Looking back... Explosives stolen from quarry

According to a report in the East Antrim Times in January 1963, the haul was sufficient to “blow up Belfast City Hall”.

The explosives had been taken from a hut at McGladdery’s stone quarry at Ballysillan.

The break-in was the third in the district in three days.

Police were investigating a possible link with a safe robber as a “blown safe” was found near Glengormley.

A spokesman for McGladdery’s said that the gelignite could “quite easily be used for blowing safes”.

The East Antrim Times also reported the burglary of a shop at Glebe Road West in which thieves stole 12,000 cigarettes; 200 lbs of tea and six lbs of tobacco.

A third break-in occurred at a house at Carnmoney Road where 400 cigarettes and £7 cash were stolen.

Elsewhere, Ballyclare Presbyterian prepared to welcome the Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland Most Rev. G Simms to an interdenominational service marking a day of intercession for unity. There were also visitors from the local Church of Ireland and Methodist churches.