Community

St Patrick's Day Festival Launched

THE St Patrick's Day Parade is the most widely celebrated Day in the world, and it has its roots right here in County Down. This year, St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated in time-honoured style with thousands of visitors converging on the historic town for a week-long celebration of heritage, culture, family entertainment and traditional ‘craic’.

Buddy Recovering After Cruel Beating

SET deep among the foothills of Ballykeel, a stones throw from Tyrella, lies a very ordinary little dog home, with a rather extraordinary 'tail', writes Anne O'Hare. Corran Kennels, like any other, welcomes all waifs and strays regardless of class or breed. And this week, one of those unwanteds was Buddy, a four year old American Bull Dog. Helen Marks, Manager of the Rehoming Centre for over nine years, began to tell me the story of Buddy, a once very beautiful American Bull Dog. She said: “The dog warden picked up Buddy a few days ago and brought him here. He had been neglected by his owners and looks to have been beaten."

CAB And Credit Union Set Up Downpatrick Debt Surgery

DOWNPATRICK Credit Union and the local office of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau are teaming up to help local people meet the New Year financial challenges. In a first for Northern Ireland., the two organisations are uniting to pool their resources for the benefit of the community in Downpatrick. Announcing the initiative, Downpatrick Cvredit Union manager said: “Since 1969 Downpatrick Credit Union has existed with one sole purpose, to meet the financial needs of our local members. Over the years we have expanded our services and this partnership is a direct result of the increased pressures facing local households during the economic downturn.

Bonfire Funding Secured

Bonfire funding secured for another year THE excellent work of Down District Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is definitely warming up as they received good news that they have received their letter of offer from the EU’s Peace III programme delivered by the North Down, Ards and Down Council’s Cluster to continue with their highly successful Bonfire Beacon project.

Proposals to close Co Down police stations

Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones, Down police commander, is seeking views from residents in Ballynahinch and Saintfield on a proposal to close these police stations.

Downpatrick Twinning Group Attends Conference In Spain

Member of the Downpatrick Twinning Partnership have been playing their part in terms of how to support a local economy by attending an economic themed conference in Paterna, Spain. The aim of the meeting, which was supported by the European Union's Town Twinning Programme and the Paterna Municipality, was to bring together citizens from across Europe to discuss economic issues that are affecting all of us in the current climate.

Dundrum Walking Routes Receive Tourism Investment

DOWN District Council's Culture and Economic Development Committee has given approval for the development and upgrade of a walking network in the village of Dundrum, including an extension to the play area at Dundrum Inner Bay. At a meeting on Tuesday 16th members supported the tourism plan for Dundrum.

T obar Mhuire Reopens After Major £1.5 Million Improvement

THE Passionist Congregation yesterday formally re-opened its Retreat and Conference Centre at Tobar Mhuire, Crossgar, Co Down as a centre for spiritual renewal and human development, after a £1.5 Million restoration. Fr John Friel CP, Superior at Tobar Mhuire said: “We would like people of faith and no faith who are in search of meaning, to come and use the centre. We have a solid commitment to working with groups who, either through life choices or circumstances have traditionally felt excluded from the church, and see Christianity as something of a cold house or irrelevant.”

Downpatrick Court House Gets Reprieve

AMID the swinging axe of government cuts, there remains one bastion of justice that looks set to stay in Downpatrick, writes Anne O'Hare. The Court House on English Street has been around for 275 years and Justice Minister David Ford announced recently, it's here to stay.

Killyleagh Christmas Lights

Killyleagh Xmas Lights ON Tuesday 6 December the Killyleagh Christmas lights were switched on and the event once again attracted a good crowd despite the heavy rain that came on.

Downpatrick Christmas Tree Vandalised

xmas Tree Vandalised LESS than two weeks following the switch-on of Downpatrick’s Christmas lights, the new 12-metre high Christmas tree has suffered a blow after it was vandalised leaving gaping holes in the new artificial tree.

Down District Council Chairman Cllr Councillor Dermot Curran has condemned this behaviour, saying, “I am outraged at this mindless vandalism. I cannot believe that less than two weeks since I switched-on the Christmas lights, our new tree has been attacked by vandals. I cannot believe that someone has broken its branches. What sense is there in that? What fun does anyone get out of it?”

