From the pages of the Down Recorder, September 17th, 1974

From the pages of the Down Recorder, September 17th, 1974

17 September 2014

SEAFORDE — A Newcastle policeman had a miraculous escape from death when his car literally came apart in a crash at Seaforde. He is Detective Constable Gordon Walker and it is thought he was catapulted from the car on impact.

The accident happened on the Ballynahinch Road, at the entrance to the Forde estate, where the car struck a concrete pillar and was hurled across the road in two sections. The front section was almost completely demolished and indeed rescuers on the scene at first thought that a massive bomb had caused the destruction.

Teams of army, police and local people scoured the area looking for the driver, but their attempts were hampered by an almost constant downpour of rain. However, Constable Walker was spotted by a police patrol several hours later at Farranfad and rushed to Downe Hospital. It seems he was thrown several hundred yards away by the impact and staggered semi-conscious across several fields.

He was detained in hospital for several hours for observation, but released with only a few minor cuts to show for his ordeal.

DOWNPATRICK — Members of the Donard group of the Ulster Farmers’ Union will be taking to the streets of Downpatrick tomorrow morning to publicise the serious plight of the farming industry.

They will be parading tractors and other farm vehicles through the town as part of a Europe-wide demonstration, but group secretary, Mr. Peter Grainger, promised that the protests will be orderly.

“We don’t want to alienate the public,” he said. “Northern Ireland is probably the worst hit country in the EEC with beef prices at a disastrous level at the moment and we need the support of the public.”

LOUGHINISLAND — Anglers were rudely interrupted in their haven on the shores of Loughinisland Lake on Monday night. It was the noise of an Army operation which broke the calm and no doubt spoiled fishing for the evening — but it was an operation with a difference.

A bullock belonging to local farmer, Mr. Lawrence O’Toole, was injured and stranded on one of the lake shores. It was clearly impossible to effect a rescue by land and so out went an SOS to Army headquarters in Lisburn.

Within an hour a helicopter was at the scene and the rescue swung into operation. A net was secured around the animal and then fastened to straps suspended from the circling helicopter.

The bullock was then hoisted away to safety. Once back on firm ground the injured animal was hauled into a waiting trailer and taken back to Mr. O’Toole’s farm.

PORTAFERRY — A security watchdog committee has been set up in Portaferry following a public meeting held in the town recently. The 15-strong committee have submitted a series of recommendations to security forces in the area and these include attending parking in the town centre by day with barriers operating at night.

Major W. S. Brownlow, Unionist Assembly member, chaired the meeting and was assisted by Councillor McPolin. Chief Inspector McClintock was also in attendance.

NEWCASTLE — Following a visit from Mr. Desmond Egan, the Down district development officer, Newcastle Town Committee have decided to write to the district council asking for the assistance of councillors W. J. McCombe and Paddy O’Donoghue in their bid to make Newcastle Northern Ireland’s No. 1 resort.

As a direct result of the visit the committee are also to investigate the possibility of displaying the plans of the various projects which are in the pipeline for the area. They feel that the people should know exactly what plans are being proposed for the town and the surrounding district.

The very successful questionnaire was also discussed with members expressing satisfaction with the public’s response. They would remind those who have not returned their forms that they can do at any of the following shops: McKee’s at the harbour, Martin’s at South Promenade, Thornton’s Chemists, Neill’s and Wadsworth’s in Main Street.

STRANGFORD — The sight of three 18 year-old Strangford youths with a ‘teddy-bear’ must have caused quite a stir recently. For several days they could be seen walking up and down the streets with their proud possession.

For the boys, Kevin Fitzsimmons, George McDonnell and Raymond Fitzsimons were organising a raffle to raise funds for Downpatrick Special Care School. Local people responded magnificently and by the end of the ballot the boys were able to hand over a cheque for £39.50 to Mrs. Iris McBride, principal of the school.

Mrs. McBride told the Recorder that she thought it was a warm-hearted gesture by the boys and one which was much appreciated by the school. Incidentally, the teddy was won by Mrs. Brownlow, who donated it to the school.

KILLYLEAGH — Killinchy milkman David McCreery has been delivering milk to Killyleagh homes for longer than he cares to remember, but next week sees his retirement from his daily rounds. Such has been his popularity that local housewives decided not to let the occasion pass without showing their appreciation of his services.

Led by Mrs. Nora Kent, the ladies of Grove Hill and Grove Park organised a collection and on Friday David was ‘cornered’ at Mrs. Kent’s home and presented with a magnificent clock. He was obviously delighted with the gift and said afterwards: “It’s lovely to know that people can be so thoughtful and I’ll certainly miss seeing them every day.

RAFFREY — Raffrey Presbyterian Church’s annual flower show and sale in the Martin Church Hall was, as expected, largely attended. Under the chairmanship of Rev. R. J. Magee, First Saintfield Presbyterian Church, the show was opened by Mrs. William McCann, of Knowehead, Killinchy.

All the stalls had an excellent display of produce and at the end of the day Raffrey Pipe Band were in attendance to lead the fancy dress parade. Miss Anne Lindsay presented a gift to Mrs. McCann.

BALLYKINLAR — It is thought that a Downpatrick man and a Ballykinlar man were injured by an explosion at Ballykinlar army camp. It is not known what caused the explosion, which later started a fire, but an army officer is believed to have been seriously injured.

MONEYSCALP — Police say that a man was detained after an arms find by an Army patrol at Moneyscalp, near Castlewellan. A .303 rifle, a bandoleer and 100 rounds of assorted ammunition, including 19 solid shotgun cartridges and .303 and M1 ammunition, were found.

CROSSGAR — Bridie Gallagher, the famous songstress, will be making one of her rare appearances in Northern Ireland when she visits the Old Barn Inn, Crossgar. The talented singer has been working mainly in America, but should attract a bumper crowd for this visit. She will be supported by a local group, the Cavaliers.

SPA — Spa Young Farmers’ opened their winter season with a beetle drive and party. Thirty-five members attended and with an additional five new faces, it looks as if the club are in for another successful season.

HOCKEY — This season sees the 75th anniversary of Down Hockey Club and to commemorate this stage in their history a number of events have been well planned.

The first of these will take place on Saturday at the club’s Strangford Road ground in Downpatrick when a specially selected Ulster President’s XI will meet senior league side Lisnagarvey. It is hoped that many lovers of the game will be present at what should be an enjoyable match and to join Down in their celebrations.

Mr. Jim McClurg, who is the president of the club and has been a member for the past 40 years, stressed that if the pitch is ruled unplayable after the recent bad weather, the game will take place in Ballykinlar.