New chairman takes over at Saintfield body

New chairman takes over at Saintfield body

13 September 2017

THE Saintfield Development Association has a new chairman.

Ian Murray has taken over the reins of the organisation which plays a key role in the life of the town and will be working with others alongside Newry, Mourne and Down Council to deliver a new community and sports facility at the Belfast Road in the town.

In the latest edition of Saintfield News, Mr Murray said it is his “privilege” to be the development group’s new chairman.

Born in Bangor, he graduated from Queen’s University in 1971 with a degree in Agriculture and spent five years teaching at Greenmount College.

Mr Murray joined Unilever’s agricultural merchanting division and in 1988 obtained a post graduate certificate in Commercial Law.

Two years earlier, he became chief executive officer of the central body for agricultural co-operatives and in 2000 became Regional Director of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, retiring in 2007.

Mr Murray joined the Saintfield Development Association last year after learning that the organisation was looking for new volunteers.

Writing in the latest edition of Saintfield News, Mr Murray said behind every chairman there is a dynamic, hard working committee with a broad range of experience.

“The Saintfield Development Association is lucky to have such a committee who then spread their talents through the various sub committees,” he continued.

“These are exciting and challenging times for both the association and the community centre working group. If you have a talent, skill or experience that would allow you to contribute to either, please get in touch. If committee work is not for you, how about volunteering.”

Mr Murray added: “It is my wish that in the year ahead, residents will think ‘Saintfield — how can I contribute?’ This Sunday we have our annual cycle ride and there is a need for as many marshals as possible.”

The new committee office bearers are: chairman, Ian Murray; vice-chairman, Martyn Todd; treasurer Lawrence Murphy; secretary, Peter Gregg.

The committee members are Pamela Dooley (funding and finance), Barbara Graham (infrastructure), Bob Pollock (events), Lawrence Murphy (Green Saintfield) and Brian Gamble (communications).