National Tree Week Takes Root At Kilmore Playing Fields

PRIMARY 7 pupils from two local primary schools braved the cold weather with their hats, scarves and gloves on to plant trees to celebrate National Tree Week. Northern Ireland remains one of the least wooded regions in Europe.

Don’t Let Festive Season Become Stresstive Season

DOWNPATRICK Credit Union has a great slogan: Let Santa be the only one in red this Christmas.

It’s a faint hope but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all have a really happy Christmas without the fear of the credit card bills arriving in January?

Down District Citizen Advice Debt Advisor Adam Harbinson offers a few financial survival tips for Christmas.

More Rural Development Funding On Offer In Down

A new round of funding for rural development projects has opened in Down. In the latest call for finance that will help improve the quality of life in rural communities, the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) is inviting local people across County Down, to submit project proposals which come under it's themes. The themes aim to encourage the growth and expansion of new and existing businesses creating employment and contribute to the rural economy. Grants of up to £50,000 are available for capital projects, while a maximum of £5,000 is on offer for other forms of support, from feasibility studies to marketing activities. Public information evenings are being held for anyone interested in finding out more about the rural development programme and an opportunity to meet programme staff. They take place on: Tuesday 3 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Ards Business Centre, Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards Wednesday 4 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Banbridge Enterprise Centre, Scarva Road Industrial Estate, Banbridge Thursday 5 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Down Business Centre, Belfast Road, Downpatrick and Friday 6 January 2012 at 7.30pm, Signal Centre, Innotec Drive, Bangor. Almost £4 million has already been committed to over 80 projects across the four council areas since the rural development programme began in 2009. Grants range from a few hundred pounds to several hundred thousand, all with the aim of improving the quality of life in rural communities.

St Miguel Community Youth Band

THE St Miguel Community Youth Band became All Ireland Champions in 2011 and they celebrated the event at their awards evening held in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch.

It was an evening of high spirits when all of the members received a coveted medal to remember the great achievement of the boys and girls from Downpatrick.

The band will be leading the St Patrick parade this year as a tribute to their achievement. Liam Rafferty, band chairman, said, “Since our fantastic All Ireland win we have attracted quite a number of new members since September who want to get involved in the band. This is just great.

Christkindl What's On

DOWNPATRICK is preparing for a festive season to be remembered this year... with a brand new bespoke lighting scheme and the biggest Christmas tree ever seen in the town providing the perfect backdrop for what is set to be the biggest Christmas switch-on yet in St Patrick’s Square.

There will also be lots of fabulous festive family fun in Market Street courtesy of the newly established Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce. With animated characters, face painting, goodie bags in selected stores and fantastic spot prizes on offer. So for a magical experience this December, make Downpatrick your Christmas destination.

Killyleagh Youth Kick Off With Nomad Cage Soccer

THERE was plenty of excitement in Killyleagh on Saturday evening (26th November 2011) when another instalment of the NOMAD football cage was unlocked for the young soccer fans.

The event was set up by the Down District Policing Partnership in partnership with the PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team and Killyleagh Youth for Christ. Dozens of young people from Killyleagh and the surrounding areas enjoyed a fun packed evening of soccer and a chat about crime and local issues.

Down Cadets Roll Out Winter Boredom Busters

DARK nights and falling temperatures should not be an excuse for becoming couch potatoes this winter, according to teenagers from Downpatrick.

Local cadets have launched a recruitment drive designed to attract new membership to Cadet units right across County Down. Units will be extending a welcome to young people aged between twelve and eighteen, encouraging them to come along to their local Cadet unit for a ‘show and tell’ session that could be the start of a whole new interest.

Help Billy Douglas Walk

An everyday trip to the play park in Comber is not without its trials for little three-year-old Billy Douglas writes Anne O'Hare.

Billy Douglas crawls through the tunnel at the local playpark in Comber. As he excitedly hoists himself onto the new disabled swing recently installed there, Billy belies the struggle which accompanies his condition known as Cerebral Palsy.

