From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 28, 1975

From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 28, 1975

28 October 2015

KILCLIEF — As yet no firm decision has been taken as to whether Northern Ireland should go nuclear. If it does, it is yet to be decided where the new plant should be situated.

Kilclief and a site in North Down are being considered, but it is doubtful whether any decisions will be made during the next year. But what if it comes to Kilclief? What will it mean to local people?

When the Recorder spoke to some of the residents who would most likely have to move if the power plant came, they said they would stand firm against plans and were worried by the threat to the local beach, which is used widely by the local population.

Back in May this years these same residents staged a successful protest against the dumping of sewage on the beach at Ballycottin by the Department of the Environment. If Kilclief is decided upon, then it seems there would be a pocket of resistance, though just how successful it would be against the might power authorities remains to be seen.

One resident who lives only 200 yards away from the proposed site is Mr Henry Fitzsimons, who has lived in his house for 60 years. “I don’t really know the dangers involved,” he said. I’m pretty sure that my house would go. It wouldn’t matter what we said. If they want it, they’ll get it.”

Also threatened is the tiny Church of Ireland church at Kilclief and Kilclief Castle, a famous though crumbling monument. Another local building which perhaps is not of any architectural interest, but would be of great interest to the filmgoer, is the boyhood home of the great Errol Flynn.

DOWNPATRICK — Mrs M Lynch, president of Downpatrick Business and Professional Women’s Club, welcomed a large attendance at the area heat of the schools’ public speaking contest in St Mary’s High School.

The winners were the St Mary’s team of Olive Denvir, Bernadette Rooney and Margaret Ritchie, whose subject was ‘women’s liberation.’ The adjudicating chairman commended the high standard of these young girls and warmly praised their poise and confidence.

KILLYLEAGH — A community effort which took more than 18 months to complete was celebrated when the new town centre was popped by the Down Council chairman, Mr Edward McVeigh.

When the old Nissen hut, which is the shell of the centre, was bought in May 1974 for £1,400 by Killyleagh Town Committee, woodwork students from Downpatrick Technical College offered to renovate the furnishings. Then the architects designed the building and provided the plans free of charge.

The local Scouts chipped in and made the roadway leading to the centre. Townspeople also gave many hours of their time to paint and clean the building while the Social Services helped out with chairs.

More than 100 of the locals turned up at the opening to hear Mr McVeigh congratulate their town committee on their efforts oin co-ordinating the various offers of help. Lt Col Denys Rowan-Hamilton, who represents Killyleagh on the council, said they had got a bargain in the hall.

At present the Friendship Club and the youth club use the facilities provided, while there are plans to run a disco for teenagers on another right. The town committee are willing to rent the hall to any organisation for a minimal charge, which will go to cover the cost of lighting and heating, leaving the committee to find the sum of £200 per annum to pay the rates.

Mr John Hamilton, one of the founder members of the town committee, recalled that one of the jobs they first tackled more than 11 years ago was to persuade  East Down Rural Council to provide a centre for the town. They were unsuccessful and it took another ten years before the efforts or the local people got the project off the ground.

STRANGFORD — Two youths are expected to appear in court following a fire at Tullyratty, Strangford. The Downpatrick fire brigade had to be called to deal with a fire in a shed containing hay belonging to Mr Vincent Mageean, of Castleward Road. One hundred and fifty bales were lost in the blaze.

COMBER — As the growth of Comber has already outstripped the capacity of the town centre, further development, except in areas specifically zoned, seems unlikely before 1991, according to a statement issued this week by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning.

The statement says that in recent years the town has assumed increasing importance as a residential centre for commuters.

ARDGLASS — Mr Cyril Leathers, of Ardglass, recently gained the Diploma in Nursing (University of London) after a two-year extra mural course of study. Mr Leathers, who is a clinical nurse instructor at Downshire Hospital, also holds the RMN and SRN certificates.

NEWCASTLE — The Ulster Bank has appointed Mr Eric Sands as manager of their Newcastle branch. Mr. Sands, a native of Lurgan, was educated at Lurgan College. He is a keen sportsman and has taken an active interest in Lurgan Cricket Club since his college days and as a member of Lurgan and Portadown rugby clubs. He goes to Newcastle from Belfast where he was assistant manager of Ulster Bank’s Corn Market branch.

KILLOUGH — Aveen Murphy, daughter of Dr P G Murphy, Killough, was the guest soloist on BBC’s Songs of Praise on Sunday, which came from St Patrick’s Parish Church, Coleraine. Aveen is a student at the Dominican College, Portstewart.

SAINTFIELD — Saintfield Cricket Club batsman John Weston was presented with a new bat by Dr J McKelvey at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch, to mark the first hundred seen at the club’s ground in more than 15 years. Two hundred and forty members, guests and friends of the club turned up for the presentation dance and the high scoring batsman wasn’t the only one to receive a trophy.

First eleven captain Norman Shaw received the Qualifying League B Cup, second eleven captain Willie Radcliffe was presented with the Junior League D Cup and Belfast Telegraph journalist Carl Anderson presented the Liddell Cup to George Buchanan, captain of the Mid Ulster team.

BRIGHT — The picturesque and highly popular Bright Castle Golf Club is the setting this weekend for the Magee Sports Store trophy, which is sure to attract a large band of local golfers. The course is in excellent condition and those taking part can assured of a courteous welcome and a pleasant day’s golf.

LOUGHINISLAND — An entertaining evening is planned at Loughinisland Parish Church on Sunday as part of an installation ceremony for the church’s new organ. At the organ, which was bought with the proceeds of a garden fete held in Seaforde in June, will be Ian Barber, who was organist at Derry Cathedral.

The fete, which raised £1,700, was an exemplary exercise of good neighbourliness. Apart from the Church of Ireland friends from all over the diocese and beyond, all denominations in the area were significantly represented.

LISTOODER — Listooder and District Ploughing Society will hold their annual ploughing match on December 6. At the annual meeting of the society Mr J P Kirk was elected chairman, Mr T Patterson was elected treasurer and Mrs R Gill was elected secretary. Committee members: D Kennedy, W J Gill, W F Jackson, B Jackson, W McKeown, C Nixon, W Hunter, A Hamilton, J Gill, R Gill, R Jennings, W Gill, B Hanna, F Musgrave, K Rodgers and T Kerr.

BALLEE — Last Saturday brought together the largest gathering of horses and ponies seen at any hunter trial in Northern Ireland when, in perfect conditions, the Rotary Group Hunter Trial Champioinships were held in the grounds of Ballee House.

The worthy winner of the £100 top prize was 15 year-old Elizabeth Clark from Ballygowan, who had a faultless ride on her own horse, Snuffles.