Successful Ardglass beacon

SIR, — On behalf of the Ardglass community I wish to thank Down Council and Down District Community Safety Partnership (CSP) for providing a bonfire beacon and bouncy castles for the Halloween event.

Special thanks to Mark Kent, the CSP manager, who not only played a pivotal role in procuring the necessary funds for the event, but also tirelessly assisted the Ardglass Festival Association during the summer festival.

The local youth are to be commended for restraining from accumulating materials traditionally used on bonfires and were content with the impressive beacon.

Drinks and treats distributed by Colette Murray, her daughter Naomh and Kate McConville were appreciated by all the children, many of whom were attired in fancy dress.

William Milligan, an Ardglass Festival Association member, sacrificed a great deal of time by marshalling the beacon before it was ignited and remained with me until the embers had receded to a safe level.

Manpower continues to be a perennial problem and so if anyone is interested in assisting the Festival Association or becoming an active member they will be warmly welcomed.

Plans are already underway for the Christmas events, including a visit from Santa, and the ‘switch-on of lights’ on Friday, December 2.

Yours etc.,

GERRY CASEY,

Chairman,

Ardglass Festival

Association.