Read more about: Billy Douglas from Comber

All Ireland Award For East Down Rural Community Network

East Down Rural Community Network (EDRCN) took an unprecedented bow after they were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at a Cross Border event at the weekend writes Anne O'Hare.

Each county in Ireland was represented at the Pride of Place Awards hosted by Co Operation Ireland in Gorey, Co Wexford.

“We were nominated by Down District Council and were originally nominated for the Community Health Initiative category, because that is part of our work.

Another Potty Hallowtides Festival In Newcastle

ONCE again Newcastle’s Hallowtides Festival was deemed a triumphant success, despite the weather’s best attempts to derail the ‘Potty Express’. Tens of thousands of eager spectators and participants descended on a wet and windy promenade on Saturday 29th October hoping that the weather would turn, and turn it did!

But has Anne Moreland acquired some witchy, occult spells as the Down District Council Hallowtides Events Officer because, for the second year in a row, she has managed to conjur up good weather from her cauldron in the face of rain, cold and wind?

Leading the parade was Down District Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran who said, “I was overwhelmed with the crowds who took to the streets of Newcastle on Saturday, and I wish to convey my sincere thanks not only to the staff from all sections across the Council who were involved in delivering this event, but tremendous praise and appreciation must be extended to the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, the shopkeepers, sponsors, the schools and indeed the wider community who all made such a huge effort to create an event which was thoroughly enjoyed by the people of Down District and those who travelled to the town for the Hallowtides celebrations. ”

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Publication Of Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin

THE Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin, including sales of new houses and apartments during the period April to June 2011, was published by the Department for Social Development today.

Some of its key findings with year-on comparisons include:

The average selling price of National House Building Council (NHBC) registered new houses sold was £144,600, a decrease of £20,600 (12.5%) on the same quarter in 2010.

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Criminal Activity In Down Sparks Police Appeals

The PSNI in C District, which covers North Down, Ards Castelreagh and Down policing areas, is advising shops and retailers across the district to be on their guard for telephone scammers in relation to mobile phone top-ups.

Good News As Local Rates Kept Down

At a special Council meeting on Wednesday 8 February 2012, Down District Council struck its rate to meet the cost of services it will provide in the next financial year and to support plans to spend £25 million in developing the district over the next three years. Councillors unanimously agreed to a 1.99% increase in the district rate which is significanty lower than the rate of inflation.

Council Offices Put Spin On Downshire Hub

THE plans to create a local government hub at the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick are taking a step closer as the work on the Down District Council new premnises is nearing completion. Around August this year Down District Council is set to move ifrom its cramped Strangford Road premises to the historic Downshire Hospital site on the Ardglass Road, Downpatrick.

Youth For Christ Supports Community In Killyleagh

DAVID Wallace, youth worker with Youth For Christ in Killyleagh, said that the drop on centre in the town provides a range of activities for the community from infants up to the elderly. Established in 1998, the drop in centre had been located in the centre of the town in Cross Street.

Travel The World For Mainstay DRP

MAKE 2012 memorable and take a trip on behalf of Mainstay DRP to anywhere in the world. And raise much needed funds for adults with Autism or severe learning disabilities. The high profile Autism care and support charity has teamed up with activity trip operator, Discover Adventure, to promote an exciting range of charity fundraising challenges, writes Anne O'Hare.

The tricky bit is deciding where to go. From cycle trips in the Alps, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains or Trans Central America to walking treks following the Great Wall of China, through the Sahara or an extreme adventure to Kilimajaro - Mainstay DRP are looking for you to participate.

These tailor made charity challenges are the perfect way to see the world, experience other cultures, create wonderful memories…and raise money for a very worthwhile cause…Mainstay DRP. And you don’t have to cycle or trek if you don’t want to – you could sail around the Channel Islands or snowshoe in Sweden. There are various dates to choose from so check your diary.

Midnight Teenage Soccer Programme Launched

TEENAGERS from 13-17 will be able to enjoy a game of midnight soccer coming up soon across the district. Down District Community Safety Partnership are delighted to receive funding from the Department of Justice to roll out its inaugural Midnight Soccer Programme throughout Down district for six weeks.

