
COMBER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1960
15-year-old David Craig of 1st Comber BB football team signed for English club Scunthorpe United.
At the annual installation supper of Comber White Flag LOL on 5 January a presentation was made to John G Ellison who had resigned as secretary after 23 years in the post.
The main road on the new Park Way estate was named Park Way, and the cul-de-sac Park Crescent.
On 22 January Stanley Watson and Ivan Patterson were presented with their warrants as leaders of the recently formed 2nd Comber Scout Troop connected with the Non-Subscribing Church. A cub pack had also been started with Bertie Marshall as leader assisted by Beth and Irene Finlay.
Another creditable performance in this year’s Monte Carlo Rally saw Ronnie Adams and Comber’s Ernie McMillen placed 19th.
Several hundreds of pounds damage was caused when fire broke out in the drapery, footwear and furniture store of William Bennett in High Street on 27 January.
At morning worship in Second Comber on 31 January a stained glass window was dedicated by Very Rev J C Breakey (former Moderator and a previous minister of 2nd Comber). The window was the gift of the 20th Comber Company Girls' Brigade. Its theme is "Suffer the little children to come unto Me".
On 5th March the presentation of a gold watch was made by the staff of Comber Post Office to James Hedley, a postman who had recently retired. Mr Hedley joined the Post Office in 1910, and for most of his life worked in Comber. Mrs Smyth, postmistress, paid tribute. Later in the month he received a long service medal.
The end of March saw queues outside Comber's three home bakeries at the time of a bread strike.
At their congregational social on 4 April Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church honoured their minister, the Rev J G Davies, with a presentation in appreciation of his services for almost 41 years.
St Mary's Badminton Club won the North Down Badminton League for the season 1959-60.
The 50th Comber BB Company connected with Second Comber held its Diamond Jubilee Display in the Andrews Memorial Hall on 25 March. Captain David Ritchie was in command, Rt. Hon. JLO Andrews was Inspecting Officer, and the presentation of awards was made by Mrs John Donnan. Rev Jones spoke of the proud record of the 50th and recalled the names of its past Captains - Robert Smyth, James Smyth, David Caughey, James Hunter, James McCrea, John Cannavan, William Bennett, David M Hunter, Robert Rowan, John Shields, Wm Shields and David Browne. Special guests included Comber Amateur Silver Band which had its beginning in the 50th. The Queen's Badge was presented to Victor Coey by Mr Robert Rowan, the only previous recipient of this honour in the Company.
Rev R C Stevenson, rector of St Mary's Parish Church, left Comber to take up an appointment as rector of St Barnabas, Belfast. His last service in Comber was on 15 May. His successor, Rev R J N Lockhart (curate in charge of Killaney and Carryduff), was instituted to Comber on 29 August.
Work commenced during April on the new Comber bypass between Belfast Road and Killinchy Street along the old railway track. Piling work for a reinforced concrete bridge was being carried out at Glen Road, while the Carstrand Arch on the Belfast Road had been demolished and the ground was being levelled. From May 1 High Street was closed to traffic to allow demolition of the bridge there. This caused traffic chaos in the town for several months.
North Down Cricket Club's reconstructed pavilion was opened on 21 May by the Earl of Clanwilliam. The pavilion had been enlarged in memory of the members of the Cricket and Hockey Clubs who lost their lives in the two world wars, and in gratitude to those who served.
William McNish, land steward on the Andrews' estate, was presented with a Bible and a walking stick on the occasion of his retirement. His replacement was Mr R Lewis from Kearney, Portaferry.
The first annual Scotch Night organised by Ballykeel Star Pipe Band was held at the Cricket Green on 27 May.
The Centenary of the Cadet Movement was celebrated and on 1 June there was a parade and service in Comber when the Army Cadet Force Banner was present. This had been presented by the Duke of Edinburgh and was doing a tour of every county in the UK.
Comber True Blues LOL 1035 unfurled a new banner on 10 June in Comber Orange Hall.
From 13th June bus services from Belfast to Comber left from the new depot at Oxford Street instead of Smithfield.
On 17 June the foundation stone was laid of the new Albion Stitching Factory in Castle Lane. Samuel Crothers, manager for 35 years, performed the ceremony, and Rev W R Brown gave the prayer of dedication. The Albion had been in Comber for 50 years.
Comber entered for the best-kept small town competition organised by the Central Gardens' Association. Unfortunately they didn't win any prizes.
Mrs Margaret Johnston was presented with a silver salver on the occasion of her retirement as a teacher in Comber Primary School. She had taught in Comber for 42 years, initially at Smyth's School at 2nd Comber.
Hugh James Donnan of Ballyrickard, a 12-year-old schoolboy, was seriously injured on 12 July when he and his father James were knocked down by a car on the Newtownards-Comber Road.
The Twelfth demonstration, held in Comber, was one of the largest for many years. However, one feature was the absence of the traditional Lambeg drums. JLO Andrews and Brian Faulkner were among the speakers at the field at Ballywilliam.
The death occurred on 13th July of Mr Cecil Frank Andrews, of Pekisko, Comber, while on holiday in England. He was 83.
Serious flooding occurred in July in Mill Street when the stream overflowed at the Pound Bridge. Several houses were damaged and traffic was badly disrupted. The situation could have been even worse had it not been for the action of Mr JLO Andrews organising a gang of men to deflect the flow of the stream at Ballygowan Road. The Council asked the Ministry of Agriculture to clean the stream which flowed into the Inler River. The Inler Angling Club took exception to blame being pointed at them for damming the river. They had indeed constructed two small weirs but these were placed and built to recommendations made by the Ministry of Agriculture. There was also some flooding at High Street at the end of August following torrential rain.
