From the pages of the Down Recorder, November 5, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, November 5, 1974

5 November 2014

BALLYKINLAR — “Irregular security” could have contributed to the apparent ease with which terrorists abandoned the van bomb which killed two soldiers and injured 31 people at Ballykinlar.

Army chiefs will pay particular attention to a stretch of public road reaching inside the Ballykinlar camp perimeter. Before the explosion it was seemingly easy to drive along this road, past 3 UDR Centre and the Sandes Home — the target of the no warning bomb.

The two soldiers who died in the explosion were Pte. Michael Swanwick (20), from Birkenhead, and L/Cprl.  Alan Coughlan, from Newport. Both were single.

Among the injured, two soldiers were said to be “very dangerously ill” after being airlifted to Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast, while two civilians — one the canteen supervisor’s 22 year-old daughter, the other a mentally handicapped man — were described as “seriously ill.”

News of the explosion brought swift reaction from church leaders and politicians.

STRANGFORD — The lack of social and recreational amenities in Strangford area came under heavy criticism at the recent meeting of the Strangford branch of the SDLP. Chairman  Danny Sharvin, in referring to the provision of play areas for the very young, playing pitches for the older children and a social and recreational centre for everyone, suggested that the branch’s main aim should be to obtain some amenities in the immediate future.

There was strong support to the suggestion that the branch should seek a meeting with Down District Council in the near future to discuss the matter. Other issues discussed included the building of bathrooms for houses at Ballycottin and Whinney Park in Kilclief, the state of the present ferry arrangements, road improvements and the development of the tourist industry in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

SAINTFIELD — Several years ago, Saintfield farmer Tom McVeigh decided to extend his farm acreage. Today it stretches from Carrickmannon to the Isle of Man.

When Tom went ‘land hunting’ in 1968 he found none available in the neighbourhood and so he bought three farms on the island, comprising 485 acres.

Now he commutes regularly between the two places, by air or sea, depending on the weather and the season, supervising the maintenance and marketing of his investments in sheep, cattle and pigs, and the harvesting of his barley and silage crops to feed them.

Tom regards the Saintfield farm as home and a 21 year-old graduate from Greenmount Agricultural College, Raymond Cousins, is in charge in the Isle of Man.

But Tom could do with more help and his 17 year-old son, David, is already at Greenmount studying livestock and land management.

It is an unusual story and one which John Johnston relates in his ‘Farming’ film on the BBC1 network tomorrow.

BALLYNAHINCH — After two years of campaigning by the Ballynahinch ‘home-school link’ organisation, Ballynahinch Secondary School finally received their new minibus when it was handed over.

Members of the committee of the organisation have been very enthusiastic in their efforts to raise the money, putting on events such as fashion shows, ‘guess-the-time’ competitions and a Christmas sale. The pupil of the school also put in great efforts and among their contributions were a successful concert and sale last Christmas and a sponsored disco.

Between the dates of ordering and delivery there have been three price increases, resulting in a price rise of over £500. To combat this, a number of novel schemes have been launched to try to raise the outstanding balance, including sponsored three-legged walks and centipedes, sponsored basketball and netball matches, a sponsored silence, and a work scheme where the pupils will do odd jobs.

ARDGLASS — Police had to evacuate the area around the British Legion Hall in Ardglass for several hours on Wednesday night after an anonymous caller rang Downpatrick RUC station claiming there was a bomb in the vicinity. A parcel was found outside the hall, but it is believed to have been an elaborate hoax.

CARRYDUFF — Three mailbags, believed to be destined for Downpatrick and Ballykinlar, were taken from a Post Office van when it was stopped by four armed men wearing army-type uniforms at Carryduff roundabout at 5am. One shot was discharged, but no-one was injured. The car made a safe getaway.

NEWCASTLE — The 2nd Newcastle Beaver Unit have been awarded an engraved plaque by the Save the Children Fund’s Roundabout Club. The award was gained mainly from the collection of used postage stamps which the fund sell.

The proceeds are then used to help children who are not so fortunate, many of whom are ill and in need of medical attention. Others have no parents and need food and clothing. It’s nice to see the six or seven year-old beaver boys doing something of value.

BALLYHORNAN — A very enjoyable variety concert took place in St. John’s Hall, Ballyhornan, on Sunday night. The proceeds will go towards the formation of a youth club in the Dunsford parish. The club will cater for a very great need which currently exists in the district.

This was the organisers’ first venture and as it was very well supported, they were given great hope for the future. The music, singing and recitations were of a very high standard. Mr. John A. Bryce, back on his home ground, compered the show and at the end of the evening Mr. Gerry Curran thanked everyone who helped to make the function such a wonderful success.

ANNSBOROUGH — Annsborough HPS held their annual presentation of prizes at a dinner dance in the Slieve Donard Hotel on Friday night. Mrs. S. McCammon presented the prizes.

A presentation was made to Mrs. T. Hardy for her work for the club. The night was an outstanding success with an excellent meal and good music provided by the Shamrocks.

RAFFREY — The harvest thanksgiving services in connection Raffrey Presbyterian Church were held at the weekend in the Martin Hall. The visiting preachers on Sunday were Rev. J. W. Neilly and Rev. R. Bradford.

On Monday evening the preacher was Rev. W. M. Smyth, a former minister of the church. Special harvest music was provided by the choir under the direction of their organist. Mr. Trelford Withers.

SEAFORDE — The guest speaker at the October meeting of Seaforde Women’s Institute was Miss McWhirter, who gave an interesting account of her holiday in South Africa. Miss McWhirter, who farms in Co. Meath, was the guest of the president of the South African Farmers’ Union. Her talk was illustrated with beautiful coloured slides taken during her six-week stay there.

COMBER — The Rev. Hamilton Leckey, rector of Comber, has been appointed Canon of Down by the Church of Ireland Bishop, Dr. George Quin. He is a member of the diocesan council, the general synod, the diocesan board of education and secretary of the Church of Ireland Men’s Society. His wife is secretary of the mothers’ union in the diocese.

CLOUGH — The annual meeting of the East Down Churches League took place at Clough Presbyterian Church Minor Hall when a satisfactory financial report for last season was adopted. Office bearers appointed were: president, Rev. W. T. Agnew; chairman, Mr. J. E. Elliss; treasurer, Mrs. V. Fraser; secretary, Mr. J. W. Clarke.

NEWCASTLE — Down District Council has bought 30 acres of land known as ‘The Islands’ at Castle Park, Newcastle. It will be used for a major tourist development scheme and work is expected to start soon.