From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 9, 1973

From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 9, 1973

9 October 2013

ARDGLASS — Continental demands are dictating the price of herring at Ardglass and while the fast diminishing home market, the fishermen aren’t complaining.

As the current boom is underlining the claims of Ardglass as the centre of the fishing industry in Northern Ireland, it is announced that work is to begin on the construction of a new quayside market at the end of this month.

Ironically, the fish being caught off the Mourne coast are not being taken to the new £6 million Kilkeel harbour, but to Ardglass where the market gives 15 to 20 per cent more money.

The continentals are there in a big way and are giving the silver harvest a golden touch for all concerned. Juggernaut lorries bound for France and Germany are part of the scenery now as tradition is being swept aside. They are being joined by several from Hull, Grimsby and other British ports.

It seems that continental herring waters have been fished out and the demand is bringing buyers over here. The Irish Sea appears to be one of the few European waters left with reasonable amounts of herring, but in order that the supply is not overfished, regulations have been introduced.

Herring fishing must end at four on Thursday afternoons and around the Isle of Man it is prohibited.

KILLYLEAGH — Down District Council may step in to save an old mission hut for the Killyleagh community. The hut, which is going up for sale by the Ministry, is being sought three interested parties, it was claimed on Monday night.

Mr. Denys Rowan-Hamilton said that a farmer wanted to put sheep into it, a builder wanted to put bricks into it, and the Killyleagh and Shrigley town committee wanted to put people into it.

Mr. Rowan-Hamilton said had enough funds to cover the reserve price of £650 placed by the ministry on the hut — which was an old B Special military range and in excellent order. But the only way they could obtain it at that prices was through the district council expressing an interest in the building. In that event the sale would be stopped and the council would be left with first option. The committee would supply the council with the necessary funds to make the transaction.

Mr. Terence McKee seconded Mr. Rowan-Hamilton’s proposal and the council agreed by a majority vote to take the initial step of expressing an interest.

CASTLEWELLAN — Combat Cancer, Castlewellan Group, with the kind co-operation of local traders, presented a very successful fashion show in the Oak Grill, Castlewellan, on Thursday last. Mr. Sean Rafferty, of BBC fame, gave an opening address and stressed the educational and research aspects of the Ulster Cancer Foundation. The commere of the show was Mrs. Eileen Slader. The clothes being modelled came from the following: King’s Cash Drapers, Mr. John McKenny, Messrs John King & Sons, Mr. T. Bingham and Vogue House of Fashion.

Combat Cancer Group would like to like thank the traders and their models, also Mrs. E. Slader, Mr. S. Rafferty, Mr. Tom Nelson, Mr. George Skillen, Mr. Jim Rodgers, Mr. Will Wilson and staff, Mr. Jim Poland, Mr. Jim McCabe, Mr. and Mrs. Magorrian and staff, Printrite Press and all who so generously gave their services and accommodation free.

DOWNPATRICK — A new era of importance lies ahead for Downpatrick’s now virtually unused assembly hall building, which until a few years ago was the hub of local social activities. The owners, Dunleath Estates Ltd., are to convert the ground floor into three shopping units and have offered use of the main hall upstairs free of charge.

Work will begin on the ground floor scheme within a matter of weeks, but as yet a decision has not been made on the use of the hall. The appearance of the existing frontage will be retained to the greatest possible extent by setting the shops behind an arcade.

The agents report that they have had a number of inquiries about the hall, but certain structural modifications are required to meet fire authority standards. The now defunct urban council was offered use of the premises, but failed to come to a decision. The matter will now go before the district council.

CROSSGAR — Big news for Crossgar young people. The go-ahead Crossgar and District Community Association members met last Wednesday night and all are agreed that the young people must have somewhere to meet, talk, discuss and organise their activities. A sub-committee approached those responsible for the War Memorial Hall and it now certain that the young people will have the use of the hall one night per week, beginning in October.

What is going to take place? Well, there will be table tennis, indoor games. a TV room, a record-playing session and a coffee and mineral bar. This is a small beginning which the young people will eventually add to. It will be a place where the teenagers can come along and do their own thing – and if that requires someone to help, then help will be given.

Membership of the club will be restricted to those people living within a three-mile radius of Crossgar. Membership cards are at present being printed and will be on sale soon, price 10p.

BALLYNAHINCH — The 75th anniversary service of Ballynahinch LOL 763 was held in Edengrove Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon and was conducted by the Rev. C. W. M. Cooper, rector of Magheradroll, , who said he was very pleased to welcome the district officers of Ballynahinch district No. 17, the officers and brethren of LOL 763 and all other visiting brethren. The special preacher was the Archdeacon of Dromore, the Ven. J. Shearer, district chaplain.

BALLYCULTER — Christ Church, Ballyculter, celebrates the 250th anniversary of its consecration this year. There was a church on the present site probably from the days of St. Patrick, but the older parts of the present church, the tower and steeple, were erected in 1723. It was enlarged by the Bangor family in 1882 and the result is a beautiful church with an English appearance.

The church also possesses a fine pipe organ, which was presented by a former rector, the Rev. E. B. Ryan, in 1885. It has been recently renovated ands was rededicated at a special service of choral evensong on Thursday, which was intoned by the rector, the Rev. W. E. Kennedy. After being petitioned by the churchwardens, Mr. Thomas Henderson and Mr. George McKibbin, the Archdeacon of Down, the Ven. Alfred McKelvie, rededicated the organ.

Among the visiting clergy were the Dean of Down, the Very. Rev. R. W. Kilpatrick, the Rev. Paul Shirley, the Rev. T. H. W. Dunwoody, and the Rev. H. B. G. Forde.

SAINTFIELD — Saintfield Livestock Mart held its first sale of suckled calves on Friday and a good attendance of buyers resulted in a complete clearance. The top price of £128.50 was paid to a Drumaness farmer for a Hereford bullock calf. A Carryduff farmer received £127 each for two Hereford bullocks and his lot of ten averaged £114.50 each.

KILLYLEAGH — Killyleagh Young Farmers’ Club’s meeting last Tuesday took the form of a beetle drive. All shapes and sizes of beetles appeared on the cards before Trevor Lindsay emerged the winner with Wendy Gibson winning the booby prize. The next meeting will be ‘What’s My Line.’ All members are requested to attend.

RADEMON — The annual harvest services in Rademon Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church were held on Sunday. The soloist was Mrs. A. Hanna, of Newcastle, and the guest organist was Mrs. Stella King. The offerings were in aid of church funds. Thanks to all who had taken part, to those who had contributed gifts of flowers, fruit and vegetables, and to those who arranged them were accorded by the Rev. W. J. Wharton, of Greyabbey and Ballyhemlin, who conducted the services.