DOWNPATRICK — Almost a third of Downpatrick’s population thronged to Market Street car park for Sunday’s open air intercession for peace. It was a deeply touching display of a community coming together for a common purpose regardless of creed.
The Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic bishops, Dr. George Quinn and Dr. William Philbin, were joined by representatives of all the local churches and in the crowd were civic and political leaders. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Brian Faulkner. Afterwards the clergy had tea together.
The public impression was one of thankfulness that a courageous effort had been made to bring people together. “It’s a step in the right direction,” was how Downpatrick butcher, Mr. William Thompson, described it. “It should help develop a spirit of friendliness and understanding,” he maintained.
Mr. Edward K. McGrady said: “It was a very concrete example of a practical approach to eradicate any feeling of sectarian division in the community. The large attendance demonstrated that not only was there little community division but a positive desire that all should live in peace together.”
Dr. William Ritchie commented: “It will do nothing but good.”
BALLYNAHINCH — The Church of Ireland Primate, Dr. G. O. Simms, will pay his second visit to Ballynahinch this year on Sunday morning when he will be the preacher at the harvest thanksgiving service in Magheradroll Parish Church. At the same time the parishioners will also be giving thanks for 200 years of worship on the present site at Church Road.
Although worship on the site only goes back 200 years, the parish of Magheradroll goes back much further into history.
Many know well the walls of ‘Old Magheradroll’ which still stands on Crabtree Hills. Magheradroll is mentioned as early as 1420 and it is likely there was a Christian church near the site many years before that date.
CASTLEWELLAN — Castlewellan Women’s Institute’s fifth annual meeting was held in the very congenial surroundings of The Stables. The outgoing president, Mrs. B. Blackwood, introduced Mrs. Dickson, of Seaforde W.I., who took over as chairman for the election of office bearers.
The results were as follows: president, Mrs. A. Vance; vice-president, Mrs. M. McFlynn; secretary, Mrs. M. Connolly, treasurer, Mrs. McCabe. Committee: Mrs. I. Skillen, Mrs. L. Telford, Mrs. N. Rodgers, Mrs. D. Hamilton, Mrs. S. Poland and Mrs. G. Keown.
SAINTFIELD — A Belfast sales representative was taken to Downe Hospital on Saturday night after being involved in an accident at Doran’s Rock, near Saintfield. He was Patrick McCaffrey, of Saintfield Road, and the vehicle he was driving struck an Army Land Rover at a road check. A soldier was slightly injured in the incident.
CROSSGAR — Downpatrick Fire Brigade dealt with a fire on waste ground at Kilmore Road, Crossgar, on Saturday night. It was soon under control and no damage was caused.
SPA — Newtow-nards swimming pool was the venue for Spa Young Farmers’ Club’s last meeting which took the form of a ‘dive-in.’ Most of the members present enjoyed splashing in the water and some of the more expert practised their swimming strokes.
NEWCASTLE — Tollymore Forest Park proved the perfect setting for this year’s South Down Divisional Girl Guides’ Shield competition. The contest was held on Saturday and involved teams from Annalong, Bessbrook, Warrenpoint, Newry, Kilkeel, Castlewellan and Newcastle companies.
The various tests involved the guides laying and lighting a wood fire, cooking a two-course meal with no canned or frozen foods allowed, and making two useful gadgets from natural wood and string. The winning Newcastle team comprised Hilary McCullough, Lesley Mackie and Shirley McGreevy.
BALLYNAHINCH — Pipers in Northern Ireland had the last blow of the season on Saturday when the County Down section of the Scottish Pipe Bands Association held contests at Ballynahinch. Judges were brought in from Scotland for the event, which attracted quite a lot of interest and a number of County Down bands were on the platform.
ARDGLASS — Mrs. McMordie presided at a meeting of Ardglass Women’s Institute held in the Fishermen’s Rest on Wednesday and welcomed new members. A competition for a souvenir from abroad was won by Mrs. Crea and the second prize went to Miss Peggy Wallace. The birthday prize was won by Mrs. McKenna.
KILLYLEAGH — Harvest thanksgiving services were held in Killyleagh Parish Church on Friday and Sunday. The church was tastefully decorated by Mrs. R. E. Conn, Mrs. H. Stanfield, Mrs. L. Bennett, Mrs. Wm. Bennett, Mrs. W. Rowan-Hamilton, Mrs. C. Gotto and Mrs. L. Murray, with the assistance of the church wardens, Mr. H. Stanfield and Mr. J. Ruddock. The choir, under the leadership of the organist, Miss Leah Nicholson, led the praise at both services.
DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick is expected to have a major indoor sports centre in two years’ time, it was learned at a meeting of local authority representatives yesterday.
It will probably be located at Dunleath Park, adjoining the existing playing fields and design work should be started shortly.
This is an earlier date than was thought possible and is heartily welcomed by the many representatives of the various sporting organisations who joined together to produce a dossier on the recreational needs of the district some years ago.