Star of Comber RBP No 186 unfurled their new banner on 20 August. It was unfurled by Sir Knt. John Ellison, a past district master, with the dedication by Rev Martin Smyth.
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The question was raised at Council in September of the provision of a library and clinic in Comber.
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Solemn High Mass in September commemorated the reservation of a Most Blessed Sacrament in St Mary's RC Church, and the conclusion of extensive renovations including a new sacristy, sanctuary, altar and tabernacle, while many improvements were made to the exterior of the church and grounds.
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At morning worship on 18 September in 2nd Comber Rev Jones referred to the centenary of the building of the Manse. The congregation had received a gift from the daughters of Rev Maconachie, a former minister of Strean Church, Newtownards. This was a silver trowel presented to Thomas Strean on the occasion of his laying the top-stone of the manse in 1860.
Work began in September on the erection of a new hall at First Comber. The foundation stone was laid on 10 December by Dr McKean, senior minister of the church.
On 22 September a new extension to Comber Methodist Church was dedicated by the Rev R E Kerr.
The local branch of the 13th Royal Irish Rifles Old Comrades' Association, which had been dormant for a number of years, was resurrected at a meeting on 5 October.
Mr Crosbie Cochrane of Cherryvalley House, was appointed to the post of secretary of the Irish-Aberdeen-Angus Association, to take up his duties on 1st January
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On 14 October a presentation was made to Mr G Orr, principal of Ballystockart School for 20 years. Mr Orr was leaving to take up a new post.
News was received from Malaya of how Corporal Leonard Willis of Comber, serving with the 17th Ghurkha Signals Regiment, heroically saved a young Malayan from drowning.
The death occurred in December of Alexander Smyth, The Square, for many years an elder in 2nd Comber. He had lived for a while in Seattle, USA, but settled in Comber 30 years ago and carried on an engineering business. His wife was postmistress of Comber Post Office.
Worship on Christmas morning in Second Comber Church was conducted by Dr McKean who dedicated a stained glass window of the Nativity, the gift of Rev Jones and family.
Dr CH Gibson of Bridge Street (Inler Mink Farm) was once again successful at the Fur Breeders’ Association Show in London, winning four top prizes for his mink.
1961
On 15th January a lectern for the Communion table was dedicated at First Comber. This had been given by Miss Molly Spence, a patient in Boyd House, Newtownards Hospital, in memory of her parents, the late Mr and Mrs George Spence, Brownlow Street.
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Ballyalloly House was sold by Lord Glentoran to Commander WL Stephens of Dunmurry.
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A children's playground was opened at Lower Crescent in February.
Comber Young Farmers' Club held their Silver Jubilee Dinner Dance in the Andrews Memorial Hall on 3rd February, when among the special guests were Miss Joan K Dobbs, president of the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster, and Mr J L O Andrews, Minister of Health and Local Government, a former president of the club.
A camera club had been formed in Comber for those with an interest in amateur photography. They met in High Street in the premises of their chairman, Mr Dennis Wilkins.
90 competitors took part in Ards Motor Cycle Club's Sandown Trophy scramble which was run on a course just outside Comber on 11th February. Conditions were atrocious with the ground turned into a muddy morass. Winner of the trophy was Noel Bell. Better conditions for the ten-mile championship grass track races held on 22nd July by Killinchy Motorcycle Club in a field loaned by Mr J Murdock at Comber.
In changes to the NI Cabinet Mr J L O Andrews was appointed as Minister of Commerce. Mr Andrews had been Minister of Health and Local Government since 1957.
A two-storey house at the rear of the Comber Cinema was badly damaged by fire in the early hours of Sunday 12th March.. Seventy hens died in the fire.
The death occurred in Bangor on 15th March of Mr T J Macdonald, formerly proprietor of the North Down House in Comber. One of his sons was James Macdonald, principal of Regent House School.
On 18th March the presentation of a gold watch was made to William John (Wee Willie) Brown, postman in the Comber district for 47 years, on the occasion of his retirement. The ceremony took place at the home of the Postmistress, Mrs A E Smyth. Willie Brown was the smallest postman in Ireland at four foot eight inches.
Mrs Smyth herself retired at the end of May; her son Ralph became the new postmaster. And yet another postman retired on 18th November - James Johnston of Carnesure Terrace, who joined the local post office as a postman in 1926. It was estimated that he had walked over two million miles to deliver nine million letters, packets and parcels.
At the Easter Vestry meeting at St Mary's on 7th April Rev Lockhart raised the matter of poor attendance by the men of the parish at Sunday worship. He said that all must play their part in the life of the church.
The Queen's Royal Hussars band visited Comber on 17th May. After marching through the town they gave a concert and a Tattoo in the Square.
On 30th May Comber Technical School held an "open day" in support of the Duke of Edinburgh's scheme for the Commonwealth Technical Training Week. Arrangements were also made with the Andrews Flax Spinning Mill and the new Albion Stitching Factory in Castle Lane for their premises to be open for inspection by those interested in technical training. But concern was being expressed in September regarding the future of the Technical School in Comber, following the completion of a new Tech. in Newtownards.
Joseph Blair of Mount Alexander was killed on 28th May at Ballystockart when his motorcycle collided with a car.
Comber people were up in arms about the new Comber bypass. The old railway bridge in High Street had been demolished in May 1960 leaving a gap in the road entailing a detour around the town to get to the other side. Now they were being told the new bridge would not be ready for another two months. They were not pleased.
