DOWNPATRICK — Hopes are being expressed that a community committee, due to have been formed in Downpatrick this week, will get off the ground within the next two months.
Last week a decision was taken to postpone an inaugural meeting for Monday night when 75 per cent of the members of the steering committee felt it would be undesirable to proceed in view of the present disturbed circumstances.
Mr. Maurice Hayes, Downpatrick’s town clerk, has hopes that an effort could be made to proceed within the next two months or so. “There is no reason why it should not go ahead in the spring of the year when people are in better form for coming out to meetings,” he said. “The difficulties at the moment are purely procedural rather than anything else. One would hope that we could have a meeting within a couple of months.
Mr. Colin Flinn, a member of the steering committee, told the Recorder yesterday: “It is essential that we get going as quickly as possible. I don’t things are as bad as they are made out to be. That is my personal philosophy.
“People have to pull together for the betterment of society and I feel very concerned that 75 per cent of the steering committee are against the idea of having some sort of general meeting.”
Mr. Frank Boyle, another member of the steering committee, said: “If you called a general meeting I doubt if you would get a cross-section of the community present. It is a pity that we cannot get this off the ground at present.”
KILLINCHY — A hay shed containing 3,000 bales of hay and straw, a tractor and other agricultural implements were destroyed when a fire broke out on the farm of Mr. Thomas McCann, Whiterock, Killinchy, on Monday night. Killyleagh and Downpatrick police were quickly on the scene and with firemen who arrived shortly afterwards from Newtownards they helped save a number of bales which were in the shed and prevented the fire from spreading. It is not yet known how the fire started and police investigations are continuing.
DUNDRUM — ‘When you are swimming and diving for most of the year you tend to forget what season it is,” says Wallace Trohear, who lives at Manse Road, Dundrum.
Wallace, a 23 year-old joiner employed with a Clough building firm has been a member of the Belfast branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club for almost three years and spends most of his leisure time in the water.
Twice a week he attends training sessions at Belfast’s Grove Baths and at the weekends, and on any other available occasion, he is to be found with other club members hunting for wrecks along the coast, spear fishing or even seal spotting.
Another Dundrum enthusiast who shares his interest in aquatic activities is Ronnie McMurray, a geology student at Queen’s University.
And why did Wallace take up the sport? “Well, I suppose it is for the same reason that another person takes up cricket, soccer or any other pastime. It’s something I was interested in and now, you could say, it is something I am very interested in.”
And the expense attached to the sport? “For aqua-lung diving you would probably get away with an outlay of between £100 to £200 in the initial stages when you buy your wet suit, life jacket and other items. After that it is not so expensive.”
Wallace did not have to worry too much about purchasing his wet suit. He made his own and reckons that by doing so was able to tailor it to his own requirements.
CLOUGH — The Rev. J. A. Millar conducted the annual sportsmen’s service in Clough Presbyterian Church on Sunday when the Rev. D. McCreery, rector of Annalong Parish Church, was the guest speaker. The congregation included representatives from badminton, bowls, table tennis, and tennis clubs. plus those from cricket and angling clubs.
Alan Bleue read the lesson and the announcements were given by Eddie McCall. Soloist was Hazel McCauley. The offering was taken up by Jim McCall, Jim McCavery, John Moreland and Leonard Groves. The donations will assist the Presbyterian mission for the deaf and dumb. The choir with the church organist, Mrs. M. E. Watson, led the praise.
SEAFORDE — Seaforde Young Farmers’ Club held its annual general meting in the J. H. McCammon Hall last week when pleasure was expressed at the number of former members who still took an interest in the club. Club leader Beth Rooney welcomed Mr. F. Kelly, who presided for the election of office bearers. Afterwards members who took part in the quarter competitions received their proficiency awards. Presentations were made to the various cup winners.
BALLYNAHINCH — A man is helping Ballynahinch police with their enquiries into an accident at the Newcastle Road last week when stones were thrown at passing cars. One vehicle’s window was smashed.
SAINTFIELD — Thieves raided the lock-up grocery store of Mr. J. Higgins, Main Street, Saintfield, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A large quantity of cigarettes, tobacco and groceries were taken. The raiders also got away with £35 in cash.
NEWCASTLE — A quantity of whiskey was taken by thieves who broke into a summer residence at Downs Road, Newcastle, at the weekend. The house is owned by a Portadown family.
TEMPLE — A pony owned by Mr. Jack Caughey, of The Temple, Saintfield, was killed at Temple crossroads on Friday night when struck by a van driven by Mr. James Reid, of Belfast. Mr. Reid was uninjured.
PORTAFERRY — Mr. John Marshall, chairman of Bangor Camera showed prints and transparencies illustrating his theme, ‘My interest in photography,’ at Portaferry Camera Club’s monthly meeting. Mr. Mervyn Croskery, in proposing a vote of thanks to the speaker for his interesting and instructive programme, expressed the members’ appreciation of Mr. Marshall’s willing response to come to the club, despite very short notice. Members are looking forward to a visit on Monday from Mr. F. G. Dougal with transparencies ‘Cruising in the Mediterranean.’