesting the use of the Old Clinic premises at Park Avenue. However, the clinic is presently being used by the council as a store and Annesley Mansions was suggested as an alternative.

The council also agreed to install toilet facilities in Annesley Mansions and to pay maintenance. Renovations and decorations would, however, have to be undertaken by the group concerned.

Mr. A. P. Cairns, council chairman, said: “We blame youth for so much, but provide them with nothing.” I very much welcome this move.”

MOURNE — An entry of almost 1,000 has been received by the Youth Hostel Association for the 17th annual Mourne Wall Walk on Saturday. The start is from Rourke’s Park, two miles from Annalong. Twelve hours is allowed in which to complete the 22-mile course over some of the highest peaks. The total ascent is 10,000 feet.

All successful competitors will receive a certificate and badge. The Youth Hostel Association has made its usual comprehensive arrangements to provide for the safety of competitors. All entrants must be properly clad and wear leather walking boots. Marshals will be stationed along the route. Walkers will have numbered cards which must be given to marshals at three check points.

DOWNPATRICK — The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has decided to remove all the play equipment from the Kennedy Square play area. The move follows

a request by Downpatrick Urban Council to close the area down for a period of about three months to discourage vandals from using it.

In a letter to the council on Monday night, the Executive said that there were too many entrances to the area to effectively close it off. They had decided in view of the deterioration of play equipment to remove it and make the area an open space.

KILLYLEAGH — Brilliant sunshine for much of the day provided a near-perfect back for Killyleagh Show on Saturday. The occasional thunder showers in the afternoon did little to dampen the spirits of about 1,500 people who provided the biggest turn-out the show has seen in years.

Entries this year were also better than usual with exhibits in the agricultural horse section coming from as far away as Londonderry. Afterwards, Mr. John Beck, show secretary, said: We are very pleased with the way things went. We drew a bigger crowd this year than there has been for some time, and entries in all sections improved over recent years.”

NEWCASTLE — A horse which was struck by a car on the Castlewellan Road outside Newcastle on Monday night later had to be destroyed. A girl passenger in the car was taken to Downe Hospital with eye injuries and was detained.

RADEMON — A large number of members and friends attended the annual special service in connection with Rademon NS Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon at which the preacher was the Rev. F. Want, of Ballee and Clough. The lessons were read by Mr. W. R. Holmes and Mr. N. Castleano and the visiting soloist was Miss Alison Strain, Downpatrick.

The praise was led by Ballynahinch Temperance Silver Band and the organist was Mrs. A. Kelly. Visitors were afterwards entertained to tea in Listooder Orange Hall.

DOWNPATRICK — Mr. Raymond Jamison, headmaster of St. Augustine’s High, Toronto, has been awarded his Master’s Degree by York University, Toronto. A former pupil of St. Patrick’s High School, Downpatrick, his mother still resides at 14 Marian Park.