The new Comber bypass eventually opened. But bus drivers were complaining about the bend in the road at the former Carstrand Arch, leading off the bypass into the town. The bend was too sharp and the road too narrow. Buses coming from Belfast had to stop if any traffic was coming out of Comber because there was no room to pass. Many complaints had been received by William Bennett JP, Comber representative on the Council, while the police recorded there had already been two accidents at the spot. Robert McCrea, a trader in Castle Street, said that if the authorities didn't take any notice then the motoring fraternity would have to get together and demand something. A Down County Council spokesman said the intention was that vehicles going into the town would use the "ramp" road at Carstrand and those coming out would go up the Glen Road and join the bypass at the station yard. The UTA said they would not be using the bypass for any of their services.
An inquest into the death of Robert McIlveen of Bridge Street on 9th June found that death was due to formaldehyde poisoning self-administered by misadventure. He had drunk the liquid from a bottle left in the back of a car thinking it was lemonade.
The largest single poultry unit in Northern Ireland (with a capacity of 10,000 laying stock) was officially opened on 21st June at Westcomb Farms Ltd, Ballystockart.
On 30th June a guest tea was held to mark the closing of the old school building at Ballystockart. The new school opened in September.
29th July saw over 2,000 junior Orangemen in Comber for the No 3 Junior District annual demonstration. The field was on the Killinchy Road.
Litter was a problem in the streets of Comber and Capt. William Bennett drew it to the attention of the Council in August.
Carrickmannon Pipe Band were winners of the first ever Scotch Night organised by the City of Belfast Girl Pipers, held on 11th August at the football grounds in Comber. Before the contest the Grosvenor Hall Military Band played a selection of tunes and a wonderful display was given by the Belfast Co-Op Ladies Gymnastic team.
The death occurred on 24th August of Eva Andrews at the age of 88.
North Down Hockey Club discussed the formation of a ladies' team at their annual meeting on 15th September. Apparently there had been one previously in 1919-20. Much interest was shown and by November 19 ladies had joined and matches were being arranged.
Samuel Cleland, a 71-year-old farmer of Ravara, was killed on 22nd September in an accident on the Comber-Ballygowan Road at Maxwell Court.
First Comber's new church hall, costing £15,000, was formally opened and dedicated on 2nd September in the presence of a large company. After a short service in the church conducted by the Rev W R Brown, the opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Brown and the hall was dedicated by the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt. Rev Dr Park.
Comber Ulster Special Constabulary were once again successful in winning the NI team rifle shooting championship on 23rd September.
Traces of a sedative drug were found in saliva samples taken from the filly Indian Melody, owned by Mr Frank Shane of Ringneil, which finished last in the Newmarket Oaks on October 12th. The horse had been second favourite for the race.
By November the sewage disposal works at Ballyrickard had been completed at a cost of £200,000, with effluent from Comber and district already being dealt with. Newtownards would not be fully linked up for another year owing to the necessity of completing a pumping station and a diversion sewer.
The Council also approved the construction of a promenade and public conveniences at Island Hill.
More success for Dr C H Gibson, Inler Mink Farm, who won the trophy for the champion standard male mink in the Mink Livestock Show held by the Fur Breeders' Association of the UK in London.
On 11th December First Comber Girls' Auxiliary held a birthday party to celebrate the golden jubilee of the G.A. movement in the Presbyterian Church. Joan Milling gave the roll-call of former Presidents who each lit a candle on the birthday cake, which was then cut by Miss B Proctor, the first President of the First Comber branch, and Mrs Brown.
On 18th December Comber Branch of the 13th Royal Irish Rifles, Old Comrades' Association held a reunion in Fred Glover's Cafe, Castle Street. The 14 members who attended were part of the 130 who joined from Comber on 17th September 1914, and most had served in the Battle of the Somme.
1962
Comber billiards team won the Belfast and District Junior League in January.
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Complaints were being made about the state of the footpaths at the lower end of Bridge Street which in wet weather resembled a miniature lake.
Comber shopkeeper James Anderson was charged with having carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years of age. At his trial in February he was declared innocent.
The Ards Motor Cycle Club's annual cross-country race for the Sandown Trophy was held near Comber in February. So mud-encrusted were the riders at the end of 20 laps that the lap-scorers had difficulty in identifying them. The winner was Mervyn McConkey.
At the February Petty Sessions Mr Long RM commented on the number of firearms cases, making it clear to people of the town that they must have firearms certificates for air guns and pistols. There were also a number of cases of disorderly behaviour at dances held in the Andrews Memorial Hall.
Three members of the dance band of the Cheshire Regiment had a narrow escape while driving from Ballykinlar to Bangor to play at the annual civic ball. Approaching Comber on the ice-covered roads, the car in which the band was travelling skidded, overturned several times, then landed on its wheels in the ditch. The driver and his two passengers scrambled clear shaken but unhurt.
Concern at the number of "cry offs" by players from matches was expressed at the annual meeting of North Down Cricket Club held in March. An appeal was made for greater spirit and support from the members. The new captain of the 1st XI was Rev P Craig. The team had once again been relegated to the Senior Qualifying League due to a reduction in the number of teams in the Senior League.
Neville Patton, a 22-year-old farm labourer of Park Crescent, died in Ards Hospital on 21 March following an accident on the Comber-Newtownards Road the previous evening in which his motorcycle collided with a cyclist and then struck a lorry.
At a ceremony in April Captain William Bennett JP, who served in both World Wars and was a founder member of Comber Branch British Legion, was presented with the Gold Badge, one of the highest honours the Legion can bestow.
The North Down ladies' hockey team did very well in their first season, reaching the semi-final of the Minor Cup when they were beaten 1-0 by Lurgan.
Comber Bowling Club held their opening day on 14th April when guests from the three local indoor bowling clubs - 1st and 2nd Comber and St Mary's - were present. A new pavilion was declared open by Mrs Helen Rutherford.
