From the pages of the Down Recorder, May 29, 1973

From the pages of the Down Recorder, May 29, 1973

29 May 2013

DOWNPATRICK — Local government reorganisation will bring more jobs to Downpatrick than exist at present and the urban council has been told buy a site for a £400,000 administration block which will be built at New Bridge Street.

These are two of the pledges given by Lord Windlesham and his advisers to a delegation consisting of urban and rural councillors, who brought many of the community’s worries to Stormont.

Other assurances given at the meeting include the maintenance of all existing services at Downe Hospital, plus the replacement of Quoile Hospital, and the establishment of the divisional rating office, the public health inspectorate and one of eight provincial development offices in the town.

Mr. Edward McGrady, urban council chairman, who led the deputation, said afterwards that he was greatly encouraged by the talks. “Lord Windlesham and his advisers from the different departments made a genuine effort to sort out our problems. They have great sympathy for us and appeared to have a very large measure of departmental opinion in our favour.”

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle RUC have answered a plea by young people to help find youth premises in the town. Several weeks ago Constable R. Gilmore was approached by a number of local youths who complained about the lack of facilities in the town.

A public meeting of the youth of Newcastle has been called for June 4 at the local technical school and a number of businessmen in the town have been asked to attend.

DUNDRUM — A request for a pedestrian crossing in Dundrum has been turned down as a result of investigations carried out by the traffic police. This was reported at Thursday’s Newcastle and District Road Safety Committee meeting in Newcastle Technical College. Mr. C. A. Baxter was chairman.

It was also reported that that a circular had been sent out to all schools and various organisations in the district inviting them to send representatives to the Road Safety Committee. The response from Castlewellan and Dundrum was poor.

ARDGLASS — Ardglass man Michael O’Shea will be seeking nomination as one of the Alliance team of Assembly candidates in the South Down constituency. Grandson of a well-known Co. Down fish auctioneer and family hotelier, Mr. O’Shea was elected to the Alliance Party Executive in 1970 and was founder editor of the party’s monthly newspaper, ‘Alliance.’

RADEMON — Members of the congregation of Rademon Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church met in Listooder Orange Hall on Monday night to say farewell to Rev. C. M. Kelly, his wife and two two daughters, Maeve and Gail.

Mr. A. McCormick, the church secretary, presented Mr. Kelly with a wallet of notes as a token of appreciation from the members of the congregation and extended good wishes to him and his family in their new church in Holywood. Replying, Mr. Kelly said he was overwhelmed at the generosity afforded him and spoke of his sorrow at leaving Rademon.

KILLOUGH — The institution by the Lord Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Right Rev. G. A. Quin, of the Rev. John I. H. Stafford as rector of three parishes took place on Saturday afternoon in St. Anne’s Church, Killough. There was a very large attendance in beautiful weather. The rector-elect was presented by the Rural Dean, the Rev. W. E. Kennedy, and the Diocesan Registrar, the Rev. J. H. R. Good, administered the declarations.

At the reception over which the Rural Dean presided, Sir John Anderson accorded a warm welcome on behalf of the three parishes to their new rector and his wife.

CARRYDUFF — A car which was stolen from Windmill Street car park in Ballynahinch on Saturday night was found badly damaged in Carryduff on Sunday morning. The car was lying on its roof and appeared to have been involved in an accident. Two youths from the Carryduff area are helping police with their inquiries.

BALLYNAHINCH — Several old boys of Edengrove Boys’ Brigade attended the 21st anniversary service in Edengrove Presbyterian Church on Sunday night when the special preacher was Dr. W. Patterson, a former member. The lessons were read by Captain R. McCalla and Lieut. Winston Shaw. The collection was taken up by the boys of the Brigade.

ANNSBOROUGH — At the monthly meeting of Annsborough Women’s Institute, Mrs. Mullan, from Slievenaman WI, gave an interesting display and demonstration on home-made confectionery. Members were then invited to sample the various items. Mrs. Mullan then presented the President with a box of her own sweets which were later offered as the ballot prize and won by Mrs. Ross.

SAUL — The foundation stone of St. Patrick’s Memorial Church, Saul was laid on Ascension Day 40 years ago. The parishioners of Saul will commemorate the occasion with a service of thanksgiving on the Sunday after Ascension Day, June 3, at 3.30pm.

SEAFORDE — Seaforde Young Farmers’ Club, which is on the crest of a wave in many respects, will show the public next week just how good a rural club it is. In the McCammon Hall on Tuesday night local talent in the 12-20 age group will come before the footlights with what promises to be a sparkling musical programme.

Top of the bill will be the club’s award-winning show from the YFCU festival. They will be joined by members of Hollymount pipe band, the talented Doran family and Joyce McCoubrey, a noted violinist. The guest compere will be Terence McKeague.

DOWNPATRICK — Star performer James Young did not keep the fans waiting for last Saturday’s official opening of the new Manchester & Midland Electrical (NI) Ltd. shop in Market Street, Downpatrick. The inimitable James was there, on the minute, to autograph record sleeves for dozens of enthusiasts who had queued up hours before the deadline.

Mr. Young paid tribute to the theatre-conscious Downpatrick public. It had been his privilege many years previously to entertain in the local Assembly Hall and while he realised that those premises were not now available, he cherished fond memories of his earlier visits.