From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 23, 1973

From the pages of the Down Recorder, January 23, 1973

23 January 2013

DOWNPATRICK — Downpatrick’s growth is falling short of expectation. Although 640 new dwellings are being provided over a five-year period, the town’s population increase has not measured up to earlier estimates.

Mr. John Lazenbatt, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s director of housing management, told members of the urban council on Monday night that as a designated key centre in the Ministry’s regional strategy, Downpatrick was expected to increase its population from 7,700 in 1970 to 9,200 in 1975. He said that a total housing requirement of around 640 dwellings — 130 a year — was being provided, but the actual increase in population had fallen short of the expected figure, although during an emergency at the end of 1971 a considerable number of families from Belfast had moved to the town.

Mr. Owen O’Connor, town clerk, stated that around 180 people were at present on the waiting list. He said people in the town were frustrated because they had not been given homes and he added that a number of vacant dwellings had been taken over by squatters.

DUNDRUM — A meeting of Dundrum Development Committee was abandoned this week because members felt it would be unconstitutional to conduct business in the absence of the vice-chairman and secretary.

Mr. John Johnston, the committee’s treasurer, said he ha called the meeting in a bid to expedite the building of a community centre in the village. But neither the chairman, Mr. Jerome Flynn, nor the secretary, Mrs. Josephine Whatmough, were present.

Of the 20 or so villagers who did attend the meeting in the Buck’s Head Inn, several felt it would not be proper to hold a meeting in the absence of the two officials, particularly as the committee’s minute book was not available. The committee’s chairman, Mr. E. J. Bradshaw, died several months ago.

Mr. Johnston told our reporter that the committee had not met since June of last year. At that time the need for a community centre was discussed.

“A community centre is a necessity, both for the youngsters and the old age pensioners, and I won’t rest until we have one,” he said.

ARDGLASS — The death of Sergeant David Dorsett, who was killed on Sunday when a booby trap bomb exploded under his police car, has been keenly felt locally.

As a constable, he was stationed in Ardglass where he was a most popular member of the community. In May 1968 he was one of two policemen to dive into the harbour waters to retrieve a child who had fallen from the end of the pier. For this act he received the thanks of the Royal Humane Society. It was tragically ironic that he was killed on his son’s eighth birthday.

KILLYLEAGH — Killyleagh residents were not amused by comments expressed recently by the Countryside Committee on the general untidiness of their town, it was stated at the town committee’s annual meeting on Monday night. The matter will be discussed fully at the monthly meeting within a few days’ time.

The chairman, Mrs. Elizabeth Watt, reported on what she termed a year of solid achievement. A senior citizens’ club had been formed and plans were going ahead for the construction of a branch library.

The two guest speakers, Mr. W. J. McDowell, consultant engineer to East Down Rural Council, and Mr. Martin Stone, deputy county planning officer, spoke of the possibility of improving social amenities.

Afterwards a vote of thanks was proposed by Col. Rowan-Hamilton. The election of a committee took place and the officers will be appointed at the next meeting.

STRANGFORD — Mrs. Whitelaw, wife of the Secretary of State, sprang a surprise on the residents of Abbeyfield House, Strangford, on Monday and spent one and a half hours chatting with them and having tea.

She was received by Mrs. C. S. Porter, chairman, Mrs. R. J. Dougherty, secretary of the local committee, and Miss B. A. O’Hare, chairman of the Downpatrick executive body. Among those she met was Miss McConville, who was the first person to take up residence in the home when it opened nearly four years ago, and at 93 is the oldest.

DRUMAROAD — Drumaroad housing action committee held its annual meeting last week. Members expressed satisfaction at the news that the Housing Executive intend improving houses at Assisi Gardens early this year.

It was stated the Executive was considering a new housing scheme for the area and persons interested in being included on a list should contact the committee secretary, Mr. James O’Boyle, immediately.

DRUMANESS — Drumaness recreation club held its annual meeting on Wednesday night when Mr. Daniel Rice, the local representative on East Down Rural Council, presided and outlined various plans for the renovation of the hall and the provision of playing fields. Mr. Edward McVeigh, chairman of the rural council, attended and spoke along similar lines

The following were elected to represent the various organisations in the area: Mrs. C. Dobson (WI), Mr. G. McGlennon (GAA), Mr. G. Rodgers (Cricket Club), Mr. J. McGivern (billiards).

CROSSGAR — The Rev. J. C. Pedlow gave a most inspiring address when he conducted the annual enrolment service of the 1st Crossgar company of the Boys’ Brigade on Sunday morning. Congratulations were expressed to one of the senior B.B, Trevor Lennon, whose mother had the honour of presenting him with the President’s Badge.

NEWCASTLE — Mr. James Hall, Bryansford Gardens, Newcastle, has been appointed civil bill officer for the Kilkeel district.

SAINTFIELD — Mr. Jim Rogers, a member of Vanguard Executive, was the speaker at Saintfield Vanguard branch’s annual meeting this week. The Rev. Roy Magee was elected president and the Rev. Martin Smyth, vice-president.

BALLYNAHINCH — Pupils of Ballynahinch Primary School have received letters of thanks from the following organisations to whom they sent contributions: Royal National Institute for the Blind, Council of Orthopaedic Development, Dr. Barnardo’s, Cripples Institute and Holiday Home, Royal British Legion.