From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 31, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, December 31, 1974

31 December 2014

JOBS — More than 360 people in the Downpatrick area were out of work over the Christmas period, according to the latest unemployment figures released by the Department of Manpower.

The Downpatrick district takes in Ballykinlar, Killough, Killyleagh, Killinchy, Strangford, Ardglass and Crossgar. The figures show that 185 men and 178 women are unemployed — 5.2 per cent of the working population.

Although these figures are up on the corresponding figure for the same period last year, they still compare favourably with the overall average for the province.

Figures released for the Newcastle district, which covers such places as Seaforde and Dundrum, show that 279 people are out of work, compared with 251 last year.

It is stressed that these, as with the Downpatrick figures, are only seasonal figures, and that, as usual, more people will be in employment in the spring and summer.

Most of the unemployed are those who are unskilled and it seems that they have been the first to fall to the cutback in spending by both the private and public sections of industry. A lot of the blame has also been laid at the door of the weather. Departmental officials have said that the recent spell of cold weather has forced many men out of the construction industry and on to the register, thus helping to swell the figures.

BALLYNAHINCH — A 23 year-old police constable, who was a passenger in a Mini, lost his life in a road accident involving two other vehicles on the Magheraknock Road. He was Paul Alexander McConnell, who came from Lisburn.

The accident occurred when the Mini hit the wing of a lorry and careered into the path of a Ford van which was travelling in the direction of Ballynahinch. Mr McConnell, who was a member of the RUC’s special patrol group, and the driver were trapped in the car and had to be released by Ballynahinch firemen.

An ambulance from Lagan Valley Hospital and a local doctor and nurse were in attendance, but Mr. McConnell died at the scene. The driver of the Mini, who also comes from Lisburn, received serious injuries and two passengers in the Transit van were also injured.

CASTLEWELLAN — A Castlewellan family of five had a miraculous escape from death when a no-warning bomb demolished their home and grocery shop at Mill Hill in Christmas week. It was the fourth attack on the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Magill, who lost all their belongings, including their children’s Christmas presents.

The explosion happened at 7.25pm on December 21. Fortunately, a customer spotted the beer crate bomb planted at the front door and the family were able to evacuate the building. The blast damaged the house and nearby buildings, but it was a fire which later broke out that completely gutted their belongings.

Mr. Magill, who is manager of the Ulsterbus depot in Newcastle, was in the back kitchen when his wife, Betty, was told of the bomb. He had been nursing his two-month-old daughter, Tania, a premature baby who was only released from hospital three weeks previously and who still requires specialised nursing.

The family are staying with the Rev. James Johnston, minister of Castlewellan Presbyterian Church where Mr. Magill is secretary of the committee.

Mr. Johnston said the family were left with only what they were wearing at the time. A Christmas tree had been set up in the house and surrounded by gifts for the children, but all these things which go to make a happy Christmas in the home were destroyed.

DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick Technical College is consistently fulfilling its function within the community, although it is still hampered by the problem of accommodation, according to the principal, Mr. S. W. Sims.

The problem is being dealt with, Mr. Simms told his audience at the annual prize distribution before Christmas, and the site for the proposed extension has been cleared ready for a contractor to move in, probably in the spring.

NEWCASTLE — When Newcastle Town Committee thought of asking schoolchildren to write essays on how the town could best be improved, they never dreamed that so many fertile minds would be put to use.

Entries were of such a high standard that they could not decide on an outright winner and so two primary school children, Aedin Bradley, of 18 Downs Road, and Paula Pettigrew, of 28 Ballaghbeg Park, shared the first prize. Both are pupils of St. Mary’s Girls’ Primary School.

The two girls would like to see a museum of some sort in the town with items collected from the people of Newcastle and the Annesley estate. They also think a history of the lifeboat could be included. Both also advocate the opening of some kind of market.

Newcastle must have hope for the future with active minds like these to prompt the authorities.

RATHMULLAN — Rathmullan Parish Church was packed to capacity when the Rev. James Stewart was installed as rector of Tyrella and Rathmullan parishes by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt. Rev. George A Quin. The special preacher was the Rev. R. D. McCreary, rector of Annalong.

Many attended the institution, causing an overflow into the hall. Included were people from Donegal, Omagh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne where Mr. Stewart once worked.

After the service the ladies of the parish provided tea for everyone. Speeches were made by the churchwardens from Rathmullan and Tyrella.

Mr. Stewart was encouraged by the excellent turnout, not only by parishioners but also of local clergy. He spoke of reading his notes that morning and thought it appropriate that it should mention a beautiful community, a secure community, an enlightened community and a holy community. He looked forward to all these in his new ministry.

Mr. Stewart, who was formerly with the parish of Dundonald, has two children aged nine and five. His wife, Robina, is a nurse in the Ulster Hospital.

INCH — A delightful new book on ‘The Nine Glens’ has come from the pen of a local writer, Mrs. Maureen Donnelly, wife of the rector of Inch and Saul. Here is a skilful blend of personal reminiscence, history and folklore which should please those who love and appreciate the Glens of Antrim.

Readers will remember the successful book on St. Patrick written by Mrs. Donnelly two years ago.

KILLOUGH — Structural Ceramics Ltd. have acquired the assets of Killough Brick Co. Ltd. Installation of new plant at the brickworks will begin next month and it is expected to be in production by Easter.

STRANGFORD — Mrs. Mary Martha Quayle, wife the late Hedley S. Quayle, of Strangford, died in a hospital in Armagh on Christmas Eve. She will be remembered throughout East Down for the help she gave her husband in the licensed business in Strangford.  Sympathy is extended to her two sons, Godfrey and Herbert, and to her daughter, Pauline.

CASTLEWARD — Gale force winds on December 23 caused a 20 foot yacht to drag its moorings in Castleward Bay. It was retrieved some time later on rocks off Kircubbin.

FESTIVITIES — Business was brisk at Down Council’s meeting before Christmas as members sorted through a small agenda in record time. The tables were cleared at 9pm and out came the ingredients for a small festive celebration.

In fact, the meeting closed at 9.01pm and for several hours councillors and a number of guests appropriately toasted the occasion.

In his opening remarks earlier in the evening, the chairman, Mr. Edward McGrady, wishes all the citizens of Down district a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. His greatest wish, he said, was for peace and contentment in 1975 for every household in the area.