Thousands of people from all over County Down and farther afield attended the annual garden fete held on 5th May by the North Down Imperial Unionist Association at Maxwell Court, the home of Mr J L O Andrews (Minister of Commerce) and Mrs Andrews. There were many sideshows, competitions and a large number of stalls. One of the big attractions was the "Miss North Down" beauty contest won by Miss Jean Gourley of Ballygowan.
There was discussion at Council in May on the Old Distillery at Comber, which was described as an eyesore. Mr Bennett said it had been purchased for use as a mink farm, which he described as a "tremendous waste of space" which could have been used to build houses on. The mink farm was later established by Mr C H Gibson.
Tenders were being sought in May for the erection of a dining room and additional classroom at Comber Primary School.
On 14th May Comber Rec won the Clarence Cup at Cliftonville when they defeated RUC by 1-0.
On 20th May a memorial window was dedicated in First Comber by the senior minister, the Very Rev J K L McKean. It was the gift of Mr and Mrs John Cairns, Ballyrickard, in memory of the members of their family.
Mr J L O Andrews was returned unopposed in the Stormont election held in May.
The new electric heating in Comber Methodist Church was dedicated at a special service on 24th May. The service was conducted by the Rev R J Good and the Rev Dr W L Northridge was the special speaker. The choir from Newtownards Methodist Church led the praise.
Comber Horticultural Society had to cancel their summer show scheduled for the last Saturday in June owing to the lack of workers to help with arrangements and also because of the late backward season. An appeal was made for better support at meetings.
Mr Thomas Andrews, son of the Minister of Commerce, was married in June in Holywood Parish Church to Miss Dianne Carson, daughter of Lieut.-Commander W G and Mrs Carson, Tudor Park, Holywood.
A former scholar of Comber Technical School, William J Brown, of High Street, won the Worshipful Co of Shipwrights' prize for 1962. William, an apprentice with Harland and Wolff, was competing in London with candidates from shipyards all over the United Kingdom.
At a meeting of the Inler Angling Club on 1st August it was decided to take rigid action against non-members fishing in club waters and also against adult members bait fishing, a practice that is against the rules of the club.
A verdict of death caused by hanging self-inflicted while the balance of his mind was disturbed was returned at an inquest held in August on Robert Watterson of Brownlow Street who committed suicide on 6th July.
Mrs Grace Twyman of Comber died in the Mater Hospital, Dublin in August following a car crash. Mrs Twyman was well known in canine circles.
Thousands of people swarmed into Comber on 25th August for the annual demonstration of the County Down Grand Black Chapter. The parade wound its way through the town in brilliant sunshine to the field on the Newtownards Road.
Harold Porter opened a new shop at 10 Castle Street, which until a year ago was one of Comber's two Masonic Halls. On offer was a range of stationery and allied products, along with the very latest American Soft Ice-Cream Machine, while upstairs was a large Toy Room.
In September three boys were charged with setting fire to the Silent Corn Mill at Ballystockart and causing over £1,000 damage.
Rev Lockhart left St Mary's Parish Church to become rector of St Donard's in Belfast. He preached his farewell sermon in Comber at the Remembrance Day service on 11th November, and on 14th December a function was held in his honour in the Parochial Hall. Canon Cosgrave, formerly rector of Greyabbey, took over temporarily. Rev Hamilton Leckey, curate of Bangor Parish, was instituted rector of Comber on 29th December.
Walter Caughey, a 37-year-old Comber man in the Colonial Service, was killed and his wife and three children taken to hospital with injuries, following a crash involving four cars outside Gatwick Airport in October.
On 6th October smash and grab raiders broke the main display window of Scrabo Electrical Ltd in Castle Street, getting away with four transistor radios worth over £60. The theft took place between three and five in the morning.
At the worship in Second Comber on 18th November Rev Jones celebrated the 35th anniversary of his ordination as minister of the church.
Two houses in De Wind Drive were broken into in the early hours of 24th November. Money and food were taken.
James Burrows of High Street, a former police constable in Comber, died on 28th November.
On 7th December a presentation was made to Sergeant Roddy who had just retired from the Special Constabulary, of which he had been a member since 1923.
The premises of Frances Jackson, optician, Mill Street, were destroyed by fire on 8th December. The upstairs of the house next door was also damaged, but the firemen from Newtownards managed to prevent the fire spreading to other houses.
Robert Cooke of Second Comber Men's Association was chosen to play in the bowls International team against Scotland.
Comber Presbytery was dissolved on 31st December, with First and Second Comber both joining the Down Presbytery.
Success once again for Mr CH Gibson of Inler Mink Farm at the Fur Breeders’ Association livestock show in London in December.
1963
Atrocious weather conditions welcomed in the New Year, with snow and ice causing treacherous roads which led to accidents.
There were complaints about the "disgraceful" condition of the entrance to De Wind Drive where slippery conditions made negotiation of the hill hazardous for motorists and pedestrians alike. The Council came in for criticism for not spreading sand at the spot. And later in the month shopkeepers were complaining that the Council were not removing hard snow and slush lying at the sides of the streets. But all this was nothing compared with what was to come. On Tuesday 5th February the worst blizzard in living memory hit the area. Businesses closed down early and most of the town was in darkness all night when the power supply failed. Huge snowdrifts blocked the main roads and Comber was cut off from the rest of the world. Schoolchildren had an unexpected holiday and factories shut down. Late on Wednesday night a thaw set in and streets were turned into rivers of slush.
The death occurred on 11 February of John Roberts at the age of 93. Mr Roberts was the oldest member of Comber British Legion and had seen service in the Boer War. He had lived in Comber since 1917.
