From the pages of the Down Recorder, October 10, 1972

10 October 2012

DOWNPATRICK — four armed men who made a lightning raid on Downpatrick’s Northern Bank yesterday morning are understood to have left in a hurry without taking a great deal of money. the raid took place at 11.25 and 40 minutes later the getaway car, a Triumph 2000, which had been hijacked in Belfast, was found at Ballee.

Thursday is normally a heavy pay day in Downpatrick in view of the proximity of army and airforce establishments at Ballykinlar and Bishopscourt and many local and central government offices.

the men burst into the bank at a time when business was slack. But two customers, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hawkins, of Corbally, were told to take a seat. One of the raiders vaulted the counter beside Miss Rosaleen Kellitt, but there wasn’t any money at her booth.

Another went into a rear office where the pro-manager, Mr. Alex McAuley was on the phone. He had to it when a gun was put to his head. A third raider asked Mr. Gerry Wright to show him where the money was kept.

CROSSGAR — Mary Peters received a standing ovation when she arrived in Crossgar on Monday night to address members of the Women’s Institute. It was her first engagement in East Down since her gold medal winning performance at the Munich Olympics and date which she had made nearly a year ago.

Women’s Institute members from Downpatrick, Ardglass, Killinchy and Moneyrea were also present and watched enthusiastically as Mary, who was accompanied by Buster McShane, demonstrated a variety of keep fit exercises.

Mrs. S. G. Clements won the competition for guessing the weight of committee members, with Mrs. Hewitt, Mrs. Hutchinson and Mrs. Edgar trying for second place. The winners of the ballot were Mrs. W. Morrow, Mrs. Niblock and Mrs. T. Cleland.

ARDGLASS — The Housing Executive’s ‘humanitarian line’ in dealing with squatters is annoying young married couples in Ardglass who are angry at the way in which dwellings at the town’s new 72-house estate, Parkside, are being allocated.

Three families moved in to squat in houses a matter of days before allocations were made towards the end of last week and it is understood two more have since taken up occupation.

The young couples have other grievances. One said: “We feel that the Housing Executive owes us an explanation as to how those in possession have been given preference over other more deserving cases.

“Why have families been moved to Parkside from modern houses, while other families, without proper toilet or bathroom facilities are not even considered?”

KILLYLEAGH — There will not be any change in road safety regulations at the Comber Road estate in Killyleagh until after a police review of speed limits. The subject was raised at the monthly meeting of Downpatrick and East Down Road Safety Committee at which Mr. Edward Lennon referred to fatal accidents on the main road adjoining the estate.

It was pointed out that the estate was some distance from the town and was approached by a fairly straight stretch of road with sightlines obscured by high fencing.

NEWCASTLE — The Alliance Party in Mourne made a plea for improved facilities for swimming in Newcastle in a statement issued this week. Referring to publication of the county planning officer’s report on the needs of towns and villages, Alliance states:

“The proposed size of Newcastle pool is calculated on school population. It takes no account of the fact that about eight bus loads of children leave Newcastle and more leave Castlewellan for schools elsewhere. Further, Newcastle’s population is multiplied many times during the summer months.

“On these two points Mourne Alliance feel that a good case can be made for an increase in the size of the proposed Newcastle pool.”

DRUMANESS — Drumaness Recreation Committee have recommended that East Down Rural Council proceed with a sports centre scheme, already submitted to the Ministry, with the exception of a pavilion and bowling green. They have also recommended that a bowling green should be provided on an area adjacent to the recreation ground and that a general clean up of the area be carried out.

The committee received with regret the resignation of Mr. Jim Long, and it was agreed that the football club be allowed to co-opt another representative.

BALLYNAHINCH — A bus load of members of the Mothers’ union branch in St. Patrick’s, Ballymacarrett, Belfast, were entertained by the Magheradroll branch in Ballynahinch. A variety evening had been arranged by the local branch in which the following local people took part: champion piper Ian Jess, a member of the parish; Mr. John Charles, Mrs. Betty Grant and Miss Beth McCalla, who were accompanied by Mrs. Pat Nixon. The entertainment was introduced by the rector, Rev. C. W. M. Cooper.

This small gesture of friendship by people living in quieter parts of the province was much appreciated by those whose lives are all too frequently punctuated by the bomb and the bullet.

RAFFREY — Many ladies attended the fashion show in the Martin Hall, Raffrey, last Tuesday when garments for both children and adults supplied by Mini Girl and Miss Elegance were shown to advantage by the various models taking part. Supper was served by the ladies and Mrs. Carson expressed thanks to all those who had made the venture such a success. She also presented a bouquet to Mrs. Montgomery, commere.

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