From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 7, 1975

From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 7, 1975

7 October 2015

ARDGLASS — AN Ardglass man’s plans to build a restaurant in the small fishing village have been knocked for six by planners.

They have refused to give permission to Mr Malachy McGarry because they say his proposals would prejudice the ordinary and planned expansion of Ardglass.

Mr Richard McCauley, representing the Department of Planning, told Down councillors that the building of a restaurant could prevent the development of an adjoining 20-acre site for housing purposes.

He explained that the restaurant site provided the only access to this zoned land and to allow its erection would mean that housing development would become landlocked.

Mr Cecil Maxwell, who led a strong council protest against the decision, said that a restaurant was badly needed to attract visitors to Ardglass. He described the planners’ arguments as futile and laughable.

On a proposal by Mr Maxwell, the councillors decided to ask the planners to reconsider their decision.

NEWCASTLE — Unpaid bills may force the closure of the library in Newcastle’s Annesley Mansions. Surprisingly, it is the South Eastern Education and Library Board which is in debt — to Down Council to the tune of more than £900.

The council have been paying the electricity and rent bills for the Board since early in 1974, but so far have been unable to recoup any of the money. At a council meeting several irate members said the Board should pay up or be kicked out.

Mr William Cochrane said: “We should have turfed them out long ago. If it had been the other way round they would not have stood for it.”

The Board say there are legal complications about it hiring premises and until these are cleared up it cannot agree to tenancy and therefore cannot pay its bills. The Board say it could be some time before they are in a position to pay.

Mr Paddy O’Donoghue reminded councillors that when the Board had wanted fire doors installed in the building, the council had to put them in immediately at considerable expense.

DOWNPATRICK — Ever heard of Bobby Fischer or Boris Spassky? If the answer is yes, you obviously know something about chess. If the answer is no, then it’s about time you did.

Either way, your first ‘move’ should be to Denvir’s Hotel, Downpatrick, on Tuesday evenings where the recently formed Downe Chess Club meets between 7.30pm and 10pm.

The clubs was formed by the nucleus of students who attended the course in chess at Downpatrick Technical College last spring. since then it has grown, but there is still room for new members.

It is hoped that the club can arrange matches with other chess clubs throughout the season and apart from a chess ladder and chess league already operating within the club, a number of other ventures are planned for the future.

As Fischer would say to Spassky, ‘your move mate!’

CASTLEWELLAN — Castlewellan residents used to have a public convenience, but now it’s more like an inconvenience. A bomb in the loo several months ago left a repair bill of £1,000, but townspeople believe it would be better to demolish it altogether.

Castlewellan councillor, Mr Seamus Fitzpatrick, explained all this to Down Council and told members that his townsfolk would prefer a new loo sited elsewhere.

Most of the structural damage caused by the bomb occurred in the ladies’ section and although the foundations are sound, a new roof would be required, as well as three new WC basins, two exterior doors, four interior doors and six window frames.

The council are to seek estimates from quantity surveyors.

SAINTFIELD — Saintfield Agricultural Show Society held their annual dinner dance and prize distribution in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch on Friday when more than 350 members and guests attended.

Dr J M McKelvey, the society’s president, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their continued interest and support. He especially mentioned the donors cups and trophies and the numerous sponsors who so generously supported the show in June.

Dr McKelvey said there was always a warm welcome for new members of the society. There had been an encouraging number joining this year and he hoped this would continue next year.

Dr Moya McKelvey presented the cups, assisted by Mr John Beck, secretary, and Mr Wm J Murray. The outstanding feature of the presentation was the success achieved by Mrs Elizabeth Ward, of Hillsborough, who won four cups in the home industries section.

BALLYLESSON — Dr Mary Hughes, from Ballylesson, riding Drumbeat, won the open intermediate class at the Northern Bank horse trials championships held near Dunadry. After a disappointing score in the dressage test, Dr Hughes was the only competitor to go clear in the three-mile long cross-country section.

SPA — The harvest services in Spa Presbyterian Church on Sunday were conducted by the Rev S A Matthews, of Lissara, and the Rev Kenneth Smyth, of Drumbo. Mr William Wightman, who trained the choir, presided at the organ.

The anthem at the morning service was ‘He Giveth Food’ and the offering was taken up by Messrs J Carlisle, B Brown, A Gibson and J Peake.

‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ was the introit at the evening service and the anthems were ‘The Seed Sower’ and ‘God be Merciful Unto Us.’ The offering was taken up by Messrs W Brown, H Brown, C Carlisle and R Young.

Under the auspices of the Church PWA and the Young Women’s Group, the Clarence Male Voice Choir presented an evening of music on Monday night to a very large congregation, which included many visitors.

CARRYDUFF — The tenth anniversary of the consecration of St Ignatius’ Parish Church, Carryduff, began on Friday night with a parish get-together. The highlight of the evening — much to his surprise — came in the form of a ‘This is Your Life’ programme, with the rector, the Rev J H R Good, as the subject.

Among the many distinguished guests who had lively contributions to make to the programme was the Right Rev George Quin, Bishop of Down and Dromore. Clearly the event was a personal tribute to Mr Good for all that had been achieved in the parish under his guidance and leadership.

BOXING — Ray Ross, the 23 year-old greenkeeper from Ardglass, lost the All-Ireland lightweight title on Thursday night when Charlie Nash, the home town hero, defeated him on points at a packed Londonderry cinema.

Nash, boxing in his first professional fight, found himself as champion with a 100-96.5 points victory over the more experienced Ross, who took the Irish crown in 1974.

Ross started well, but in the second round is eye ballooned after a flurry of fierce fighting. The corner patched him up, but although he came back strongly, Nash remained in control.

Afterwards, a plucky Ross admitted his timing was off and that Nash had been the superior on the night. He spoke of a bruised rib, injured in training, but quickly pointed out that this was not an excuse for an under par performance.

BILLIARDS — It is with the deepest regret that the chairman and committee of the Downpatrick and District Billiards League learned of the death of Cathal O’Hare recently.

Cathal, during his countless years of involvement in playing billiards and attending to the administrative side of the game as secretary and treasurer, was a most popular and likeable sportsman.

Indeed his enthusiasm for the game and his sense of sportsmanship on the table earned him the appropriate title of ‘Mr Billiards.’