On 17 February a new electric blower for the organ was used for the first time in the Non-Subscribing Church.
At the AGM of North Down Cricket Club on 25 February it was felt that lack of practice was the principal reason for their poor record last season. There was also the question of not being able to field full teams each week. The ground had been kept in splendid condition by W Dempster, but regret was expressed that he had little assistance from members. The club were reminded that money would be needed to rebuild the Castle Lane wall which had fallen down.
Mr Norman Llanche-Josiffe opened the Castle Riding School on 1 March. He claimed it to be the largest in Northern Ireland.
After visiting a patient in High Street late one March night, Dr Gault found her car had been stolen. Later it was recovered damaged in Belfast.
Also in March Second Comber Choir paid tribute to Mr Robert Mayne, who had recently resigned as organist after almost 10 years. Mr James Stevenson took over in April.
A new petrol filling station was built on Killinchy Road.
Comber Rifle Club was formed.
In April people were complaining that four unoccupied houses owned by the Council at the junction of Mill Street and Belfast Road were "eyesores". They had been practically torn to pieces, both inside and out, by children and youths. They had not been demolished because the Council planned to use rubble from them shortly when work began on building four new houses.
Everett McBride, 14 De Wind Drive, a UTA bus driver, was fined £40 at Newtownards Petty Sessions in May when he was convicted of driving a motor car carelessly at Bradshaw's Brae on February 24, causing an accident which resulted in the death of a 9-year-old boy.
On 19th May a stained glass window in memory of Mrs Eliza Andrews (who died in 1929) was dedicated in the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church by the Rev J G Davies. The window was presented by her son, Mr William Andrews. Mr Davies said that Mrs Andrews was a very generous lady who had led a wonderful human life and who had brought up a remarkably distinguished family. The lower panel shows a mother holding an open Bible and teaching six children. These are symbolic of Eliza and her family, including the infant in the mother's arms who died as a baby. Also included is the family crest, their home "Ardara", and a cricket bat and ball alluding to Willie Andrews' love of cricket.
North Down Cricket Club were disqualified from the Senior Cup after playing a professional in their preliminary round victory over St Mary’s, Belfast. This was against the rules of the competition. The player concerned, Willie Dempster, was paid by the club for looking after the grounds, not in his capacity as a player. Subsequently, North Down were reinstated and went on to reach the semi-finals, even though they were only in the second division of the League.
On 31 May over 90 personnel of the Junior Leaders' Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, based in Dorset, paid a visit to Comber Intermediate School. The party consisted of Junior Bandsmen and a physical training squad who gave demonstrations of music and gymnastics.
The sewage disposal plant at Ballyrickard, built at a cost of £200,000 to service the towns of Newtownards and Comber, was officially opened on 13 June by Alderman Isaac Baxter, chairman of the Newtownards Sewage Disposal Joint Board. Work had been ongoing since 1956.
In June the Council discussed a proposal from Down County Health Committee stating that a site at Darragh Road had been tentatively agreed as being suitable for a clinic and library, and approval had been requested from the Ministry of Health and Local Government. The Council thought a site on the Newtownards Road would be more suitable and made their views known. The Council were also considering taking control of the children's playground and football pitch at Park Way. Comber Recreation Football Club were not in favour of the Council taking over the football pitch but it was agreed that the playground should be transferred.
Mr David Quinn JP died on 21 June at the age of 90. He had been a prominent member of the North Down Rural District Council for over 30 years. Born at Ballygraffin, Mr Quinn worked for various farmers before becoming coachman for the late Dr Wallace of Lisbane. He joined the Prudential Assurance Company in 1917, retiring in 1938. While a member of the Council Mr Quinn was responsible for getting concrete footpaths in Comber, and also helped to establish Comber Technical School. He was also a Past Master of Comber District Orange Lodge.
Sixty seven year old Andrew McCallan died in hospital on 28 June after being knocked down by a double decker bus at Braeside.
A 62-year-old Comber woman, Annie Lamont, was killed on 13 July when she was struck by a car at the entrance to Upper Crescent on the Newtownards Road.
Workers in the Andrews Mill were entertained to a concert and dance in the Andrews Hall on 18 July to mark the centenary of the opening of the Mill.
Comber Old Standard LOL No 567 honoured their oldest member and secretary, Mr Alexander Moore, on 2nd August. Mr Moore had completed 50 years as a member of the Orange Institution. He was presented with a collarette and a box of Irish Linen handkerchiefs on behalf of the Lodge.
The death occurred on 20 August of William Robert Morrow, for many years Head of the office and Cashier in Andrews Mill. He was treasurer of various organisations including North Down Cricket and Hockey Clubs, Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church and Comber branch of the Mid-Down Unionist Association.
Captain William Bennett was up in arms in September, asking the Council why land in Castle Street approved for building houses had now been sold for use as a Government fowl quarantine station.
At the AGM of North Down Hockey Club in September David H Browne, hon. secretary, said that unfortunately it must be recorded as one of the worst in the living memory of their club. He questioned the feasibility of running three teams. Reference was also made to the death of W R Morrow, treasurer since 1924. There had been a substantial increase in ground rent which necessitated an increase in membership fees. Work was carried out in the preparation of a secondary ground at Unicarval but it was at present unsuitable for competitive hockey.
On 21 September Comber Ulster Special Constabulary, representing County Down, won the Craigavon Cup for .303 shooting for the third year running. This was their sixth win since 1952.
On 24 September Thomas Coey (75) of 47 Bridge Street died, after drinking from a bottle containing zinc chloride. Two weeks previously Mr Coey had tried to kill himself.
There was big disappointment when Comber billiards team did not enter a team in the Belfast and District League. There was a lack of interest being shown and difficulties in fielding a team. Only two years ago the Comber side won the Junior League.