Search Continues For Missing County Down Trawlerman

THREE Kilkeel fishing boats are among the rescue vessels searching for a missing fisherman, feared drowned in the Irish Sea, writes Anne O'Hare.

Around lunchtime yesterday (Sunday 30 January), the skipper of the 'Zenith', which fishes prawns out of its home port of Kilkeel, called for help in locating a man who had been lost overboard. A Coast Guard rescue helicopter was immediately dispatched from Dublin after the call was received.

Holiday World Show At King's Hall

TWENTY years on and the Holiday World Show that took place recently at the King’s Hall is still attracting a mass audience to avail of it’s weekend ‘one stop shop’ offering travel and tourism expertise and advice from right across the globe. The Show featured hundreds of destinations and attracted some thirty thousand visitors over the weekend.

Patrician Youth Centre Perform Jack And The Beanstalk

THE young cast of the Patrician Youth Centre have got off to another great year with a magnificent performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. But they performed not one but three on the same day. On the morning and afternoon, pupils from local schools filled the Downshire Great Hall in Downpatrick and they all got into the atmosphere at the drop of a hat. In the evening another one began at 8pm. And on Sunday 15 January there will be a matinee peformance at 3pm.

Condemnation Of Murder In Comber

POLICE are investigating a murder on Wednesday 11 January in Comber and have made an appeal to the public for information. Following the incident, three men aged 54, 26 and 25 have been arrested today. The three men were arrested in the County Down area and have been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.

Coney Island Folksinger Records In Nashville

Coney Island will never be the same again the next time I go for a quiet seaside walk along its potholed road enjoying its off-the-beaten track ambience. I called down to meet Jayne Trimble alternate folk singer and songwriter and was seriously taken back by her great musical talent.

Demand Soars For St Vincent's Xmas Appeal

THE deadline for St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal has now passed and the society reveal they have been inundated by this year's response from both needy families and the elderly, writes Anne O'Hare.

Sean Connor has been President of Downpatrick's St Vincent De Paul Society for many years. He described the level of interest from local families in need has risen sharply this Christmas and reiterated an appeal for help from the general public.

To Inverbrena and Beyond

Eamonn McMullan is a founding member of Strangford Historical Society and recently his organisation launched their twelfth annual magazine and a wine and cheese reception, at Inverbrena Hall, in Strangford, writes Anne O'Hare.

Police Appeal After Ballynahinch Road Death

POLICE in Ballynahinch continue to appeal for information following the fatal road traffic collision at Windmill Street at approx 3.40pm on Tuesday 6th December. The collision which took place at the junction with High Street adjacent to the town square resulted in the tragic death of an elderly lady.

Legal Wrangle Over Unfinished Roads At Demesne

DRD Roads Service reveal they are now taking legal action against the original developers of The Demesne on the Ardglass Road in Downpatrick due to a lack of progress on the site, Writes Anne O'Hare.

As the last remaining homes go on sale at a knock down price, Down News understands that developers are required to enter into a bond agreement in the event of this situation arising, and DRD Roads Service state they have not used public money to complete the works.

CI Nigel Grimshaw Delivers Police Christmas Message

THE PSNI Commander for C District, which includes North Down, Ards, Castlereagh and Down policing areas, has praised the community for its continued support for policing in the last year.

In a Christmas message Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said the public’s help is invaluable when it comes to fighting crime. He also responded to concerns within the community about proposed station closures.

Crowds Pack Christkindl Christmas Lights Switch-On In Downpatrick

THE Downpatrick Christmas lights switch on was a great success as a huge crowd turned up on a lovely crisp, clear evening to enjoy the festival entertainments.

The largest tree and the largest crowd that this event has seen provided the perfect backdrop to this spectacular festive family event.

DDPP Runs Successful Meeting In Dundrum

ANOTHER successful meeting has been held by the Down District Policing Partnership this time in Dundrum. IT was well attended but local politicians and community representatives and residents.

