From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 26, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, March 26, 1974

26 March 2014

DOWNPATRICK — The blaze which gutted st. Patrick’s Parochial Hall in Downpatrick last Tuesday is believed to have been started maliciously.

During the week RUC Forensic Laboratory experts have been picking their way through the charred remains looking for clues to help pinpoint the origin of the mystery blaze. Various rumours as to how the early morning fire started have not been confirmed and it will be a couple of weeks before the police received the experts’ report.

It was the police who raised the alert around 3.15am, but it is thought several people may have noticed the blaze as early as 2.30am. When the local fire brigade arrived on the scene the building was already an inferno and there was little they could do to save the premises.

Earlier in the evening the hall was filled by members of the Patrician Youth Club, but the youngsters had left by 10pm and the hall was securely locked half an hour later. Some of the youth club equipment was destroyed in the fire, but over £200 of gear was stored in the Minor Hall, to the side of the main hall, which miraculously escaped the blaze.

St. Patrick’s Hall, one of the biggest parochial halls in Northern Ireland, was built in 1935 by the town’s parish priest Archdeacon McWilliams, then Canon McWilliams, for the paltry sum of £900. It was always affectionately known as ‘The Canon’s Hall’ and was the hub of community life in Downpatrick. Frequented by people of all shades of religious and political persuasions, it was the forum for many theatrical and musical productions.

KILLYLEAGH — Max Ervine (21), of Tullykin House, Killyleagh, and son of a former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Mr. George Ervine, is one of three young farmers from Northern Ireland to receive an Allied Irish Bank Travel Scholarship to develop a chosen project.

The grant is £500 and Max will study beef production in the north of England and Scotland. With his father he farms as 200-acre farm on which have recently established a beef cow suckle herd. They also run a commercial herd of sows and breed some horses. About 25 acres of cereals are grown each year.

Max is interested in all farm enterprises, but his particular enthusiasm is for developing been production.

BALLYNAHINCH — Rev. James Lamont, new minister of First Presbyterian Church, Ballynahinch, received a warm welcome into his congregation at a reception which followed his installation service.

The large gathering, which included a large number of friends from Belfast and further afield, enjoyed a delightful supper, expertly served by the well organised band of helpers.

Mr. Lamont was given a rousing ovation as he rose to address the congregation and his first words were those of thanks to the Moderator for the impressive service and to Rev. C. D. Adams, of Spa and Magherahamlet, who had been in charge of the vacancy.

BALLYVANGE — Mr. Pat McKinney, party organiser for the Down Association of the Independent Labour Party, has attacked the Housing Executive on its plans for the new Model Farm housing estate at Ballyvange, Downpatrick. At the party’s monthly meeting he said that the Executive have made planning provision for recreational facilities, car parking facilities, shopping facilities, nor for communication facilities – telephone and postal.

DUNDRUM — Dundrum Youth Club, which has instigated a series of indoor talk-ins on outdoor pursuits, hopes to be able to put into action during the summer months some different aspects of outdoor life — such as camping, mountaineering and hill walking. Meanwhile, they are going ahead with a programme of indoor activities in this line, including a lecture on equipment and what is needed for an expedition; a slide of film show on mountaineering; a night set aside solely for cooking a meal in an outdoor atmosphere; and a session devoted to route planning and orienteering.

CROSSGAR — There was a full attendance at the annual general meeting of Crossgar Free Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Cecil Menary reviewed the work done during the year and spoke highly of the increased attendances at both morning and evening services.

A notable feature of the year had been the election and ordination of elders. Reports were given by Mr. Cecil Harvey, Mr. William Green, Mr. Roy Moore, Mr. Hamilton Dick, Mr. Noel Dick and Mrs. Strain.

TECONNAUGHT — Teconnaught GFC’s annual presentation social takes place in St. Columba’s Hall this Sunday night at 7.30pm. The function will be all the more important this year as a Teconnaught player had the honour of being awarded ‘The Most Sporting Player in East Down’ trophy.

He is Sean Kelly, currently captain of the football team, and he will be presented with the trophy by the chairman of the East Down Board, Mr. Harry McEvoy. The evening will also consist of a tea, social and ceile. The ladies’ committee has organised the tea. The social will follow at about 8.30pm and dancing to the Western Rockies will follow at about 10pm. Some tickets are still available from members.

SAINTFIELD — At Saintfield Women’s Institute’s monthly meeting in the parish hall, Mrs. McBride, welcomed a new member, Mrs. Boyle. Members then stood in silence in memory of Mrs. Massey, who had been a keen and regular member for many years.

SPA — Spa Young Farmers’ Club recently completed its educational meetings of the winter season when Mr. Jim Kirk gave an illustrated talk on his visit to Holland, Germany and Denmark.

TYRELLA — A brilliant riding treble by Mark Lowry on his only three rides was an outstanding feature of the East Down Foxhounds’ point-to-point races at Tyrella. Two of the horses, Tanpacific and Ace of Tully, are trained by J. F. C. Maxwell at Ballee. This puts him at the top of the riders’ championship with six winners and he must have a great chance of becoming champion for the first time.

The open maiden race attracted 16 runners — the largest field of the day — and was won by Ballyhack, owned and ridden by Alex Murdock, from Comber.

The final race of the day was the Members’ race for half-bred horses — an extra feature on the card — and it was won by Carraig Down, ridden by owner Robin Minnis, from Ballygowan.

STAMPS — If you have any Green Shield or Pink Shield stamps lying around the house in the glove compartment of your car, you could be just the person Killyleagh Tenants’ Association are looking for.

The association have just launched a campaign to collect 1,500 books of stamps and if they are successful the local senior citizens’ club will be presented with a new minibus. The club, organised by Killyleagh and Shrigley Town Committee, is the chief centre of entertainment and social activity for many of the older generation of the district.

Mr. Michael O’Loughlin, tenants’ association secretary, said: “The Green and Pink Shield Stamps companies require 1,500 books of stamps in exchange for a minibus. We therefore appeal to all of your readers to send them to us.”

SAVINGS — County Down is the second most thrifty county in Northern Ireland, according to statistics issued by the Ulster Savings Committee. Outside Belfast, Antrim tops the county list with £17,932,722 saved since April. Down has saved £12,856,677.

In County Down itself, the league leaders are Bangor with £3,455,231 and Newtownards with £2,056,920. Third is Newry with £1,661,239, followed by Castlereagh at £1,088,930. Banbridge is fifth place with Ballynahinch and district sixth at £864,012 and Downpatrick is seventh with £568,051.