Mr Wm McDonald resigned as organist and choirmaster of First Comber. At the close of the morning service on 6 October Miss E Munn presented him with a token of esteem, and the Rev W R Brown paid tribute to his work over the past four years.
In October the Council agreed to acquire land at Laurel Bank for conversion into a public park. It was also agreed to erect barbed wire on top of the public convenience to prevent access to an adjoining garden owned by Mr Tynan. Mr Tynan had problems with vandals raiding his orchard.
Scrabo Electrical Engineers Ltd in Castle Street was broken into during the early hours of 9 October. A number of transistor radios were stolen.
Comber Rec Committee were disturbed by the lack of interest on training nights. Only a handful of players made any attempt at organised training, the rest being content to stand around or play with a plastic ball not suitable for players trying to build up stamina for the winter months. Even worse, some of the players didn't even bother to turn up on training nights. A new iron fence had been erected round the ground by some dedicated members of the club.
In October Mr J Creelman won an appeal against Down County Council concerning the conversion of premises for use as a hairdressing saloon at 10 Lower Crescent. The Council had been concerned that the area could become predominantly commercial rather than residential.
On 3 November the Presbyterian Moderator, Rt. Rev W A Montgomery visited Second Comber Church. Dr Montgomery was formerly minister of Killinchy.
David Craig made his debut at right-back for Newcastle United on 6th November.
A car was severely damaged in a fire which broke out in the garage of Mr Vance, Castle Street. Damage was also caused to the roof and floor of the premises.
A smash and grab raid was carried out on 14 November on the shop of D Speers, Mill Street. A milk bottle was used to smash the window, and ten watches, valued at £26, were taken.
Robert Herron (64), of Ballyhenry, was found dead lying in a disused well on December 4.
The AGM of Comber Amateur Silver Band was held on 13 December in the new Band Hall at Laurel Bank. Chairman John Mills reminded the meeting that it was only at the beginning of July that the first brick was laid. Work was carried out entirely by voluntary labour. The previous band hall had been behind the Albion Stitching Factory.
1964
A power cut which affected about 12 houses in Killinchy Street in February was caused when a crane, being loaded on to a lorry, hit overhead electric cables. No one was injured.
A Comber boy, Samuel McCaughey, won the Matchett trophy at the Northern Ireland Brass Band League's solo and quartet contest on 15th February.
A presentation was made in March to Miss AP Finlay of Killinchy, a teacher in Comber Primary School, who was retiring after teaching in the school for over 16 years
Firemen fought a barn fire at Mr D Caughey’s farm at Ballyhenry on 9th March. More than 30 tons of baled hay and straw, a tractor and a number of farm implements were destroyed.
Disappointment was expressed at North Down Cricket Club’s performances during 1963 at the annual meeting on 10th March. It was resolved to make a determined effort to get new playing members to add to their depleted ranks.
The death occurred on 30th March in the Route Hospital, Ballymoney, of Dr JKL McKean, senior minister of First Comber. He had been First Comber’s minister from 1916 until his retirement in 1956, and he was Moderator of the General Assembly 1952-3. A memorial service was held in First Comber on 5th April, while on 18th December a stained glass window in the church was dedicated to his memory by Very Rev WA Montgomery, of Strand Presbyterian Church, Londonderry.
20-year-old Ellen Frances (Nora) Montgomery from Brownlow Street died on 31st March following an accident near Greyabbey. She was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which was in collision with a motor car.
Mrs W Boal unfurled a new banner for Comber Juvenile lodge. The banner was dedicated by Rev R J N Lockhart, Worshipful Master of Comber District.
Congratulations were extended to the Comber Sub District of the Ulster Special Constabulary on winning many trophies for shooting during the past year, including the North Down Small Bore League for the third year in succession, and the Inter-Sub District Small Bore .22 final (McCormick Shield) for the 16th year in succession. John Andrews won the Ulster Special Constabulary Bennett Trophy for best individual rifle shot.
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About 150 angry farmers met in the Andrews Memorial Hall on 21st April, attacking the Government for not stopping the dumping of cheap Eire potatoes and vegetables in Northern Ireland. After a stormy meeting it was decided to send a deputation to meet the Stormont Minister of Agriculture, Mr Harry West.
North Down Ladies 1st XI had a successful season, winning their section of the Junior League, but were narrowly beaten in the semi-final of the play-off by Saintfield. They also reached the semi-final of the Junior Cup.
Eight people were injured in a car crash at Glassmoss on 10th May. Both cars involved in the collision were badly damaged.
And on 14th May 39-year-old Alexander Galbraith, of Ann Way, Comber, was killed at Ballykeigle on the Comber-Killinchy Road when his motorcycle was in collision with a car.
Comber and District Wildfowlers Association was formed in May as the direct result of a petition to stop the Strangford Lough Wildfowlers Association getting all the shooting rights on the foreshore of Strangford Lough
A group of pupils from Comber Secondary Intermediate School went on a trip to Scotland in May. The trip included visits to Burns’ Cottage and to a coal mine.
Major John McGreeghan, Comber, commander of the Royal Ulster Rifles Army Cadet Battalion (County Down), was awarded the MBE.
Comber had applied for two additional telephone kiosks, but this was turned down in June by the Superintendent of Belfast Telephones.
Ballykeigle Accordion Band won the senior accordion section at the North of Ireland Band Association Open-air Championships held in Killyleagh on 13th June. This was the second year Ballykeigle had won this championship.
