From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 8, 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder, February 8, 1972

8 February 2012

CASTLEWELLAN — People living at The Square, Castlewellan, had their sleep disrupted for several hours on Monday night. Police received a report from Mr. Wallace Shaw who told them that a parcel making a loud ticking noise was placed in the doorway of Mr. Forde’s shop.

A team of Army explosives experts arrived just before midnight. Families in nearby houses were evacuated. The top of the box was blown off to reveal an alarm clock and a quantity of soil.

Police were called to the outfitters shop of Mr. John Truesdale on Tuesday to investigate a box lying outside. Before the police arrived two children kicked the box which turned out to be another hoax.

On Wednesday night of last week a barman at the Forest Park Inn, Castlewellan, informed police there was a box outside the premises. Army experts were called and blew the top off the box which proved to be another hoax.

Several premises were evacuated on Wednesday after anonymous callers had informed police that bombs had been planted.

Pupils at St. Malachy’s Secondary School and workers at Newcastle Albion factory were made to leave while the buildings were searched by police who had nothing to report.

NEWCASTLE — The call for disruption on Wednesday was largely ignored locally. At Newcastle, five teachers from St. Malachy’s Secondary School, plus a few from other schools, picketed the Urban Council office. During the day they were joined by others of the local teachers’ anti-internment association, which is representative of Nationalist, SDLP and CRA groups. Apart from that, the day passed off peacefully.

BALLYNAHINCH — The first public meeting of the Ballynahinch branch of the Association for Legal Justice was held on Tuesday night when an enthusiastic audience was addressed by leading members of the ALJ.

Father Faul said Wednesday marked six months of internment and never in that time had he detected a note of sympathy from officials whom he had contacted in his efforts on behalf of detainees or internees.

He made it clear he was opposed to physical violence and believed in the moral power of concerned people working through such organisations as the ALJ

Legal adviser of the ALJ, Mr. Chris Napier, said that English counterparts were shocked when they saw the details of the Special Powers Act. He stated that people suspected of nothing had been taken away for questioning and later interned.

DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick Trades Union Council was told this week how local people can help themselves and so assist in alleviating the chronic unemployment situation in the area.

Mr. Denis Kelly, southern area officer of the Local Enterprise Development unit (LEDU), said the organisation was ready to offer help to everyone.

“LEDU has created 870 new jobs in the past year,” he said, “and we’re getting our fair share in the southern area, although Downpatrick is one of the most disappointing areas, despite the fact that is barely touched by the troubles. “That is why I welcome the opportunity to speak here tonight.”

A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Malachi Curran and seconded by Mr. Terence McKee.

CROSSGAR — At a well attended gathering in Crossgar War Memorial Hall last Thursday evening, Miss Valerie McMechan, of Kosangas NI Ltd., gave a highly instructive and varied cookery demonstration. After showing the latest cookers and pointing out the most effective and economical methods of their use, she cooked various dishes, including cheesy grilled cod, baked rainbow trout, honey scones, sugar and spice rings and almond slices.

The items were afterwards raffled and the following ladies were successful: Mrs. G. Steenson, Mrs. H. McCann, Mrs. M. Bell, Mrs. K. Bowsie, Mrs. McNeill and Mrs. E. Bell. The star prize, a super-all-wool blanket, was won by Mrs. Wm. McKeown, Rademon. The evening was sponsored by John Hewitt & Co., the local agents, and Mr. T. Hewitt thanked all for their assistance.

KILLOUGH — One hundred senior citizens of Bright parish were entertained to a social evening by the two local conferences of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in St. Joseph’s Hall, Killough, on Tuesday evening. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies’ committee and afterwards all enjoyed a variety programme. Artistes taking part included the senior pupils of St. Joseph’s Primary School, Jack Wilson, Joe Blaney, Brendan Rice and Lilian Lundy. Mr. Frederick Laird, Rossglass, then led the assembled company in the singing of  songs.

BALLYNAHINCH — The Ballynahinch branch of the East Down Tenants Association proposed on Monday to launch a campaign for pedestrian crossings in the town. A rented caravan will he available in the Square tomorrow from 10am to 5pm when supporters of the campaign can sign petitions.

There have been two children killed and others injured while crossing the road in the past two years. One member told the meeting of having seen mothers pushing prams into the road, causing the traffic to stop so that they could get across.

DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick Urban Council are to proceed with the provision of an all-weather soccer pitch, estimated to cost in the region of £13,000 at Dunleath Park. The decision was taken at Monday night’s monthly meeting following correspondence from the Ministry of Justice.

Mr. Cecil Maxwell felt the provision of such a pitch would greatly facilitate the local youth football league which catered for over 300 boys on Saturdays.

Mr. Maurice N. Hayes, town clerk, said he would also be strongly in favour of an all-weather pitch and the decision was taken on the proposal of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by Mr. James Clements.