From the pages of the Down Recorder, November 16, 1976

From the pages of the Down Recorder, November 16, 1976

16 November 2016

BALLYNAHINCH — An 86 year-old Ballynahinch man was believed to have been only several hours from certain death when he was discovered suffering from exposure earlier this week.

Mr Tom Bell had been missing from his Hillcrest Drive home for over 24 hours before he was found lying in a field close to St Patrick’s Church. He was taken to the nearby RUC station and quickly transferred to Downe Hospital where he is now recovering.

Mr Bell had been reported missing by his son, Billy, after he had failed to come home for his tea on Monday evening. When he had still not appeared by Tuesday morning police called in two tracker dogs and began combing the vicinity near his home. He was eventually found suffering from exposure.

Mr Bell’s son, Billy, told the Recorder that his father often went for walks, but that when he didn’t return home for tea he had become worried. He said it was lucky his father had been found when he was, otherwise he would have died.

BALLYGOWAN — A verdict of accidental death was returned on a 21 year-old Ballygowan man who fell while climbing in the Mournes in August. The inquest at Banbridge heard that Martin Francis Walls, of Prospect Road, fell 200 feet to his death.

The climber’s brother, Mr Brendan Walls, said that the dead man had been a competent climber who had never made a rash move. He said he had about four years’ experience in the Mournes and in Scotland, Spain and Switzerland.

NEWCASTLE — A staggering total of more than 100,000 people used council-owned facilities in Newcastle during this year’s summer season in the seaside resort. The figures, released by Down Council’s recreation department, were described by Newcastle councillor Paddy O’Donoghue as “amazing.”

Most of the council-owned facilities are located at Castle Park, which attracted 97,368 visitors. The swimming pool near the harbour was visited by another 12,500. The numbers are an increase on last year’s record-breaking boom.

Mr O’Donoghue, who is chairman of the council’s recreation committee, congratulated the staff who are involved in organising and supervising the facilities in Newcastle, and said the steady increase in the use of facilities was a great credit to the council.

DUNDRUM — The drive to get much-needed cash for a Dundrum sports field project has received overwhelming support from the villagers. In the eight-month spell since claiming the field, the hard-working Sports Committee have raised a total of £1,069.55

Mr George McFadden, the committee chairman, was delighted with the response given by the villagers and was full of praise for the committee’s efforts.

The secretary, Mr Gerry McCormick revealed that £366 was raised at a cake and variety sale, £326 at a sponsored walk, £55 from a Hallowe’en dance, £180 from summer dances and £140 assets.

The committee intend pushing ahead with further fundraising efforts until enough money has been raised.

DOWNPATRICK — Two school principals who have been transferred from the Downpatrick area are to be honoured for their “long and valued service to the community.”

The unique double presentation to Rev Bro Andrew, past headmaster of De La Salle Secondary School, and Rev Bro Ignatius, who left St Patrick’s Primary School, is to be made by a group of past pupils.

Bro Andrew almost completely dominated Catholic secondary school education in the Downpatrick area for over a quarter of a century and his firm, but fair attitude will be long remembered.

He took immense interest in the after-school welfare of his pupils and constantly pressed authorities for a better deal for the Downpatrick area. His greatest ambition was realised last year with the opening of the new £1m multi-purpose De La Salle Secondary School.

In almost sharp contrast, Bro Ignatius will be remembered for his gentle manner. His articulate brain and persuasive personality brought the best out of younger pupils and his school’s record was second to none.

SAINTFIELD — Saintfield has become the new administrative centre of the National Trust since its headquarters were destroyed by terrorists last week.

The 15 members of staff, who worked in the 40-room mansion before it was bombed, moved into new premises at Rowallane on Monday.

The premises are at the home of the Trust’s Northern Ireland secretary, Mr John Lewis-Crosby, who was extremely angry at the attack on “part of Ulster’s heritage.

It is not yet known how much was lost in the attack, but it is certain that an important collection period costumes and textiles was destroyed. Several paintings and some antique furniture were ruined, while the building itself was left a charred and twisted shell. It is thought that the mansion will not be rebuilt.

PORTAFERRY — Portaferry Hotel has acquired a cosmopolitan flavour with the appointment of Italian chef Gino Gambale as its new manager.

Mr Gambale was born in a tiny Italian village near  Rome and entered the hotel industry in his native country. He worked in Switzerland and in the Piccadilly Hotel in London before coming to Northern Ireland in 1969.

The Portaferry Hotel was acquired in July by B J Bistros Ltd, a new Northern Ireland company developing interests in the hotel and restaurant industry. A four-year plan has been drawn up for the hotel to improve all the amenities for guests.

KILLYLEAGH — Down councillors have agreed to grant-aid more than £200 towards the running expenses of the community centre in Killyleagh.

The decision was taken this week after councillors heard that extra toilet facilities are needed at the hall and that rates have become a substantial burden on finance.

The hall is run by Killyleagh and Shrigley Town Committee, whose case was put forward by Col Denys Rowan-Hamilton, the councillor for the area.

LISTOODER — Arrangements have been made to hold Listooder and District Ploughing Society’s annual ploughing match on Saturday, December 4.

At the society’s annual meeting last week preparations were made for the event which will be held on the lands of Mr F Musgrave, Tonaghmore, Saintfield.

The society’s chairman, Mr J P Kirk, who was re-elected, congratulated Mr R Gill on his recent achievement at the Canadian ploughing championships.

TYRELLA — A summer house at Tyrella belonging to Mr P Doherty, of Belfast, was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday morning. The house on the Clanmaghery Road was in the process of being renovated. Downparick firemen were in attendance.

KILCOO — Police are investigating two break-ins in the Kilcoo area on Monday night. The first was at the Parochial Hall where a French bureau clock and two bronze vases were stolen. The second was at St Malachy’s Primary School where two overalls were stolen from the kitchen.

BALLEE — Ballee Bowling Club’s annual dinner and prize distribution was held in the Ardglass Arms hotel on Thursday night. Mr H Caven won the men’s captain’s prize and Mrs M Caven won the ladies’ captain’s prize.

REMEMBRANCE — Remembrance Day proceedings through the district were marred by continuous rain on Sunday.

In fact, some of the local parades were hastily cancelled and only wreath laying ceremonies and church services took place.

Nevertheless, many people turned out to offer their humble thanks for the devotion and courage of men and women who gave their lives in two world wars.