The death occurred on 7th July of Mr Thomas Hunter, Rossenara, Glen Road, manager and director of John Andrews & Co Ltd, Flax Spinners, for over 20 years. He had succeeded his father as manager. He had been a committee member of Second Comber Church, who also lost two elders through death at this time – Samuel Herron of Ballyhenry and David Ritchie of Upper Crescent.
Mr JLO Andrews resigned as Minister of Finance on 21st July, and was elected to the Senate. He was appointed Leader of the Upper House on 7th August, thus retaining his seat in the Cabinet. Mr Basil Kelly was won a by-election to take his place as MP for Mid-Down. There was also a Westminster General Election on 15th October, when the North Down seat was won by George Currie of the Ulster Unionist Party.
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A former Comber schoolmaster passed away on 6th August. This was William Pollock, who was principal teacher at First Comber School, and subsequently of Comber Elementary School from 1942 until 1945.
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Fire broke out in the flat of Mrs Conway, Bridge Street, om 23rd August. Firemen from Newtownards wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze.
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The Ulster Transport Authority announced that from Monday 31st August the offices of their Comber Depot would be transferred from the old Railway Station at Glen Road to more central premises at Killinchy Street.
Comber Temperance Flute Band was disbanded in September after existing for almost 50 years
Pipe Major James Boyce, of Philip Way, Comber, a member of Saintfield Pipe Band, won the All-Ireland piping championship on 19th September.
Lady Andrews, widow of former Lord Chief Justice Sir James Andrews, died at her home in Belfast on 19th October.
The Old Piggery in Comber was being used for a poultry breeding programme for American hybrid layers, the famous Hy-Line. These were now being placed on selected farms in Co Down by Hy-Bred Poultry Ltd, acting as distributors for Hy-Line chicks in the United Kingdom.
The body of Thomas Donnan, High Street, was found on 23rd October in the Mill Dam.
Rev Hamilton Leckey, rector of St Mary’s Parish Church, was detained in the Royal Victoria Hospital following an accident in November when his car collided with a bus near Quarry Corner, Dundonald.
Island Hill, Comber, was the scene of a shooting accident on 21st November when four young men were out for a shoot. The coat sleeve of one of the party caught on a shotgun which went off striking William McConnell of Mill Street, Newtownards, on the shoulder. Thankfully he was not seriously injured.
Rev J Glynne Davies of Comber Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church retired after a ministry there of 45 years. He had previously been minister at Aberdare in Wales and at Banbridge. The congregation paid tribute to him at a social gathering on 25th November when they presented him with a cheque.
Prison Officer George Humphries of Graffin Gardens, Comber, was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s testimony on parchment for rescuing a four-year-old boy from the sea at Annalong Pier in July. He was fishing on the pier when the child fell in, and although a poor swimmer, he jumped in to the water and kept the child afloat until assistance came.
Towards the end of the year the Laureldale Hall was opened up to the public for functions. A Saturday night dance had been established. The Silver Band had been using the hall two nights a week for practices since the beginning of the year.
On 16th December a Mrs Moore from Ballyroney died in the surgery of Dr Gibson in Bridge Street, Comber, after he had injected her in the neck with a substance called proctocane.
The group “Them” performed in the Andrews Hall, Comber, on 19th December.
The death occurred on 26th December of William McGreeghan, owner of a greengrocer’s shop in Castle Street.
During the year the old gasworks in Mill Street were demolished.
1965
On 15th January a piggery belonging to Norman Seales of Lower Crescent was destroyed by fire. A sow and a number of young pigs were killed.
In another fire on 20th January severe damage was caused to the house of the Girvan family in Brownlow Street..
At a youth service in St Mary’s on 17th January, four scouts were presented with the highest award in Scouting, the Queen’s Badge. They were Eugene Davey, Richard McElroy, Wilmer Strickland, and Richard Nugent.
The Comber and District Wildfowlers’ Association were formally recognised by the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland and the Ulster Game and Wildfowlers’ Preservation Society.
120 female workers in the Comber clothing factory of Albion Ltd went on strike on 21st January over the refusal of male employees to join the Trade Union. They returned to work on 1st February after the men agreed to join.
At the annual meeting of Second Comber Presbyterian Church on 12th February reference was made to the purchase of the Distillery Dam and Field during the previous year.
Arctic like weather gripped the area at the beginning of March resulting in widespread power cuts and traffic hold-ups due to treacherous road conditions. Milk was in short supply with milking machines out of order, and many farmers having to return to hand milking.
Second Comber congregation were stunned by the sudden death of their Clerk of Session, Samuel Johnston, on 6th March. He was a well-known figure in the town, having been Comber’s stationmaster when the railway closed in 1950. The eldership at Second Comber took quite a hit at this time with two further deaths - James Smyth on 13th March and John Rowan on 19th March.
On 20th March the Northern Ireland Road Walking Club staged the first Comber-Newtownards-Dundonald TT circuit walk, a new fixture for road walking enthusiasts. Despite the bad weather, 150 people took part. And an unusual motorcade toured the Ards Peninsula on 4th May, one of its stops being at Comber. This comprised a Model T Ford and a selection of the 1965 models. In the Model T were three Ulster models fitted out in Regency dresses. The event was to promote the appointment of Wm H Spence & Co Ltd, of Regent House, Newtownards, as main Ford dealers for the area.
A plan for the erection of 51 houses at Railway Street was approved in April by North Down Rural District Council. And in May a tender was accepted for the erection of 96 houses at Cherryvalley. Detached bungalows were also being built on the Glen Road.
James McCune of Comber won the David Brown “Farmer ‘64” contest. As a result he was awarded a trip to Denmark to study farming methods there
Mr James McNeilly, an Electric Board workman, sustained a fractured ankle and other injuries to his legs when a pole weighing a ton fell on him while it was being erected outside Comber on 20th May.
