Eventful year for former mayor

In Hillsborough Courthouse, having been presented with a floral posy at a reception hosted by Lisburn City Council, is HRH the Duchess of Cornwall; the former Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton and little Emma Smith, grand-daughter of the former Mayor who presented the flowers for the Council's Royal Launch of Hillsborough in Bloom 2014.

Looking back over her year, she has a number of highlights, including meeting royalty and hosting the Mayor’s Carnival Parade.

“I had a very enjoyable term as the Mayor of Lisburn and would like to thank all the citizens of the Lisburn City Council area for their support over the twelve month period,” said Mrs Tolerton.

“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the numerous engagements that took place in various community centres, churches, schools and businesses from Moira to Stoneyford and Dundrod to Poleglass.

“Not only was I invited out to events in local communities such as barbecues, fashions shows, initiative launches, historical exhibitions and anniversary celebrations but many local groups, businesses and organisations visited me in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Island Civic Centre. I was delighted to give them all a tour of the facility as in my mind the Mayor’s Parlour is for all the people of Lisburn.

“From a Council perspective there were several civic events that I will cherish in my memories for various reasons.

“My civic dinner as it marked my official installation as the First Citizen in the company of elected representatives, community leaders, friends and family.

“In October I was delighted to host a Homecoming Reception at Lagan Valley Island, in honour of the 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital’s completion, and safe return, from its recent tour of duty in Afghanistan.

In 2014, within a period of a month I was honoured to be able to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Lisburn Borough with a Service in Railway Street Presbyterian Church; and then on April 26 confer the Freedom of Lisburn City to the Voluntary Uniformed Youth Organisations - The Girls’ Brigade, the Boys’ Brigade, the Scouts, the Girl Guides, Catholic Guides of Ireland, Scouting Ireland, the Church Lads’ Brigade, the Church Girls’ Brigade, Every Boys’ Rally and Every Girls’ Rally.

“An Official Civic Ceremony took place at Lagan Valley Island in the morning followed by a parade through the city centre in the afternoon.

“The Parade ended in Wallace Park and those who took part along with members of the public had the opportunity to enjoy the Freedom of the City Concert.

During my mayoral term I was privileged to welcome three members of The Royal Family to our City on separate occasions – His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

“It was humbling to watch my granddaughter Emma present a bouquet of flowers to The Duchess of Cornwall and very happily take her hand – this is a memory I will treasure forever.

“Each Royal was very complimentary about Lisburn City and its support of local services and businesses in particular the Midwifery-Led Unit at Lagan Valley Hospital and the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

“My chosen Mayoral Charity was The Lagan Valley Diabetes Fund and the support from colleagues, family, friends and the Lisburn community for this very worthwhile local charity has been tremendous.

“I am very pleased with the sum raised to date and will be delighted to present the final sum in November after all outstanding donations are made. It has been a busy but fun-filled calendar of fundraising events including a Valentine’s Hog Roast, a Charity Fashion Show and an Ulster-Scots Concert.

“I’d like to thank everybody who supported my Charity throughout the year. I know your generosity will help the Lagan Valley Diabetes Fund make a real difference.

“I’d also like to recognise the thousands of people who took part in the Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K Road Race and Fun Run. Your participation also rewarded my charity as did all those who donated at the Mayor’s Parade, Christmas Switch-On and Freedom of the City Concert. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

“May I wish everyone a prosperous future and thank my colleagues on Lisburn City Council for choosing me as Mayor in 2013-14.

“To all my friends, family, my Minister Rev. William Henry and fellow church members at Maze Presbyterian Church I thank you all for your support and prayers over the last year.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”