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connect

Your guide to whats going


on in Waringstown

June - Sept 2016


Edition 3

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an initiative of

Welcome

to the third edition of our Community


Newsletter!

This edition will complete a full calendar year of


CONNECT and we have been delighted to receive a huge
amount of positive feedback from members of the community
across the generations. People have really appreciated
regular information about events and programmes taking
place within Waringstown and are often surprised at all that
goes on! In our last edition, the interview with Mrs Mary Clarke
in particular, attracted a huge amount of interest, and we are
very grateful for her participation!
Some of our community groups, such as the Art Club, Historical
Society and the Cancer Support Group, have seen new
members joining as a direct result of the magazine, and the
Basement Youth Centre has found one new volunteer! Reports
of CONNECTions like this make all our efforts worthwhile!
In this edition we hope that there is a story of interest for
everyone! We feature the incredible efforts of a church work team that recently ventured to
Romania, summer programme information for SHINE and gLo, the story behind the Vintage
Cavalcade, an interesting article on the History of Waringstown, and an interview with
Waringstown Cricket Club Captain, Lee Nelson at the onset of a new season.
I am delighted to report that the Waringstown Valentines Bake Off Competition was won by
Amy & Bethany Allen (see picture) who thoroughly enjoyed their voucher for Eden Coffee
House! Well done girls! Please do consider entering the competition featured in this edition
found on page 16.
CONNECT 61 is the name for our main street premises and I am assured we will have
signage in place by mid-June! The building is home to Eden Coffee House as well as an
office/meeting room on the top floor and The Basement Youth Centre underground. We
want to see this facility well utilised by both church and community groups, and recently we
have been able to provide a meeting place for Waringstown Photography Club (more details
on page 13)!
Should you wish to enquire about the use of the facility, or make
a booking, then contact me using the details found on the
back page.
THANKS once again to the team of volunteers who have
undertaken interviews, written articles and used their creativity in
this edition of CONNECT. I hope you find it both useful and
interesting!
Neil Harrison, Community Pastor
Waringstown Presbyterian Church

Welcome

Seek the peace and prosperity of the


city to which I have carried you into
exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if
it prospers, you too will prosper.
Jeremiah 29:7

Euro 2016 is less than a month away. With Northern

Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England and Wales all


in action, there will be plenty of interest in this part of
the world. Like or loathe football, you will not be able
to avoid it. Locally, many people will be cheering on
Northern Ireland. For me, it brings back memories of
Spain 82 and the heroic achievements of Billy
Binghams boys. As a young boy I was captivated by
the exploits of Gerry Armstrong, Billy Hamilton and a
young Norman Whiteside. Beyond these shores, many
neutrals will be cheering on Northern Ireland as well,
hoping they can cause an upset in France. The recent
reaction to Leicester City's Premier League title shows
that we love an underdog.

Bible stuff makes its way into the world of sport. If


Glenavon were to play a match against Barcelona, we would call it a David vs. Goliath
encounter. The image of a young David standing up to fight the giant of a warrior called Goliath
captures peoples imagination. This was an uneven contest, but not in the way that we think. It
was uneven because David was going into the battle with Gods help. Goliaths people had
made themselves enemies of God, turning away from Him. David had a close relationship with
God and complete trust in Him. He tells people who think it is madness going into battle with
Goliath, The Lord will deliver me. And he tells Goliath to his face, This day the Lord will hand you
over to me.

When you face up to the big problems of life, unable


to handle them alone, have you got someone you
can completely trust to deliver you? Those who find
relationship with God through trusting and following
Jesus Christ, have an incredible hope of deliverance. In
Jesus, God promises never to leave them abandoned.
Thats true not only in the struggles and issues of day-today living, but also beyond this life in eternity. You might
sometimes feel like an underdog. Life has a habit of
leaving us feeling that way. But like David, if you come
to know God, you can say, The Lord will deliver me. To
find out more about how we can have this kind of
relationship with the Lord, come along to join with our
church family as we seek answers from the Bible. Have
a great summer and heres hoping our wee country
can cause an upset in France!
Philip Thompson, Minister,
Waringstown Presbyterian Church

PC
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Work team
On Sunday 17 April a team made up of folk from Waringstown Presbyterian and Portglenone
Presbyterian Churches headed out to Romania to do some practical work on a residential
centre owned by Exodus in Sutor. Exodus, a NI based charity, does what it says on the tin;
their mission statement is:
Serving the Church in disciple making youth ministry to see generations of young
people boldly following Jesus and becoming lifelong disciple makers.

