From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 17, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 17, 1974

17 December 2014

A MASSIVE 60-acre industrial development site is being cleared near Downpatrick to accommodate up to nine new factories, the first of which is expected to be built within the next 12 months.

Clearance work started on Monday at the site on the Killough Road, opposite the Ballyvange Model Farm development where 800 new houses are at present under construction. It means that Downpatrick’s future as an industrial growth centre is rocketing upwards fast.

The site has been set aside by the Department of Commerce, who have apparently abandoned plans to develop further the industrial area on the Ballydugan Road and instead have plumped for their new location.

A spokesman for the Department said this week that plans for the first factory at Ballyvange are at an advanced stage. The clearance work is not expected to last more than a month and this could mean an early start on a building programme.

Consultations are already underway between various Government departments about water, sewerage, etc., and it is thought that these basic considerations will be given a smooth ride.

The whole scheme is aimed at progressing the Department’s advance factory programme in areas of high unemployment. Although the county town doesn’t qualify on that score, it has come in for consideration because it is regarded as an area of low key industrial activity. Local unemployment figures should considerably and industrial activity should be that more apparent.

SAINTFIELD — Farmers in the Saintfield area were stated this week to be up in arms in their annoyance over problem dogs which have caused the death of 16 sheep in less than a week.

Dog owners who do not realise that their pets can be potential sheep killers are causing problems for an already over-stretched police force whose time is valuable.

Near Saintfield more than 50 sheep have been harassed and police are anxious that dog owners should show effective responsibility — in short, to keep them under control at all times.

A considerable amount of police time is occupied by finding suspect dogs and having extensive tests made before owners are taken to court.

STRANGFORD — Oyster farming, almost unheard locally until the last few years, is now a thriving business in the Strangford Lough area. One of the latest additions is the farm in Strangford bay owned by Commander Maxwell, Old Court, Strangford, who received his first delivery of baby oysters this week.

Almost 200,000 tiny oysters have been purchased and could be on the market in two years’ time. They are of the Japanese type, which grow faster and are more resistant to the diseases prevalent. Commander Maxwell points out that there could be a 50 per cent mortality rate, but he hopes his turnover will be a quarter of a million oysters a year.

His farm may be starting several years behind other local farms, but he believes he will have benefited from their experience. He appreciates it is an expensive venture and a full-time job, but realises that the bay is ideal for the industry.

He believes there is a demand for oysters, not only in local public houses and hotels, but much further afield. Indeed, he hopes trade expands to the continent and the United States, as well as the home market.

BALLYNAHINCH — Two accidents within three hours occurred at the Millbridge, Ballynahinch, on Friday night. On each occasion only one was involved.

The first happened at 8.30pm when a Vauxhall Viva struck a wall before ending up on its roof in the centre of the road. There were two passengers, but only slight injuries were received.

Almost three hours later a Triumph 1300 went over a hedge and also ended up on its roof. There were three passengers in the car, but no injuries were received.

ANNSBOROUGH — Past and present members of Annsborough Women’s Institute attended a dinner in the Toscana restaurant, Newcastle, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the institute’s first meeting.

Over 40 people watched the president, Miss Margaret Blackwood, cut the celebration cake, donated by Inglis & Co., assisted by past president, Miss Angela Hannon.

It was a night for memories with the group recalling how the institute had been founded in 1949 with the help of Sir Graham Larmor and his wife, Lady Gladys, who became the first president. In that time there have only been four presidents: Lady Larmor, Miss Hannon, Miss Blackwood and Mrs. J. Robinson.

A bouquet of flowers was sent to Mrs. Robinson, who could not attend the celebration, while a wreath was laid at the grave of Lady Larmor. Miss Blackwood and Miss Hannon were also presented with bouquets of flowers by the members

PORTAFERRY — The Northern Ireland  Tourist Board have examined and recommended a scheme in the public sector for capital grant aid by the Department of Commerce. It is the Ards district council’s proposed quay extension and slipway at Cook Street, Portaferry, and it was recommended at the Board’s November meeting.

Initially it is intended to use the existing slip to provide a jetty and slipway, but a later phase of the scheme will provide for car parking, service buildings and boat park.

KILLYLEAGH — Killyleagh Camera Club members were treated to a talk and demonstration on indoor lighting by Mr. Ladislav Moucka at last Monday night’s meeting. Th talk was both interesting and informative to members and included a demonstration on lighting for portraiture.

Mr. Norman Smyth gave a talk on flash exposure which also proved interesting. The next meeting will see the projection of cine films by some of the members.

LISTOODER — Listooder and District Ploughing Society held their 85th annual competition on Saturday when 42 entries were received for the various classes.

Established in 1890, the Society continues to flourish and standards were again high, giving the judges many headaches. Conditions were good, considering the recent bad spell of weather.

DUNDRUM — Mr. John Kielty, who died at his home in Main Street, Dundrum, was well known for many years in the Mourne country and during his life as a seaman had visited nearly every leading port in the world. He was 79.

Mr. Kielty came from Co. Wexford and served in two World Wars. He retired ten years ago as a constructional inspector, but during his life he served on American oil tankers. He was predeceased two years ago by his wife, Kathleen, and is survived by two sons and two daughters to whom deep sympathy is expressed.

NEWCASTLE — The Christmas fair organised by Newcastle Presbyterian Church and held in the Keers Hall on Thursday afternoon raised a total of £327.51.

FISH — Calling all fishermen! There is still time to put in an entry which might win you one of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s series of prizes for sea angling in the province’s offshore waters this year. The Board intends to award a series of tackle prizes, each worth £25, to the anglers who land the heaviest fish in each of the following five categories before the end of the year: cod, tope, common skate, plaice and bass.

Tope in Strangford Lough are among the entries received so far.

SAVINGS — Gross small savings in Co. Down, in line with small savings all over the province, have fallen by nearly nine per cent compared with the corresponding period last year. The county’s total for the securities, which includes Trustee Savings Bank deposits, National Savings Bank deposits, premium bonds and Ulster development bonds, has fallen by £700,000 to just over £7m.

Generally, the monthly figures for each area have been below the corresponding total for the previous year, but Newcastle have been the exception.