Borough celebrates Queen's 90th birthday

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council celebrated HM The Queen's 90th birthday in style last week by hosting four magnificent events.
Margaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SOMargaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SO
Margaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SO

The celebrations kicked off on Wednesday, May 11 with toe tapping tea dances in The Old Courthouse, Antrim and Theatre at The Mill, Mossley.

More than 160 dancers showed off their fancy footwork and enjoyed a sweet treat with a delicious afternoon tea being served.

On Thursday, May 12, a memorable coffee morning event took place in Theatre at The Mill for local residents who share their birth year with the UK’s longest reigning monarch.

Margaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SOMargaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SO
Margaret McCartney, Mayor Thomas Hogg and Jean Cobain at the tea dance. INNT 19-511-SO

The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Hogg and The Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Joan Christie OBE, invited the 32 90-year-olds and their guests for a decadent morning of birthday cake, stories and a special tour of the mill museum. Each 90-year-old guest was presented with a commemorative book ‘Queen Elizabeth – a Celebration of Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday’ by Tim Ewart, as a special birthday present.

Then on Friday, May 13 it was the younger generation who celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s wonderful milestone. In total 35 primary schools from across the borough were represented at Mossley Mill by two of their P7 pupils. Each pupil was presented with a commemorative coin by the Mayor and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr Richard Reade. The school representatives then took back coins for each of the other P7s in their school.

Councillor Hogg commented: “I am delighted with the efforts of everyone in the borough who marked the Queen’s special birthday. I was honoured to attend many events as the Mayor and it was a pleasure to meet so many members of the community.”

• See full coverage in this week’s Times (on sale May 18)