The work involved installing a complete heating system in a newly constructed


accommodation block and extending the heating into a very old adjacent church. A new
boiler house had been built and so the wood burning boiler and water tanks had to be
plumbed as well. Before this could all take place, the accommodation wing needed to
be floored and plasterboard ceilings and walls completed. In addition, a small meeting
room beside the church was completely fitted out with new stud walls, electrics and
heating.
It truly was a major task in just one week for the folk who volunteered, but each and every
man and woman stepped up to the mark and with Gods help the work was finished in true
Extreme Makeover style!
The first day was taken up entirely with travelling. Cars left Waringstown around 3.30am and
from Portglenone slightly earlier, all heading to Dublin for our flight to Budapest in Hungary.
On arrival in Budapest the Director of Exodus, Jim Brown, met us along with two volunteers
and several vehicles to transfer us to Sutor. This 6-7 hour drive is not for the faint hearted as
the roads can be poor in parts and the drivers even worse! We enjoyed a lovely lunch of
Pizza or Chicken and chips along the way, washed down with a delicious ice cream, and
this lifted our spirits for the last part of the journey to the border and eventually Sutor. Our
only delay along the route was at the border were checking all vehicles was extremely slow
and thorough. We also nearly lost the Rev Philip Thompson at this point due to him taking a
very innocent photograph of some signage on the Romanian side of the border! The
authorities werent happy!
On our evening arrival at Sutor we were greeted by the on site staff who had prepared
some lovely French toast and a cup of good tea to make us feel at home. After
refreshments Philip read from Mark: Ch. 1 and reminded us of the Good News of Jesus.
After a short time of prayer we went out with torches to get a quick look at the site and the
job ahead, followed by a well-earned heads down in bed ready for our first days work the
next morning!
Early the first morning everyone was tasked with their particular projects for the week, and
under the supervision of big gentle giant Aaron Logan (WPC) and the ever diplomatic and
smiling Kyle Gilmour (PPC), the guys just simply got stuck in for the rest of the week.

Church Life

For some of us, myself very much included, with no trade to draw from, it was just amazing
to watch the talent of these guys, and the strength and determination God gave us all
throughout the week to get the job done!
Philip finished up his time in Sutor with a reading from Romans 10, and one verse in
particular stood out for all of us; v15 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good
news!
This Exodus centre in Sutor will host in excess of 400 young people aged 15-18, from all
across Northern Ireland, this summer. We wish them every blessing and pray that they return
with a greater sense of what it means to follow Jesus.

Article by Brian Taylor

ugust 2016

1st - 5th A

I had the privilege of catching up with Alison Cregan, who with her husband Michael, and a team
of others from Waringstown Presbyterian Church, head up WPCs Shine week. Alison has been
part of the Shine team for ten years now and is really looking forward to another busy, fun-filled
week this summer.
First of all, what is Shine and who is it for?
Shine is one of WPCs summer schemes for children and young people. It is for anyone going into
P1 in September up until year 10.
What happens at Shine?
You can expect all sorts: singing, dancing, crafts, drama, games, Bible stories, memory verses,
and a whole host of other fun activities! If you are in year 8 or above, we also run Shine+ with
some afternoon and evening activities, which range from trips to the beach to Olympics in the
village.
What has been your favourite memory of Shine?
Its hard to pin down one exact moment, but anything that involves a leaders face and shaving
foam is always a winner!
Do you have a theme for the week?
Youll need your hat, scarf and gloves for this years summer club, as were heading to cooler
climates with our Polar Explorers theme!
When is it happening?
Shine is running from Monday 1st August until Friday 5th August with an extra special Shine service
to round up the week at WPC on Sunday 7th August.
And how much does it cost?
The morning sessions at Shine are all free! Some of the trips for those attending Shine+ may have
a small charge to cover costs.
Free?! Why do you do it?
All the leaders at Shine are so excited and passionate about the relationship we are able to have
with God, that we want to share that with all the children in our community. Shine is our gift to the
children and young people of the village, and hopefully it is a step along their path to fully
knowing God, through Jesus.
Well how do you sign up?
Application forms will be available in the local primary schools at the end of June. You can
register on Sunday 31st July at WPC after the morning church
service or on the first morning you come just be
sure to have an adult present as we need a parent /
guardians signature.
Who do I contact if I have any more questions?
Contact me (Alison) on 07759 253353.