Following the success of their 1964 trip to Scotland, the venture was repeated in June 1965 with the destination being the area around Loch Lomond.
Questions were being asked regarding the provision of a junior football ground at Park Way. A major problem was the continued use of the dump there, but in view of the fact that progress was being made for the acquisition of an alternative dumping ground, the Council decided to authorise their engineer to prepare a scheme for Park Way, including the provision of a children’s playing-field.
The Imperial Service Medal for long and meritorious service to the Prison Service was awarded to Chief Officer J Hamilton who left Comber in 1934 to join the Prison Service in England.
North Down Ladies’ hockey team had a very successful season, being beaten only once. They won the Junior Cup, beating Larne by 3 goals to 2 in the final. Their defeat was in the semi-final of the Junior League. As a result of their success they moved up to the Intermediate League for 1965-6. Not such a good season for the men, however. They finished bottom of the league and were relegated to Qualifying League “B”.
There were pollution problems in June on the Enler River. This was being caused by work on a drainage scheme being carried out. The local Angling Club were not happy as they had spent a considerable sum of money of restocking the river with fish.
A 12-stone Ulster-bred Irish Wolfhound carried off the supreme award at the big Blackpool Championship Dog Show, which had 3,000 entries. This was Colin of Nendrum, bred and exhibited by Miss Noreen Twyman, of Rath Cuan, Comber, an English woman who had lived in Northern Ireland since 1937..
The local Twelfth demonstration was held in Comber, with over 2,000 brethren from five districts assembling at the rear of the Andrews Hallk and proceeding to the field at Cherryvalley on the Newtownards Road. Rev R N Lockhart, Worshipful District Master of Comber, presided at the demonstration, and resolutions were proposed by Senator J L O Andrews and Basil Kelly MP.
The Irish Championship Motorcycle Grass Track races were hosted on the Murdoch farm at Comber.
Ottilie Patterson, the Comber-born blues singer and wife of jazz band leader Chris Barber, was under doctor’s orders not to sing for three months, commencing in August.
One of Comber’s prominent personalities passed away suddenly on 9th August. This was Captain William Bennett JP, of Castle Street, who owned a jeweller’s shop there. Captain Bennett had been Comber’s representative on the North Down Rural District Council since 1951. He was also President of Comber British Legion. Harold Porter was appointed as his successor on the Council.
Another death was that of Willie Brown, formerly a postman in the area. His claim to fame was that of being the smallest postman in Ireland at 4’ 8”.
A fire occurred at Andrews’ Mill on 11th August, and two fire appliances were called out from Newtownards. It had started in a hackling machine on the second floor and spread to a ventilation trunking. When the appliances arrived the fire in the machine had been extinguished by employees of the mill, using fire-fighting equipment. The firemen put out the flames in the ventilation trunking.
North Down Cricket Club wanted to use part of their grounds as a car park. This was refused by the Council.
William Curry from Comber, was commissioned for work in the Church Army, and commenced work in London..
Tribute was paid by the Unionist Branches in Mid Down to Senator and Mrs JLO Andrews at a function at Stormont on 27th August. They were presented with a television and a set of Waterford glass, in recognition of their services.
The death occurred on 29th August of James Hedley, who was Sub District Commandant of the Comber Platoon Ulster Special Constabulary and a retired postman. Harry Ritchie took Mr Hedley’s place as Commandant.
The Adele Sloan School of Ballet, run by Adele Sloan and her mother, Audrey Sloan, was proving popular following its move to Comber from Newtownards in 1964. Children’s Ballet Classes re-opened on 8th September in the Laureldale Hall.
Renovation work was carried out in St Mary’s Parish Church during September, with services being held in the Parochial Hall. The church re-opened for worship on 3rd October. The renovations were connected with the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the consecration of St Mary’s. A service of thanksgiving and dedication of gifts took place on Wednesday 6th October. The dedications were made by the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev G.O. Simms, and included a silver chalice, pew covering for the choir stalls, flowers stands and communion linen.
On 24th September Down County Council accepted a recommendation to erect a branch library, along with the health clinic on the Newtownards Road at Comber. In November Henry J Cromie of Ballygowan was welcomed to the Council as Comber’s representative.
A committee was formed on 30th September for the purpose of assisting elderly folk of the town and district. It was decided to call it the Comber and District Elderly Folks Welfare Committee. A Christmas dinner for the old folk was held in the Andrews Hall on 16th December, while fundraising included a whist drive on 13th December and a concert being organised for 19th February 1966 by the youth organisations of the town.
Dr Herbert Kennedy Andrews, born in Comber in 1904, and lecturer in music at Oxford University, collapsed and died on 10th October while playing the new organ being dedicated in the Chapel of Trinity College, Oxford.
Comber Rifle Club entered three teams in the Ulster Small-Bore Rifle Association’s Winter League competitions.
It was proposed to develop Laurel Bank as a small park and the Council asked their engineer to prepare a suitable scheme.
Rev Robert Islwyn Pritchard was ordained and installed as the new minister of Comber Non-Subscribing Church on 15th October. The congregation had been without a minister since the retirement of Rev Glynne Davies in October 1964.
Ulster Castings Ltd commenced as a company to operate as manufacturers of and dealers in castings, pressings, stampings and forgings.
What was formerly the GLB Company in First Comber Church was enrolled on 14th November as a company of the new Girls’ Brigade organisation. The GLB and GB had united as one organisation.
On 24th November Robert Shields of Ballyrainey was returned for trial to the Winter Assizes at Belfast on a charge of assaulting Samuel McGreeghan with intent to rob.,
Basil Kelly was returned unopposed as MP for Mid-Down in the Stormont parliament.