Police Area Commander Deirdre Bones reported that there had been a slight increase in domestic burglaries from the year ending September 2010 at 124 to September 2011. She said, “While we are not hitting the target at the moment, there has been an increase in domestic burglaries from 73 in the first quarter to 56 this quarter. This is the second lowest in five years. Officers continue to be focused on burglaries and continue through hot spot patrolling and enforcing bail conditions of prolific offenders.

Mainstay DRP Christmas Craft Fair To Draw Crowds

MAKE Mainstay DRP’s last fundraising event of 2011 a very special one by attending the Co Down charity’s annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 3^rd December.

From 10am this Saturday (Santa, stalls and a glass of mulled wine all await festive shoppers at Downpatrick Racecourse.

Remembrance Sunday

REMEMBRANCE Sunday is a special day when many paid tribute to those who have fallen in the two great wars in the Twentieth Century and in more recent times.

The main celebration is at the Cenotaph in London, but across the country in provincial towns, ordinary people from all walks of life gathered to pay their respects.

In Downpatrick the parade mustered at The Mall in front of Down Cathedral and marched to the War Memorial at the bottom of the Strangford Road where a short ecumenical service took place.

RAF Air Cadets Seek High Flying Adult Instructors

Potentially high flying volunteer opportunities are being launched locally as the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Organisation embarks on a new recruitment drive for Adult Instructors to work with teenagers in communities in and around County Down.

The Air Cadets require more Adult Instructors to take on part time roles in local Cadet Squadrons and they are seeking applications from the sort of adults who enjoy working with teenagers and who believe they have the potential to inspire and enthuse young people.

Christkindl Festival Launch in Downpatrick

Downpatrick will sparkle this festive season with a brand new bespoke lighting scheme and the biggest Christmas tree ever seen in the town providing the perfect backdrop for what is set to be the most magical evening.

Join us on Thursday 1st December for the official switch on of the Christmas lights at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Square marking the beginning of the Christkindl Festival.

Oaklee Housing Association Face Concerns From Local Residents Over Social Housing Development For Newcastle

THE Oaklee Housing Association made a presentation to local Newcastle residents on Wednesday (26th October) on the proposed scheme for social housing located at the former site of Newcastle Technical College (SERC).

The idea to develop the two separate sites with 18 two and a half storey blocks of with apartments for three people and one flat for five people centred around the scheme which will have one car parking space per household.

SDLP Councillor Carmel O’Boyle who organised the meeting welcomed everyone to the Newcastle Centre and explained that it was important to hear all the concerns from the residents. She introduced the Oaklee Housing Association representatives and added, “It is important that we examine Oaklee’s proposals. This is an important development for Newcastle and the old site if the Newcastle college should be fully utilised for the benefit of the town. There may be an issue about the density of homes on the site, but we must have a full discussion with Oaklee in this consultation before it goes to the planning stage.”

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Jane Austen’s Heroines Visit Newcastle

What better way to spend a wintry autumn Sunday afternoon than in the warm company of some of Jane Austen’s most celebrated characters?

Down Arts Service is delighted to present award-winning actress Rebecca Vaughan in Austen’s Women, at The Annesley Hall, Newcastle at 3pm on Sunday 13th November.

Jane Austen created some of Literature’s most celebrated characters, defining her era, gender and class. Two hundred years on, her works continue to speak for the yearning heart as much as they did when they were written – so just how much has really changed for women since?

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Newcastle’s Cocktail of Cool Carnival Capers

Avoid a headache this mid-term break and bring the whole family to Newcastle for some Halloween magic! Don’t miss Newcastle’s big night on Saturday 29th October which will leave your family charmed with its unique mixture of entertainment, education and fun. Catch up on what’s happening with our ‘At a Glance Guide’ below.

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Call For Books For Castleward Book Fair

DO you have piles of old books in your home?

Why not donate them and help raise funds for the upkeep of one of Northern Ireland’s finest historic houses and scenic countryside estates?

Castle Ward by the shores of Strangford Lough, just outside Downpatrick, is appealing once again for your generous support and it will welcome all donations of books, tapes, CDs, LPs and music sheets for its annual book fair on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November.

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Community

More Rural Development Funding On Offer In Down

NEWS IN BRIEF