CHURCHES HOLD ANNIVERSARY DINNER

WARRENPOINT and Rostrevor Presbyterian Churches held their 150th anniversary dinner in Rostrevor Presbyterian Church Hall.

Along with the local members present there were many guests from surrounding areas who commented on the newly decorated hall.

Following a meal, Dr John Holmes presented a talk on “Our Presbyterian Heritage”. He dealt with the advent of Presbyterianism, commencing in 1642 when the first presbytery was organised in Ireland. He noted there were Presbyterians in Ireland before that date.

Dr Holmes traced the history of Downshire Road Presbyterian Church in Newry, as well as The Ryans, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor churches.

He also focused attention on James Morgan, first minister of the Fisherwick Place congregation in Belfast, who also gave a special address at Henry Cooke’s funeral in 1868.

Concluding his address he said: “Back 150 years ago we responded to the challenge to face whatever the future might bring. Today we will do the same, as we Presbyterians are serious, hard working people who look upon life as a gift which has been granted to us by God.”

ROSTREVOR SCOUTS AND GUIDES

HONOUR FR DAVIS

SCOUTS and Guides from Rostrevor met in their ‘den’ to honour founder Fr Anthony Davies, who had been transferred to become PP of the Parish of Dromara.

There was a large attendance of parents, Scouts and Guides, along with Mr J McEvoy, chairman of the Scouts, Mrs B Mackey, chairwoman of the Guides, Tony McCormick, unit leader, and Miss D McVeigh, Guide leader.

Fr Davis was presented with a painting of the Fairy Glen at Rostrevor as a token of appreciation for the work he had carried out over his 10 years in Rostrevor Parish.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr McEvoy described Fr Davis as the “driving force” in forming the Scouts and Guides. Over the years he had endeared himself to all, leaving an indelible mark on the parish.

The parish was sad at losing him but the speaker assured Fr Davis he would always be remembered for his “constant attention to everyone.”

Fr Davis thanked all those who were involved in the presentation and paid tribute to the efforts of the parish which had contributed towards a new roof for the ‘den’, making it a place worthy for the Scouts and Guides to meet and enjoy themselves.

CASTLEWELLAN FOREST PARK’S 21ST ANNIVERSARY

THE Minister for Forestry, Lord Skelmersdale, re-enacted a scene from 1969 when he visited Castlewellan Forest Park as part of its 21st anniversary celebrations.

To mark the occasion, Lord Skelmersdale planted a tree near to the spot where Lord Grey, then Governor of Northern Ireland, had planted one 21 years earlier to mark the official opening of the Province’s third designated Forest Park.

Since then, the park had gone from strength to strength and by September 1990 was attracting 100,000 visitors each year.

Lord Skelmersdale commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to see one of the most remarkable collections of trees in the British Isles and to meet the foresters who manage it.”

LAUNCH OF STRANGFORD’S ISLANDER

A NEW passenger vessel was launched in Strangford Lough.

The Islander, a 112ft former gunboat, left on her maiden voyage from Strangford Quay after an official launching ceremony performed by the chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Mr John B. McGuckian.

Mr McGuckian commented that the International Fund had already been involved in nearly 100 projects in the Mid and South Down areas, creating 759 jobs from Ards down to Newry and Mourne.

“There is a growth potential in this particular area, and we have every hope that in the next two to three years we can be associated with a similar project like this for some time,” he stated.

It was hoped the Islander, which could accommodate up to 100 passengers, would increase tourism and employment in the area.

The vessel had gone into private ownership in the 1960s and from that time had been moored at the exclusive Marina des Anges in Antibes in the South of France, cruising in the Mediterranean and on charter on the Aegean Sea.