Fields in Trust recognition for Bentra site

Bentra Golf Course in Whitehead has been honoured as a Showcase Centenary Field at the Fields in Trust Awards earlier this month.
Councillor Andrew Wilson (left) and MEA Director of Operations, Philip Thompson with presenter Ore Oduba at the Fields in Trust awards.  INCT 51-723-CONCouncillor Andrew Wilson (left) and MEA Director of Operations, Philip Thompson with presenter Ore Oduba at the Fields in Trust awards.  INCT 51-723-CON
Councillor Andrew Wilson (left) and MEA Director of Operations, Philip Thompson with presenter Ore Oduba at the Fields in Trust awards. INCT 51-723-CON

Centenary Fields is a national initiative which aims to protect war memorial fields, parks and green spaces created in memory of those who lost their lives during World War I.

It was launched last year by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Cambridge.

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From 1915 to 1917, Whitehead was home to the first military aviation facility in Ireland - one that played an important role in the First World War.

Royal Naval Air Service airships based at Bentra patrolled the waters between Ireland and Scotland, combatting the German U-boat menace.

Hosted by BBC sports and news broadcaster Ore Oduba at Lords Cricket Ground, the Fields in Trust Awards celebrated the achievements of the Trust and its partners, who have worked over the last year to ensure that everyone has access to protected outdoor recreational space.

During the ceremony, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was also named Northern Ireland Partner of the Year.

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Attending the event were MEA’s Director of Operations, Philip Thompson, along with Councillor Andrew Wilson, chairman of the Operational Committee.

“Well done to Bentra Golf Course on receiving recognition as a Showcase Centenary Field - this is the result of hard work over a number of years,” Cllr Wilson said.

“Mid and East Antrim Council has several Fields in Trust including Bentra. George V Park in Ballymena and Sandy Bay Playing Fields in Larne, Eden Playing Fields in Carrickfergus, Diamond Jubilee Wood in Whitehead and Inver Memorial Garden in Larne are also involved.

“Bentra Golf Course is within the boundary of the historic borough of Carrickfergus. Baron Carrickfergus, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, is President of Fields in Trust, and it would be special if he was able to visit in the not too distant future to recognise the award.

“Well done also to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on receiving the award for Partner of the Year in the NI local authority category.”

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