Latest News Items …

My name is Susan Barclay and we are researching Andrew Jackson who was born in 1800, married Agnes Robinson, and died 1876.  He lived in Lisowen.
We will be in the Saintfield area until Wednesday May 15, and any information on their land holding in Lisowen and their place of burial would be appreciated.

I am wondering if anyone in Saintfield can help me. My name is Beth Mooney and I am looking for information on my 3x Great Grandfather James George who was born in Saintfield about 1794/5. The only information I have is his army record. I would love to know who his parents and family were. When he left the army he married Sarah Lane in the Channel Islands where they lived for a few years before going to Devon, UK where Sarah was from.

The Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) Down Locality Planning Group was launched on 22 November 2016 in the Ballymote Community Centre, Downpatrick.

The locality group is made up of a broad range of over 15 community, statutory and voluntary organisations including Lisburn and North Down YMCA’s, Action for Children, Bryson Charitable Group, Early Years, Home Start, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and many more. All locality members are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people through a multi-agency planning approach.

The locality planning group is an ongoing process of engagement with children, young people and their families. This group will take into account the emerging needs through evidence based information alongside local knowledge to collaboratively address the issues affecting children, young people and their families from across the locality.

S3Solutions are in the process of conducting a needs assessment on behalf of the Down Locality Planning group for the Down area. As part of this process, they are seeking input from all relevant voices (including principals / school reps, community representatives, and youth organisations) working with children and young people aged 0-18 in the area.

They want to use this information to help shape priorities for the Locality Planning Group and service providers in the area and to help inform and direct investment and resources to make a difference and enhance the quality of life experienced by 0-18 year olds and their families. I was wondering if you could share the survey below to any parents, children and young people that you have direct contact with or even put the surveys on your social media/ website for completion.

Questionnaire for Young People

• https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/downyouth

Questionnaire for parents and carers

• https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/parentsindown

Thank you for your help.

At the Live Here Love Here Community Awards 2019 ceremony on 12th February, Saintfield Development Association’s Lawrence Murphy won the Good Neighbour Award which was presented to him by Ursula Connor of Choice Housing. The event took place in the City Hall, Belfast and the MC was Joe Mahon. It was great to see Lawrence’s exceptional contribution to Saintfield so widely recognised.

Saintfield Development Association’s Martyn Todd, Dorothy Walker, Vivien Lovell and
Good Neighbour Award winner Lawrence Murphy with Ursula Connor from Choice Housing.

Lawrence Murphy with his Good Neighbour Award trophy. Lawrence is the Chair of Saintfield Development Association's Green Committee.

Lawrence Murphy, Vivien Lovell and Dorothy Walker, who are all members of SDA's Green Committee.

Lawrence Murphy, Dorothy Walker and Vivien Lovell with Martyn Todd who is the Chair of Saintfield Development Association.

The fourth event in the Discover Saintfield Community series took place on Sunday 3rd February. Nearly sixty people attended, most of whom had been to hear the lectures during January (see previous posts).

Due to the large number of people attending four tour groups were formed, each led by a guide from Saintfield Heritage Society – David Williams, Elsie George, Martyn Todd and Ronnie Graham – helped by Anne George, Ian and Norma Mack, Fiona Watters, Jane Todd, Janice McHenry and Jim Craig.  The tours started in the Rowallane Community Hub and included the Memorial Garden, the site of the Battle of Saintfield, the early industrial sites of Saintfield, notable buildings and the Fair Green.

Afterwards those attending were given tea, coffee and biscuits in the Masonic Hall, provided by Bob Pollock, Brian Gamble and Denis Conn. Everybody said that they learned something new about Saintfield, even those who had lived here for years.

The final event of the series, a Community Open Day to be held at the new community centre was planned for 24th March. However, the construction work on the site has been delayed and so the event is being postponed. The revised date will be announced later, on this website.

The third in the Discover Saintfield Community series of events was held on 29th January in the Church of Mary, Mother of the Church. Over 300 people attended to hear the renowned historian, Eamon Phoenix, share his amazing knowledge of the United Irishmen, the 1798 Rebellion and the Battle of Saintfield.

Afterwards, members of the congregation, led by Philomena, provided refreshments, which were very much appreciated.

There was a great buzz of chat after the talk, when Eamon answered many individual queries.

This was the third of five planned events funded by the NI Housing Executive and Saintfield Heritage Society and was organised by volunteers from the Heritage Society and Saintfield Development Association.

The fourth event, a guided tour of the historic sites of Saintfield on 3rd February is almost sold out, but an additional tour will be organised later, if required. Interest can be registered for this additional tour, as well as a possible visit to see artefacts from the Saintfield area in the Ulster Museum, and a guided tour of Saintfield’s archaeological sites by emailing info {at} discoversaintfield {dot} com. When events are confirmed booking will be made available on Eventbrite and by phone.