Article by Christina Rutherdale

Church Life

Glo Waringstown is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my summer every year. It's such
a great week of fellowship with other young people, spiritual nourishment from great leaders,
and most importantly, outreach and service around the village! There's such a feeling of
community as we spread out around the village in our T Shirts and begin to focus on the
tasks provided for us.

It's a really great feeling as a young person to be able to help others, but more importantly,
gLo is a really special opportunity to share our faith. There's nothing like coming together to
worship after a long day weeding someone's garden and hearing stories about how other
young people are witnessing to our community. It's also a great week to grow in our own
faith and learn more about the God we're serving. Whatever stage of faith you're at, Glo is a
great opportunity to learn more!

Glo is a chance for the young people in our church to connect with so many different
people. In one day we could be interacting with primary children, young people our own
age, parents, and pensioners! Throughout the week we get to know so many people, both
within our church, and outside it.

Glo is something that I look back on with the fondest memories. It's something that brings
out the different gifts and talents of each of our young people and teaches them to use
such talents for the glory and purpose of our heavenly father, and I know I have
experienced this myself.

I firmly believe that Glo teaches us, as young people and followers of Jesus, to adhere to
the words written by Paul in Colossians 4:5-6; "Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders;
make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Article by Elidh McKnight (16)

Glo this year will


take place from
22nd to 27th August.
For more info contact
Chris on 07725170295

Monday
11am-2pm (WPC Hall)
Luncheon Club (Senior Citizens Lunch) *
Contact: Melvyn 07854 875170

Tuesday
11am-5pm
Church Office Open *
Contact: Barbara 02838882654

6.30pm-7.45pm (WPC Hall)

10am-12pm (WPC Hall) *

Rainbows (Girl Guiding for Ages 4-7) *


Contact Joanne:
joannecockroft@hotmail.co.uk

Retired Mens Fellowship (Bowls&Coffee)


Contact: Melvyn 07854 875170

6.30pm-7.45pm (C of I Halls)

Anchor Boys (BB for p2-p4, places limited)

Brownies ((Girl Guiding for Ages 7-10) *


Contact Lynda:
lyndajackson390@btinternet.com

8pm-9pm (WPC Hall)


Guides (Girl Guiding for Ages 10-14) *
Contact: Lynn 07761 902767

8pm-9pm (WPC Hall)

6.45-7.45pm (C of I Halls) *
7-8.30pm (C of I Halls)
Junior Section (BB for p5-p7) *

7.30-9.30pm (WPC Hall & C of I Halls)


Company & Senior Sections (BB for yr8+) *
Contact: Joe 07970 555303
or waringstownbb@live.co.uk
or Waringstown BB Facebook Page

Senior Section (Girl Guiding Ages 14-26) *


Contact Laura: lmkinloch@hotmail.co.uk

8-10pm (WPC Hall)


Banner Making *
Contact: Barbara 07525 265665

Friday
7-9pm (WPC Hall)

8.15-11am (Polypipe Factory, Dromore Rd.)

