1. Saline organisations donate benches
2. by John Crane

In a joint project between the Saline & Steelend Community Council and the Saline & District Horticultural Society, two new benches were recently positioned and dedicated in the village of Saline.

One bench, located at the entrance to Saline Glen, was dedicated to Willie Ritchie.

Willie, an extremely popular and well-loved character who had been one of the mainstays of the Saline Horticultural Society for more than 60 years, had passed away earlier this year.

The other bench, positioned on Main Street opposite the old manse, was dedicated to the Rev.A.G (Sandy) Downie and to his wife, Jean Downie.

Rev. Downie has served as the minister of Saline parish from 1953 till 1992.

Jean had continued to live in Saline until her death last year. Both had faithfully served Saline parish and the community.

The plaque on this bench included the biblical quotation, “I will say ‘They are my people’ and they will say ‘The Lord is my God.’ Zech. 12:9”