From the pages of the Down Recorder June 27 1972

From the pages of the Down Recorder June 27 1972

27 June 2012

DOWNPATRICK — The Secretary of State, Mr. William Whitelaw, pledged this week that as soon as a tenant is found for the advance factory at present under construction in Downpatrick, work on a second one will begin immediately. In a letter to Downpatrick Trades Council Mr. Whitelaw gives an assurance that when the Ballydugan Road factory is completed in the autumn everything possible will be done to secure a firm offering male employment.

Understandably, the news has been welcomed by many throughout the town and district. Mr. James Magee, chairman of the Trades Council, said: “These are the first assurances we have ever had that Downpatrick will definitely be developed as a centre for the manufacturing industry.

Mr. James McDowell, vice-chairman, said: “Downpatrick has proved that because of the lack of civic unrest in the town it is one of the few areas suitable for development of industry. It is now up to the people of Downpatrick to see that the pressure is maintained to find a suitable tenant for the new factory as soon as possible.”

Mr. Cecil Maxwell, a member of the urban council and a strong advocate for industrial expansion, said: “This is the best news this town has had for some time. I hope a tenant is found soon for we need something to absorb male unemployment.”

CROSSGAR — A Crossgar farmer, Robert Dickson (45), of Ballyalgin, died accidentally when his tractor overturned and pinned him to the ground, an inquest in Downpatrick decided on Friday.

An eleven year-old schoolboy, James Dripps, of Barnamaghery Road, said he and Ruth Jackson were walking home from Derryboye School just after 3pm on May 2 when they saw an overturned tractor from which puffs of smoke were coming.

Constable Robert Russell, of Killyleagh RUC, said the David Brown 950 tractor with trailer had gone through a ditch, overturned and pinned the driver underneath. Dr. Ronald Phillips, of Crossgar, was at the scene and had pronounced Mr. Dickson dead. Local residents helped release the body.

ARDGLASS — Ardglass residents want their beach cleaned up. It’s filthy and dangerous, they say. And through the local town committee they are putting a petition to East Down Rural Council.

The villagers claim that the local government body have not taken any action since being informed of the situation at their last monthly meeting. The main complaint is the number of broken bottles on the shore. One mother of young children said she wanted to avoid a repetition of last year when several youngsters had to be treated for cuts.

People in the attractive little seaside town may not have much of a sandy stretch, but they want their children to enjoy it in safety.

BALLYNAHINCH — Two masked men held up a bus en route from Ballynahinch to Drumaness late on Saturday night and after relieving the driver of the takings set the vehicle on fire. The bus was being driven by Mr. David Shields, of Drumaness, and the incident happened around 11 o’clock when it is alleged he was held up at gunpoint.

Fire brigades from Ballynahinch and Downpatrick raced to the scene and were able to save the engine of the vehicle from serious damage. Ballynahinch police are investigating the incident and anyone who can help with information is requested to contact Ballynahinch 2222.

CASTLEWELLAN — The tyres of a car in which two Castlewellan cousins lost their lives in April were fitted dangerously, a Downpatrick inquest was told. Constable William Brown, Newcastle, said the vehicle was fitted with radials at the front and crossply at the rear. He described the combination as “a dangerous arrangement.”

Open verdicts were returned on the men who died from injuries sustained in an accident at Scribb, Dundrum, on April 27. They were Samuel Walsh (18), a builder’s labourer, of Ballywillwill, and James Walsh (18), an apprentice bricklayer of Drumnaquoile.

DUNDRUM — Members of the Dundrum branch of the East Down Tenants and Community Needs Association have been advised to withhold payment of a rent increase, recently introduced, until further notice. Members have also expressed dissatisfaction at the delay in carrying out repairs to houses in various areas.

TYRELLA — On a Sunday of bloodshed and bombings, of riot and looting, young people in St. John’s Church, Tyrella, testified to a new and better way of life. In the witness box were Mrs. June Murphy, Mrs. Margaret Rooney and Miss Heather Carson. Their witness agreed that Jesus Christ made all the difference to their lives. This act of testimony was part of a youth service which was conducted by the rector, Rev. R. L. Hutchinson.

SPA — Spa Presbyterian Church and Sabbath School is 100 years old this year and instead of the customary outing to Newcastle a fete and sports day was held last Saturday afternoon. Spa accordion band led about 55 competitors in a fancy dress parade from the Arnold Hall to the primary school playground.

NEWCASTLE — Newcastle Yacht Club are two thirds of the way to obtaining an inshore rescue craft. Funds got a boost on Saturday when over £400 was raised at a garden fete attended by 500 patrons. The event was held at the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Patterson, Cherryhill, and Mr. George Davis, Larch Lodge, Tullybrannigan Road. A raffle for a grocery hamper donated by the town’s shopkeepers was won by Miss McAteer, of Slievenamaddy Avenue.