Friday Fun Club (Youth Club for p5-p7s) *


Held fortnightly.
Contact: Suzie 07706 797647

WPC Wheelers (Mens Cycling Club)


See page 7 for more details
Contact: Richard 07878 327196
or richardpatterson101@tiscali.co.uk

7-9pm (WPC Hall or Caf Eden, Connect 61)


Fusion (Youth Fellowship for Ages 11-14) *
Rotates venue depending on Fun Club
Contact: Chris 07725 170295

9-11pm (WPC Hall or Caf Eden, Connect 61)


20:20 (Youth Fellowship for Ages 15-18) *
Rotates venue each week
Contact: Chris 07725 170295

Saturday

Weekly Diary

Wednesday

Thursday

6.30pm-7.45pm (C of I Halls)

11am-5pm

Rainbows (Girl Guiding for Ages 4-7) *


Contact Janice: cascum49@yahoo.co.uk
or Judith: jp.hinds@btinternet,com

Church Office Open *


Contact: Barbara 028 38 882654

6.30pm-7.45pm (C of I Halls)

Little Lambs (Baby & Toddler group) *


Contact: Ruth 07879 665308

Brownies ((Girl Guiding for Ages 7-10) *


Contact Zoe:
zoemcwilliams@hotmail.com

7.45pm-9.15pm (C of I Halls)
Guides (Girl Guiding for Ages 10-14) *
Contact Jill:
jillmcwilliams76@hotmail.com

10.30am-12pm (WPC Hall)

7pm-10pm (WPC Church)


Music Practice (For Sunday worship)
Contact: Sam 07976 369668

8-10pm (WPC Hall)


Table Tennis Club *
Contact: Clifford 07919 491597

8-9.30pm (WPC Hall)


First Wednesday (Mid-week Bible study) *
First Wednesday each month

8.30-9.30pm (WPC Hall)


Open Door for Prayer (Weekly)

7.30-10pm (The Basement, Connect 61)


The Basement Youth Centre *
Youth centre for ages 11-18 offering a range of
programmes and projects during the year.
Come along and see what you think!
Contact: Neil 07745 534886

Sunday
9.30-10.45am (WPC Church)

Morning Worship
11.30am-12.45pm (WPC Church)

Morning Worship
6.30-7.30pm (WPC Church)

Evening Worship
July&August Morning Worship
10.30-11.45am (WPC Church)
no evening service

* These groups do not meet during July and August


but will resume in September.

Vintage
Cavalcade: A story we can be proud of!

If you have been living in Waringstown for any length of time you will be familiar with the Vintage
Cavalcade that descends on the last Friday evening of June each year. However, perhaps you are
less aware of its link with the Northern Ireland Kidney Research Fund (NIKRF) and the memorial bed at
the bottom of the Mill Hill. To help understand the full story I met with Mrs. Anne Hyland, a volunteer with
NIKRF for the past 20 years and must say I left feeling incredibly proud to be a resident of our wee
village!

In 1970 a young Waringstown woman, the late Mrs Josie Kerr, became
critically ill with acute kidney failure following the loss of a much longed-for
baby. For several weeks she was near to death and dependent on
artificial kidney treatment at Belfast City Hospital. Thankfully, she survived
and subsequently regained complete health. Following her miraculous
recovery, Josie was inspired to write an article in the Belfast Telegraph
describing her experience and asking those who had benefited from similar
treatment to join with her to raise money for research into kidney disease.
Together with her husband Walter, family, friends and other respondents,
Josie formed a steering group and, in 1971, the Northern Ireland Kidney
Josie and Walter Kerr
Research Fund was launched.

Since its inception NIKRF, a totally voluntary organisation, has raised millions to support a wide range of
research projects into kidney failure. This research has played a vital role in developing better care of
patients with kidney disease and has led to improvements in the quality and length of life for thousands
of patients locally.

Now in its 44th year one of the most significant fundraising events for the charity each year has been
the Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade. Last year the Cavalcade raised in the region of 10,000 for
NIKRF. In recent years the event has attracted up to 700 entries and would be considered one of the
largest events of its kind within Northern Ireland. With the usual great mix of vintage vehicles, tractors
and even a horse and trap, the organisers find people travel from all over Ireland to participate in the
event.

Josie was awarded an MBE for her efforts in establishing one of


Northern Irelands most successful charities. She passed away in 1994
and the Council constructed a memorial bed at the foot of the Mill Hill
to honour a lady who devoted her life to others. Walter has tirelessly
carried on the work of NIKRF since then and each year can be seen
awarding plaques at the Cavalcade to all the entrants. Sadly, he
hasn't enjoyed great health recently and we wish him well and hope
that he is able to attend this years event.

