From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 6, 1976

From the pages of the Down Recorder, July 6, 1976

6 July 2016

SOMME — The veterans of the 36th Ulster Division have left France after participating in moving ceremonies to commemorate their comrades who died in the infamous Battle of the Somme in 1916.

One lucky man to be chosen to make the return visit to the battlefield was Mr Bob Galloway, of Saul Street, Downpatrick. Mr Galloway received a certificate of attendance in France from Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templar.

Another local man, Mr James Fraser, of Jordanstown, Clough, marked the 60th anniversary in a different way. He spent the day looking round Ballykinlar Camp where he was stationed before going to fight in France.

Mr Fraser was a sergeant in the 8th Battalion in the Royal Irish Rifles and he fought in the Somme. Noting the changes at Ballykinlar since he was there in 1914, he remarked: “I think the place is marvellous and I’ve really enjoyed myself today.”

DUNDRUM — Five members of Down District Council met the members of Dundrum Development Committee to discuss the provision of recreation facilities in the village. The councillors told the monthly meeting that nothing could be done until the council owned property in the village.

Mr Jarlath Carey, councillor for Dundrum, told the committee that the council would consult them before any scheme was undertaken.

Mr Paddy O’Donoghue also promised that the committee would be consulted. He said the council always welcomed discussions with local people. “They are the voice of the people and once we stop listening to the voice of the people we might as well shut up shop and go home,” he said.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle looks set to build on its reputation as the most successful resort in Ireland with happy hoteliers displaying ‘no vacancy’ signs throughout July. Hotels, guest houses and camping parks have been doing brisk business from the beginning of June and are now awaiting the holiday fortnight rush.

The Slieve Donard Hotel at the upper end of the market is expected to be full over the period. Mr Joseph Brennan, manager, said that at the moment they had confirmed bookings for almost 90 per cent of the hotel’s accommodation.

A similar forecast is made at the Arkeen in the town’s Central Promenade and at Bonny’s caravan park at Tullybrannigan Road. The hotels and caravan park also say that bookings are coming in fast for August.

It seems that more overseas visitors will come to the town this year since the outbreak of the civil disturbances. Parties of Americans and Scots have stayed at the Slieve and the Arkeen are expecting a South African to stay for a period of five weeks.

Mr Brennan said that the recent spell of hot weather had also influenced a number of people to book holidays at the Slieve. He also attributed some of the resort’s success to the efforts of the town committee in promoting the summer season events.

CARRYDUFF — The head of the USPCA at Carryduff has revealed that he expects the centre to put around 1,000 dogs to sleep during June, July and August.

Giving the horrific statistics, Mr Norman Henry appealed for potential dog owners to think twice. If they will not be able to give the dog a long and happy life they should not buy it in the first place.

Normally about 200 dogs a month are surrendered at the centre, but this figure will be boosted during the holidays with owners going away. Mr Henry said: “This is the most depressing aspect of our job, but if we do not do it less humane methods might be used.”

He is particularly angry at the callousness of some people, who simply have no remorse about having their dog put down when they grow tired of it or when they go on holiday.

PORTAFERRY — Portaferry general practitioner, Dr Alexander Young, was presented with a substantial cheque at a ceremony in the town to mark his retirement after 42 years’ service to the area.

Three separate committees, from Portaferry, Portavogie and Cloughey, joined together to make the presentation. Dr Francis Duff, who spoke for Portaferry people, said they had a great deal of sadness in their hearts now that Dr Duff was retiring.

He described Dr Duff’s achievement as a “long haul, although not without a great deal of satisfaction,” and said that on a personal note it was a sad occasion for him as his association with Dr Young was coming to an end.

He regretted their association was coming to an end, but he admired Dr Young for making the decision while he was strong enough to enjoy his retirement and he wished Dr and Mrs Young best wishes for the future.

Mrs David Donnan, representing Portavogie, and Mr Hugh Donnan, representing the people of Cloughey and district, also spoke at the ceremony.

DOWNPATRICK — Sketchy plans for road works in Downpatrick over the next 20 years are threatening to stunt the growth of the town’s Royal British Legion Club. The club wants to build a new extension to its Church Street premises and provide car park facilities for its members, but the planners have flatly refused.

They say the club’s site is “likely to be affected” by future road works — even though it is believed these have not yet reached even the initial planning stage. The case is expected to be fought by Downpatrick councillor, Mr Cecil Maxwell, who has said he intends to investigate the road proposals.

KILLOUGH — Workshop supervisor Lionel Briggs, of Killough, who has retired after 38 years’ service in the Post Office, was presented with several gifts from management and friends last week.

Mr Briggs, who retired on Friday after serving in the motor transport section in England and Northern Ireland, was presented with a clock from the Post Office. His colleagues in the Downpatrick branch presented him with a watch and wallet. Mr Briggs’ wife was presented with a bouquet of flowers and chocolates.

In May 1938 Mr Briggs started work as a motor mechanic in the Liverpool branch of the Post Office. After several promotions he took a downgrading in 1954 in order to secure a transfer to his native Downpatrick. Mr Briggs was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in 1971 in recognition of his service to the Post Office.

CASTLEWELLAN — The first ever festival in Castlewellan gets off the ground next week and organisers hope that it will became an annual event. The highlight will be a Fleadh Ceoil, a traditional Irish festival of music and singing.

This will be the first event of its kind in Co Down. It will take place in various halls in Castlewellan and will include competitions on a wide range of musical instruments. The idea for the festival originated with Castlewellan Chamber of Trade, which was formed at the beginning of the year.

DARRAGH CROSS — The first ever feis held at Darragh Cross turned out such a success that a future feis in the district is sure to be organised. More than 60 children from the Saintfield and Ballygowan areas participated, their ages ranging from seven years to 20.

The feis featured story telling in gaelic, contests on the stage, singing, recitations, historical dress and music. The patron of the fees was St Mochai, a favourite disciple of St Patrick, who set up his seat of learning at Mahee Island. His monastery existed during the period 440 to 100 AD.

KILLYLEAGH — A £100,000 extension to the Seaboard sailing centre in Killyleagh is to go ahead under the control of an Enterprise Ulster workforce. Fears that the scheme may have had to be shelved because the South Eastern Education and Library Board could not contribute £2,000 have now been squashed. The tight financial stringency imposed on the Board looked a major threat, but members have decided to find the money.