Lisburn News

Earwig invasion alarms women

UNWELCOME visitors at the
Northern Ireland Housing Trusts Old Warren estate were
beginning to alarm some young mothers in August 1971.

They were earwigs, which over the summer crept through the floorboards and under the doors.

One mother of two said she had actually been bitten by the earwigs.

The bugs had been found amongst clothes, in the food and even in the beds.

One mother told the Star: "It's the size of the creatures
and the numbers which scares me. I'd nearly prefer to be plagued with mice.

We just don't leave anything lying around anymore...it's that bad."

A local public health investigator was awaiting a report on the insects from experts.

Mascot memories of local boy

THE Star reported in February 1999 that Ulster's European Cup final mascot Gareth McGonigle would never forget his big day at Lansdowne Road.

The 12-year-old Friends' pupil was the first Ulsterman on the pitch as he led out the team with captain David Humphreys for one of the biggest sporting occasions in over a decade.

His proud parents watched from the stands as Ulster became the first Irish team to lift the Heineken Cup.

The local boy was invited into the dressing room after the match where he was able to get lots of autographs and was able to see the cup up close.

PAST TIMES

Looking back at news from Lisburn's past

Star of Maze Junior L.O.L No.15 taken at the side of the 130 Hall, Maze about 82 years ago, hoping to stir some memories. His father Bob McKibben is pictured in the front row, third from right.

Star reader Brian McKibben submitted this photo of Star of Maze Junior L.O.L No.15 taken at the side of the 130 Hall, Maze about 82 years ago, hoping to stir some memories. His father Bob McKibben is pictured in the front row, third from right.

Derelict housing
danger to children

DERELICT houses in the Millbrook area were said to be a hazard to children in August 1969.

The message was delivered to Lisburn Borough Council, with the town Planning Officer intending to investigate the complaint, which was brought before the council by Alderman Sam Higginson.

Councillor Hugh G. Bass said that this was an area of the town which at one stage was on the point of being cleaned up, but due to other matters arising it was put off. He agreed the area was very unsightly.

Alderman Higginson said in the same area there was a scrapyard and access to the river could only be made by going through the scrapyard.

There were no protection gates and he wondered if the council could get the owners of the scrapyard to do something.

"Children go around to get to the other side of the river and there could be a tragedy," he added.

Councillor James McKeown thought it was time the council considered the erection of another bridge across the Lagan.

Alderman Higginson added: "I would not like to be a party to a child losing its life."

Chaos at Town Hall as swings open on Sundays

You could get all your country needs while picking up Back to School gear at R. Patterson's in 1969

THE decision to open the swings in Lisburn on Sundays led to unprecedented scenes at a council meeting in August 1969.

Half an hour before the meeting was due to begin a crowd began to gather at the door of the Town Hall and it soon became evident that the small public gallery in the council chamber could not accommodate those seeking admission.

When the doors opened, the crowed surged forward and a limited number were admitted. When others tried to force their way inside, officials had difficulty restraining them and police were called to keep order.
In the furore, two late arriving councillors were locked out but were later admitted by an apologetic official.

The headmistress of Fort Hill Girls' Secondary School urged parents to 'forget the Qualifying examination' after the school achieved outstanding GCE results. Miss Mary Gray said more and more parents were opting out of the 11+

As the crunch item on the agenda arrived, the crowd, including clergymen, listened to the recommendation that swings in Wallace Park remain open for seven days per week for children under 14.

As the debate got underway interruptions from the gallery became more
frequent despite warnings from the Mayor that a continuance of these would lead to ejection.

When the vote was taken and the decision announced the protest began in earnest. The spectators threw caution to the wind and made their objections clear in no uncertain way.

Abuse after abuse was hurled at the Mayor and members of the council during the meeting and a number of those in the public gallery threatened to return and continue the fight. One man quoted Scripture and waved a Bible.

One Minister said there would be no need to throw him out. He would say what he had to say and then walk out. And he did - to the accompaniment of tumultuous applause.

As the swing opening tidings were conveyed to a growing crowd on the street the inquest on the decision was interspersed with jeering and catcalls. Even the Press did not escape the vengeance.

A resolve to continue the battle terminated with a kerb-side rendering of 'God Save the Queen'.

The headmistress of Fort Hill Girls' Secondary School urged parents to 'forget the Qualifying examination' after the school achieved outstanding GCE results. Miss Mary Gray said more and more parents were opting out of the 11+
You could get all your country needs while picking up Back to School gear at R. Patterson's in 1969

£3m roads boost

JANUARY 1988 brought a welcome boost as the DOE announced a local investment package of nearly €3m for the Dunmurry Bypass and Lisburn Through-pass scheme.

A major phase of the Dunmurry bypass costing €1,75m was set to begin early in the year and would be concentrated along the Stockman's Lane area of the M1 motorway and the Lisburn/Saintfield roundabout.

Completion would mean easier access to the MI motorway.

Noel clocks up 500 matches

LISBURN footballer Noel Bailie was set to make his 500th appearance for Linfield in February 1999.

The 27-year-old Linfield skipper had been playing for the Blues for ten years.
Boss David Jeffrey said he was a "great example."

Ulster Star
10/08/2012