If you are unfamiliar with the event, the Cavalcade starts at the
Banbridge end of the village and makes its way through the village. At
the beginning you will see horses and motorbikes before the cars,
tractors and lorries arrive. Most vehicles turn at the Dunkirk Road, but
some go as far as the roundabout at Flush Place if they are able.
Hundreds of visitors attend this event every year and it has become a
great place for seeing old friends and meeting new ones!

10

Community News

On behalf of the Cavalcade Committee Anne wanted to express how indebted they are to
Waringstown Cricket Club, local landowners and Churches for the use of their facilities for the event.
Also to the PSNI for their role in traffic management and safety. She also expressed huge thanks to the
residents of Waringstown for all their co-operation with this event over
many years. Roads are closed from 6pm and the event usually
finishes around 10pm. If anyone would like to volunteer at this
event or, with the wider work of NIKRF in general, then please
contact Anne Hyland on 02840 662131.

Finally, on the night of the Cavalcade, as you enjoy the spectacle,


please take a moment to drop something in the buckets to support
the work of the NIKRF, in memory of a lady who devoted her time to
serving others.

Waringstown Vintage Cavalcade will take place on


Friday 24th June from 6.30-10pm.
Members of Waringstown Presbyterian will be distributing literature
and serving free refreshments adjacent to the Country Chippy,
accompanied by Rally driver Stanley Ballantine and his vehicle.

Article by Neil Harrison

11


Our
village - rich in history
The village of Waringstown lies within the Parish of
Donaghcloney and the Barony of Lower Iveagh. It
straddles both counties of Down and Armagh,
however, a lot of residents may not be fully aware
that Waringstown has a very rich and significant
history.
The ancient name of Waringstown was Clanconnel,
and prior to the Plantation belonged to the Magenis
family, who through financial difficulties and
insurrection, had their estates confiscated by the
crown. After Oliver Cromwells campaigns in Ireland, Waringstown Primary School, opening day, 1933
the land was divided into small allotments, then used
in lieu of wages to pay the dragoons of Cromwells
army. Many of these soldiers were keen to get home
to England and were not interested in accepting
land, so many of the officers bought them out. A
Captain Barrett had more land than he required
and he sold a portion to a William Waring, the son of
a wealthy Lancastrian tanner.
William, who was the eldest son, inherited property
and a lot of money on his fathers death and
moved to Clanconnel in 1658, where he set about
building Waring House. It is thought that The Grange
was built to house the family before the Big House
was constructed in 1667.
Main Street, 1900
In 1701 documents refer to a change of name from
the Waring Estate, to Warings-Town. The House was built on the site of an old fort and is
architecturally very important, as it is deemed to be the oldest unfortified house in Ireland.
Built in a mixture of Jacobean and Continental
styles, the walls are made of mud over stone rubble,
and the front door is defended by two projecting
towers in order to resist any attacks. The House has
been continuously occupied by the Waring family to
the present day.
Waring was an innovator, and among the first in
Ireland to see the potential of linen and how his
tenants lives could be improved by having
employment. However, it was his son Samuel who
perfected the linen that made Waringstown famous.
Opposite Warring House, Current location of
Butchers and Vegetable Shop

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Community News

During Samuels travels in the Low countries in Europe, he was very impressed by the
techniques that were used to finish the linen. When he returned home in 1688 he introduced
what he had seen on his travels to the weavers of Waringstown. Soon the village had a
reputation for producing the highest quality damask and cambric cloth in Ireland. Such was
the remarkable skill and expertise of the local weavers, that they were, by Royal
appointment, selected to weave the coronation damask tablecloth for George 11 in 1727.
(The same cloth can now be viewed at The Irish Linen Centre, Lisburn.) The linen industry
continued in Waringstown for 270 years.
The Waring family over the centuries were very
generous to their tenants and employees. Over the
years they made provision for the Parish Church,
school and cricket club, as well as providing
housing and employment.
Waringstown Historical Society are organising a
Historical walk, scheduled for Thursday 9th June
at 7.00pm, meeting in front of the school gates,
and we hope everyone will come and learn more
about this unique, village, steeped in history that
we call home.
Main Street, current location of Village Inn

