From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 5, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 5, 1974

5 February 2014

NEWCASTLE — It is quite possible that an accident resulted in the death of 78 year-old Mrs. Matilda Witherington, the innocent victim of an incident in which terrorists attacked a Royal Air Force bus outside her home in Shimna Parade, Newcastle,

Mrs. Witherington was cut down as she watched the ambush from the first floor bedroom of her semi-detached home. In the uncertain early morning light she could easily have accidentally thought to be a gunman as RAF security officers returned fire.

The bullet which killed Mrs. Witherington was reported to be fired from a 7.62 calibre weapon most likely to be used by servicemen than by the terrorists. It is thought she died almost immediately.

The bus, carrying about two dozen men, was attacked as it travelled along the quiet, residential Shimna Road on its way to the RAF base at Bishopscourt. It was suddenly raked by gunfire as terrorists opened fire from a passing car.

Dr. Noel Warren, rector of St. John’s Parish Church, Newcastle, told reporters he was deeply shocked and saddened by the killing.

“Mrs. Witherington was a faithful church member and always attended when her health permitted. It is disgraceful that people are so utterly defenceless that they can be mown down like this,” he said.

Mrs. Witherington, a bank manager’s widow and a native of Derry, came to live in Newcastle 20 years ago where she quickly settled and made many friends.

SHRIGLEY — There are strong hopes that a purchaser may be found for United Chrometanners Ltd., of Shrigley, and thus save the jobs of 200 people. The Northern Ireland Finance Corporation, which injected £300,000 into the company about 14 months ago, reports that a number of companies in the leather industry are showing considerable interest in a sale.

In the meantime names are not being divulged, nor it is possible to obtain confirmation of rumours that a big Northern Ireland group is interested. A spokesman would not go further than to say that one of the firms interested is Irish.

BALLYNAHINCH — Angry residents of Ballynahinch who feel the centre of the town is an appalling condition have reacted strongly to suggestions that The Square should be opened again as a car park when the security situation eases.

They feel that The Square should be turned into an amenity area with flower beds, summer seats, etc., and have signed a petition expressing their views against parking. The trouble is that the Chamber of Commerce have said that when the troubles die down and there are no security risks they want The Square opened again as a car park.

The organiser of the petition is Mr. Patrick Fitzpatrick, proprietor of the Athletic Bar, who told the Recorder this week that he objected to The Square being re-opened as a car park as a matter of civic pride.

“Shopkeepers who want The Square opened have no civic pride,” he said. “Ballynahinch is in a poor state and we need an amenity to brighten the gloom. When parking was allowed, The Square was jammed all day with shop workers’ and office workers’ cars and the people living here couldn’t get to their homes without first encountering one hurdle after another.”

Mr. Patrick McGlew, whose son Pat was almost run down outside his home several years ago, said: “Besides the danger there was always an awful racked at the weekend with dance goers and people flowing out of the bars late at night and causing a disturbance.

PORTAFERRY — A Portaferry family who have won £700 on premium bonds collected their 28th win this week. Mr. James Thompson, his son, James, and daughters, Mary, Margaret and Alice, are becoming something of a legend. Neighbours constantly rush to their shoulders to steal a bit of the family luck — but it’s all in good fun.

On the advice of friends, James called his ten month-old Jack Russell terrier Ernie after his frequent benefactor. James’ advice to all — get yourselves some premium bonds. They’re better than betting on horses!

KILLYLEAGH — A Housing Executive spokesman who attended a public meeting in Killyleagh was warned that intense resentment was the price to be paid for taking bureaucratic actions without consultation with the public involved in their schemes.

The spokesman, who stood in at the last moment for area manager Mr. Billy McGivern was left in no doubt about local dissatisfaction with the Executive’s intentions, especially those involving the redevelopment of Irish Street and the new 62-house development to begin in May in Nelson’s field.

He escaped wrath when he said he respected the forthright way in which those present had put their views, with which he sympathised and which he would bring to the attention of high-ranking Executive officials.

He was addressing the annual meeting of the town committee to which representatives of the local branch of the East Down Tenants’ Association had been invited. It was also attended by councillors Sam Osborne and Col. Denys Rowan-Hamilton.

SAINTFIELD — Dr. James McKelvey, of Saintfield, who died on Tuesday, was this year’s president of the British Medical Association’s Northern Ireland branch and a leading figure in the administration of medical services in Northern Ireland. It was in Saintfield, however, that he was best known, not only for his tirelessness as a doctor, but for the leading part he played and example he set in community life.

A native of Carrowdore, he was educated at Athlone College and he qualified at the Queen’s University in 1937. After spending two years as a house officer in the old City County Hospital in Londonderry he was appointed dispensary doctor at Saintfield, retiring 13 months ago. He was awarded the OBE in 1963.

He was foundation president of Saintfield Show Society for almost 30 years and was a member of the select vestry of Saintfield Parish Church for 39 years.

CROSSGAR — A special service was held in Crossgar Free Presbyterian Church for the ordination and installation of elders. The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of the minister, the Rev. Cecil Menary, who remarked on its historic aspect as it was the first time in the life of the congregation that elders had been elected.

He introduced those to be ordained: Mr. George Hutton, a foundation member of the congregation, Mr. Roy Moore and Mr. Sidney Morrison. He also spoke highly of Mr. Hamilton Dick and Mr. George Lennon, who were both elders in Presbyterian churches, and by the election of the congregation were to be installed.

Rev. John Douglas offered up the ordination prayer and preached the sermon. Miss Margaret Emerson presided at the organ.

ANNSBOROUGH — A recently established company, MITM and Commercials (N.I.) Ltd., launched itself officially this week at the Dunadry Inn. The managing director and founder of the company is 27 year-old Mr. Canice Duffy and its activities are centred at Annsborough.

Mr. Duffy has acquired 10,000 sq. ft. premises in Annsborough hopes to acquire complementary premises in Eire to develop a cross-border trade in Continental trucks. These will be brought into Northern Ireland, dismantled and crated at Annsborough and then transported to Eire for reassembly to meet Southern import regulations.

DOWNPATRICK — A well-known name in local football circles over the past two decades has been that of Harry McCurry — but making the headlines at the moment is Harry’s son, Ciaran, a 15 year-old St. Patrick’s High School student, who is just back from an extended trial with Nottingham Forest.

Ciaran has signed apprentice professional forms with the second division side and local Forest scout Bill Oakes reckons he has a fine future in front of him.

BALLYWARD — Mr. Derek J. Singer, who lives at Ballyward, Castlewellan, has been appointed statistician with special responsibility for consumer affairs at the head office of Merchant Banking (Northern Ireland) Ltd., Donegall Street, Belfast.