From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 17, 1973

From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 17, 1973

17 July 2013

DOWNPATRICK — Four of the most important community organisations in Downpatrick have formed a co-ordinating committee to enable the four to come together on joint community ventures.

The link-up between La Salle Union, St. Vincent de Paul, the Round Table and Lions Club was agreed at a meeting held in La Salle House in Irish Street recently. Through it, members hope to run major charitable ventures on a bigger and better scale than ever before.

The chairman of the new committee is Mr. Aidan Killen, who commented this week: “While this is not aimed at bridging any gaps in the community, it is marvellous that everyone can get together to do this sort of thing.

“The meeting was called specifically for the purpose of enlarging our old folks’ outing in August. But the feeling of the meeting was that we will be willing to support any similar ventures by the four bodies concerned.”

Mr. Hugo Robinson, of the Round Table, was elected secretary at the meeting, Mr. Dermot MacNabb, of the St. Vincent de Paul, was made treasurer, and Mr. Terry Torney, of the Lions Club, was made PRO.

BALLOO — A suggestion by a building contractor that a private development at Balloo, Killinchy, should be called Ballinree Park has been provisionally accepted by East Down Rural Council. Mr. Gordon Pentland, clerk, was instructed to consult Mr. J. Cleland, councillor for that area, who was unable to attend Monday’s meeting due to ill health, for his opinion before giving a final decision.

Earlier, Mr. W. J. Finlay had asked what authority the contractor had to name sites and said it should be left entirely to the council.

Mr. Pentland said it was a private development and that while the contractor had no powers in this respect, it was generally accepted that private developers could, within limits, choose their own names.

BALLYNAHINCH — Ballynahinch Recreation Committee has scrapped plans for an elaborate opening luncheon ceremony at Lisburn Road playing fields in September. They have instead settled for an alternative suggestion to have tea and sandwiches.

A new suggestion by the committee that each sports club taking part in the opening events should receive a commemorative plaque has also received approval. The committee had at first suggested a sit-down meal for about 300 people and a sum of about £150 to provide prizes at the sports.

COMBER — An encouragingly large crowd attended the ninth County Down Rally of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster on a blustery, but dry day at Straidorn Farm, Ringneil, Comber, recently. Mr. Cavan Johnston, county chairman, welcomed all present and Mr. John Scott, president of the YFCU, performed the opening ceremony.

The judges examined the gaily decorated floats entered by several clubs. The theme was that of a topical advertisement and Spa YFC were the winners with their Bourneville Chocolate advert. In the junior jobs competition tasks were the assembly of a milking unit and identification of household products. This was won by Killyleagh members Jill Gibson and John Christie.

The various field events included a bicycle race, a pram race and the popular tug o’ war, which was won by Moira after three hectic rounds. Some of the clubs organised sideshows such as target golf, penalty kicks and guess the number of sweets. There was also a display of crafts exhibited by members and a fashion show which always goes down well with the male members of the audience. The Rally Queen was Miss Helen Robinson, of Lega-curry YFC.

DUNDRUM — An old rail shunting yard in Dundrum could be the subject of a new scheme by Enterprise Ulster to turn it into a car park and picnic area. Councillors at Monday night’s meeting of East Down Rural Council appeared to view the suggestion quite favourably, although it was suggested that it may clash in some respects with other schemes in the offing for this area.

Councillor James Fitzpatrick agreed to meet the local Dundrum committee to discuss the proposals, which also include the provision of a village green near the public lavatories.

NEWCASTLE — A scenic bus outing through the Mournes was given by the students and staff of Newcastle Technical College to old people in the Newcastle area on the proceeds of a sponsored walk in May. About 70 people took the trip and when they returned the principal of the college handed over a cheque for £200 to Mr. D. Cunningham, chairman of Newcastle Society for Mentally Handicapped Children.

DOWNPATRICK — The Downpatrick Youth Association, a body formed some twelve months ago with the main purpose of making life more interesting for the young people who live in and around Downpatrick, completed their first youth event this week when they announced the winners of their art competition.

The competition was open to all young people in the Downpatrick area who were invited to draw a picture or poster with a sporting theme. Altogether there was a total of 40 entries and it was the task of Mrs. J. C. Pedlow to find a winner for each section.

Peter Manley, of St. Brigid’s PS, won the U-13 section, with 12 year-old Ann Mahon, of St. Mary’s High School, and 15 year-old Maurice McFaul, of Ardmore House School, taking the honours in the 14-15 and over 15 categories respectively.

BALLYNAHINCH — East Down Rural Council has decided to press ahead with plans for a new public convenience in Windmill Street, Ballynahinch, despite councillors’ claims that the price of land was “ridiculous.”

On hearing that the assessment for the site was £1,200, the chairman, Mr. E. McVeigh, commented: “There are only two dirty old houses there. We didn’t pay anything like that sum for ten of those houses when we bought the place about 16 years ago.”

COUNCIL — Mr. Seamus Byrne, of Downpatrick, has been appointed clerk of Down District Council by a majority vote. At Tuesday night’s meeting he was one of four candidates interviewed by the council. The other candidates were Mr. M. D. Egan, clerk of South Down Rural Council, Mr. G. S. Pentland, clerk of East Down Rural Council, and Mr. S. I. R. Watts, clerk of Newcastle Urban Council.

Mr. Byrne, who is widely popular in his native district, has been assistant clerk to East Down Rural Council for three years and before that held a similar position with Downpatrick Urban Council for 17 years.