KILLOUGH — Killough brickworks may be re-opened in the new year by an engineering firm with interests in Belfast and Glasgow. The brickfield is presented owned by S. McGladery & Sons Ltd., who closed it down almost two years ago. Mr. L. McGladery, who is retiring, has also closed the firm’s three other plants and wishes to offload his brick-making interests.
The firm interested in acquiring the Killough works is Bradbury Engineering Ltd., heating and refrigerating engineers, who are engaged on a wide ranging scheme of development.
The Killough brickfield, which had a very reputation for its hollow blocks, has been fully maintained since it closed in January 1970. A caretaker is still employed to pump out the pits and look after the plant and offices. It is a unique brickfield in that the clay is a glacial deposit, very uniform in quality and texture.
The brickworks were built by the late Mr. Herbert McGladery in 1912. Before that the Hughes family made bricks by hand in an old down-draught kiln in summer weather.
At one time up to 40 men were employed, but that figure was cut to less than half with the advent of modern equipment.
There is an air of excitement among many of the skilled Killough craftsmen at the prospect of returning to the jobs they knew so well.
DOWNPATRICK — Residents of Downpatrick’s Market Street had to vacate their homes for the second Sunday night in succession while security forces dealt with what they thought was a bomb.
A steel drum containing water was noticed the Down Perfumery about 10.45. After it had been hauled to safety the residents were allowed to return.
Meanwhile, geriatric patients at the Downshire Hospital were evacuated on Thursday night when a fire was discovered in a store. Thirty-one male patients were in Finneston House — the geriatric unit of the hospital — when the fire was discovered by a staff nurse after 7.15pm.
Two fire appliances from Downpatrick and one from Ballynahinch rushed to the scene and the fire was quickly brought under control. Clothing and bedding stored in a small room were destroyed but prompt action by the firemen confined the outbreak to the store, although some damage was done to the roof.
CASTLEWELLAN — A two year-old bullock will shortly be Castlewellan police station’s most unusual bundle of property — unless it is claimed by its owner. Back in July the bullock strayed on to lands at Benraw and since then it has been cared for by the landowner. By now a fair-sized bill has accumulated.
Police, who have the ear tag number, are still seeking the owner. How a man can lose a valuable bullock and not know about it has them mystified. Unless it is claimed shortly the wondering bullock will become the subject of a court order for disposal.
STRANGFORD — Mr. John Magennis, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick, who has retired from the teaching profession, after having been on the staff of St. Joseph’s Primary School, Strangford, for nine years, was the recipient of a number of gifts this week. At an informal gathering at the home of Mr. Magennis, Mr. Richard Dougherty, Strangford, presented him with an armchair on behalf of the past pupils and parents.
In paying tribute to his work Mr. Dougherty said he spoke, not only as a member of the school committee, but as a parent whose children had benefited materially from one who was a dedicated teacher.
Mr. John Ritchie, school principal, on behalf of the teachers and staff, associated himself with Mr. Dougherty’s remarks and said they had lost a gifted teacher and friend. Miss Colette Polly and Master Philip Fitzsimons, on behalf of the pupils and school staff, presented Mr. Magennis with a coffee set and perculator.
Mr. Magennis said he was deeply touched by the kindness and generosity accorded him. His nine years at the Strangford school had been happy ones and he had always found the children to be most obedient, affectionate and a credit to their parents. He was sad to be leaving them.
NEWCASTLE — Newcastle’s Gateway Club, which caters for the recreation of the mentally handicapped, are embarking on a massive fund-raising programme. One of their main objectives is the acquisition of a house in the town where 800 members of similar clubs in the province can spend a summer holiday.
Also high on the priority list is the provision of transport to fetch members to and from the town on club nights — Thursdays. With members in Rathfriland, Annalong and Kilcoo, a vehicle such as a minibus would be a boon to the handicapped for whom Thursday night is the highlight of the week.
KILLYLEAGH — A successful guest tea promoted by the ladies of Killyleagh Yacht Club, headed by Mrs. Reggie Hunsdale, wife of the commodore, was well attended on Friday evening.
It was one of a number of fund-raising functions arranged by the ladies during the winter in aid of club development. The Val Young Group made a welcome return and produced an enjoyable programme. A vote of thanks to them and to all who helped was proposed by Mr. Samuel Bennett.
BALLYNAHINCH — The Ballynahinch and district branch of the Cancer Research Campaign held a successful cake fair and jumble sale in Harmony Hall last week when approximately 200 £200 was raised, with subions still being received. The committee would like to thank all those who assisted at the various stalls and the members of the public who supported this worthy cause and helped to raise this excellent sum.
CROSSGAR — After the summer open day, the annual supper dance is the most important event in the social calendar of Tobar Mhuire Monastery, Crossgar. This year’s function was held in the parochial centre, Drumaroad, on Friday night and 450 friends and guests attended. Afterwards the organisers spoke highly of the efforts of Mrs. Malachy Magorrian, who had charge of the catering.
The Tobar Mhuire committee has been in existence for almost 20 years and during that time has done much commendable work in raising funds for the monastery.