Cost of Diamond Jubilee celebrations “worrying”, Council told

At last Monday nights’ November meeting of Council, initial details of proposed activities/events and their estimated costs were presented to councillors by Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy.

The planned programme includes...

* a Jubilee Tattoo in the Showgrounds on June 2, at a cost of £20,000

* Mayor’s Parade, £15,000

* Branding at events, £15,000-£20,000

* Souvenirs (primarily gifts at events) £5,000

* County Antrim Dinner on May 31, £4,000

* Various floral beds at strategic points such as Seven Towers Roundabout, £2-3,000.

* Arts Competition/Alternative Exhibition, £3,000

* Mayor’s Tea Party for 60 years’ Wedding Anniversaries, £2,500

* Jubilee Bursary for voluntary work, £2-4,000

* County Antrim leaflet £3-£8,500

* Beacon, £5,000.

It was pointed out that the programme would be a ‘County’ effort but that Ballymena would be the lead Council for a number of events including the Military Tattoo, the Beacon and souvenirs.

First to respond, Cllr Declan O’Loan said: “These are prestige events but the costs are very considerable - is there central Government support for this?

“Given the times we are in these indicative costs strike me as slightly worrying,” said the councillor who stressed that he was not against the celebrations, simply concerned about their price-tag.

Mrs Donaghy said she had presented the high level of potential cost to the meeting - without factoring in grants or financial input from the County’s other local authorities but stressed that she, and other officers, would be seeking as much grant/support funding etc. as possible to reduce the cost to Council.

“I am seeking approval to move forward, with more detail to come. Speed is of the essence,” she said.

Councillor Tommy Nicholl, however, pointed out that with the Co Antrim Piping Championships destined to be held in Ballymoney at around the same time as the proposed Jubilee Tattoo, local pipers could be at a premium and queried whether that event could be rescheduled.

Cllr Martin Clarke said he was “delighted” to see the programme but asked that consideration be given to providing mementos of the Jubilee for local schoolchildren.

Cllr Beth Adger described the plans as “excellent” and proposed that Council move them forward.

She was seconded by Cllr David Tweed who said: “I think this is what the people deserve and what they want. Most people out there are looking for a celebration”.

Cllr Paul Frew added: “The happiness and good spirit that this will generate is hard to cost”, while the Mayor, Hubert Nicholl said: “With the economic situation, there is not much to celebrate. This will give people something to celebrate!”

Responding to the comments, Mrs Donaghy said she and other Council officers would continue to do their utmost ‘to keep costs as low as possible without diluting the celebrations’.