Article by Margaret Sanderson

13


The
Home of Ulster Cricket
Waringstown Cricket Club was formed in 1851 by Captain Thomas Waring and the Henning
brothers, John and George. The Lawn is believed to be the second oldest ground in Ulster
and is widely referred to as The Home of Ulster Cricket.
Mrs. Margaret Waring, who had a strong and
beneficial influence of the life of Waringstown,
became President of the cricket club and
remained so until her death in May 1968. Indeed
in 1954 she was elected President of the Northern
Cricket Union the only lady to be so honored.
The period from 1965 to 1974 was probably the
most successful and eventful in the history of the
club. The Senior Cup was won 6 times and the
League 5 times with the bedrock of the team
coming from the talented Harrison brothers.
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s the
club remained at the forefront of Ulster cricket, but it was 1992 that was to become
arguably the most famous year in Waringstowns history as under the captaincy of Garfield
Harrison, Waringstown won the Treble.
WCC went through another remarkable success period from 2005 to the present day were
no less than 12 trophies have been won under the leadership of Jonathan Bushe, Kyle
McCallan and current captain Lee Nelson. In 2015 the club celebrated a Senior League
and Senior Irish Cup double as well as being awarded the best team in Ireland for the fourth
time in 5 years. I caught up with captain Lee Nelson at the
outset of a new season at The Lawn.

Q. What are your earliest memories of cricket at the Lawn?


My earliest memories of going to the Lawn would have been
watching my dad and my uncle playing in the 90s. We had
an incredible side back then which were nicknamed the
dream team.
Q, What has been your most memorable playing moment
for WCC ?
Without doubt winning the All Ireland last year, especially at
home, it was a really special day for all involved in the club.
Q. What's your impression of the direction of cricket has
taken over the last 10 years?
Its almost a completely different game now from the time that even my dad was playing. I
certainly think it has more appeal now to younger audiences and perhaps others for whom
cricket would not have been their first sport. The same principles still apply but several rule
changes and the introduction of T20, have made an exciting difference.

14

Community News

Q, What has WCC on offer to the young people


in the village?
We give young people around the village the
opportunity become active and meet new friends
in an excellent environment. The coaching
structures we have in place are second to none,
and we have a brilliant track record of producing
young players and giving them a chance at the
highest level.
Q, 2015 was a memorable year for WCC, can it
be improved upon?
Everything can always be improved on, it will
obviously be a very tough ask to repeat the highs
of last year but its not something that daunts us in
any way. We have the resources in terms of
personnel, both on and off the pitch, to make sure that come September we will hopefully
be challenging in all competitions.
Q. What should audiences expect to see this season if they make a visit to the Lawn?
I guess you could say its top-level sport right on your doorstep. The Lawn on a Saturday is an
excellent day out, very family friendly with regular BBQs on match days. In addition, we
have areas for children to play with their
friends and when the sun shines, its difficult
to find a better way to spend the day! The
team greatly appreciate all the support we
get, both at home and away, and we
welcome as many new faces as
possible.
Q. What can we expect from the new pro
Cobus Pinnear?
Hes settled remarkably well since his arrival
and in my opinion he was man of the
match on his debut vs Lisburn. Hes with us
for the summer having left his wife and 10month old baby in S. Africa, which as
anyone can imagine is difficult, but the way
he has went about his business has been of
the highest standard. Im sure he will
entertain the crowds at the Lawn and help
us in our quest for more trophies. Hes a
genuine all-rounder with loads of
experience, which is always a bonus.

Article by Simon Fitzpatrick

15

to he ar
We wo ul d lo ve
ck on th is
so m e fe ed ba
ase use the
Newsletter. Ple
below and
ils
ta
contact de
respond as
we will aim to
!
soon as possible

Neil Harrison
Community Pastor
Waringstown Presbyterian
T: 07745534886
E: neil@waringstownpc.org

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Competition

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