From the pages of the Down Recorder, August 1, 1972

1 August 2012

DOWNPATRICK — For almost 43 years George (Jock) and Elizabeth Ritchie, of Downpatrick, have been meeting ande serving the public in their small grocery and tobacconist shop, situated strategically at the top of Irish Street.

Jock, a native of Glasgow, came to Ballykinlar with the RASC and met his wife in Downpatrick on Chirstmas Eve in 1922. They were married three years later. When they first came to live in Irish Street they had no intention of opening a shop.

“We needed a house more than anything else and when we took over these premises we did not intend having a shop,” says Mrs. Ritchie. “TYhere was an extra room, however, and as there had once been a shop there, run by a Mrs. Fee, we were talked into re-opening it. And believe you me we never regretted it.

“Our first day’s takings amounted to nine shillings and there wasn’s a three-penny piece among it. It consisted of pennies, halfpennies and farthings. No one had much money in those days and times were difficult enough.”

In thanking their many customers for their patronage over the years, the Ritchies look forward to maintaining connections with them. “But remember,” says Jock, “despite your supermarkets, there’ll always be room for the corner shop, for it’s one of the last places to retain the personal touch.”

ANNACLOY — ‘Bloody Friday.’ Another headline. More shocking pictures of dead and mained. Shocking — until the next outrage. But what of those who are left to pick up the pieces? The lucky ones who escaped death and are left to get on with the job of living.

Take 20 year-old Roisin Burns, for instance, who had a miraculous escape in the Oxford Street bus station tragedy. For her day of terror turned into a living nightmare. The attractive civil servant from Annacloy has suffered from delayed shock. She has delusions, can’t sleep at night and must be heavily sedated to get any rest.

Roisin has gone through a harrowing time. But she’s on her way back. She has been inundated with get-well messages from family and friends. One cards contains the signatures of 106 of her workmates.

DUNDRUM — Mention regatta and you conjure up the image of sailing boats and all things nautical. But prefix it with the name Dundrum and a day’s feast of fun immediately springs to mind. For such has been the succdess of these water and land sports that Saturday week’s events are regarded as a carnival — a day out which has something for all the family.

First mention of this type of event in the area is recorded in the Dublin museum where it is stated that water sports were held in Dundrum Bay in the tenth century. The tradition was kept up and the regatta took its present form in 1736 when the Blundell and Downshire families decided to lay on something special for local tenants.

The present Lord Downshire has maintained his links with the event and still finds time to come over from England to take part in the committee meetings.

It has been the custom of the committee to put a great deal of planning into the event. As usual, they’ve spared no effort. While most were in winter hibernation, secretary Russ Whatmough and his group were busy arranging next week’s gala attraction.

ARDGLASS — St. Anne’s School, Ardglass, was the venue for the Ardglass Gardening Club’s second annual summer flower show, which not only attracted an increase in flower and plant exhibits, but provided a sizeable catalogue in the various subsidiary sections.

Judges Sir John and Lady Anderson and Mrs. Roulston commented favourably on the high standard and numerical strength of exhibits, and congratulated the organisers and helpers on an impressive layout. Exhibits, including junior members’ crafts work, were auctioned by Major J. Colgan following the announcement of prizewinners. Refreshments were available during an afternoon of memorable endeavour.

INCH — A party of 1st Inch Scouts and two Scouters, David Noon and Jim Cockfield, returend on Friday from their summer camp at the international Scout camp, Gilwell Park, London. The weather was excellent and the boys were able to mix with Scouts from Norway, Germany, Sweden and many other troops from England and Scotland.

On a visit to Windsor Castle, the boys looked in on Guides from 1st Downpatrick, who were camping nearby. An inter-patrol competition was won by Kingfisher, made up of leader R. Lennon, Paul Johnston, Walter McCorkell, Alan McKee and Ross Campbell. Patrol leader David Cockfield received a pennant for the best camper.

LISTOODER — James McVeigh and his band provided the misic for the dance in Listooder Hall on Friday night. A jolly crowd turned up in anticipation of an enjoyable night’s dancing and they were not disappointed. The selection of dances was capably made by Mr. J. McMillan.

NEWCASTLE — Mr. Jack Graham, who has retired after 47 years’ service with the Post Office, was hnoured by his Newcastle colleagues at a function in the Donard Hotel on Saturday night. Mr. Graham, of Main Street, Dundrum, started as a messenger boy before moving to Belfast and later Newcastle. He was presented with a wrist watch and Mrs. Graham received a bouquet of flowers.

CROSSGAR — A successful coffee party and bring and buy sale, organised by the ladies’ committee in Crossgar Orange Hall on Thursday evening raised over £70. The winners of an iced cake, presented by Mr. D. McMullan, were Mrs. E. Morris and Mr. T. Nelson, both of whom guessed the correct weight.

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder