Guests gather at Mossley Mill for Mayor’s installation dinner

More than 170 invited guests enjoyed the event, which included a pre-dinner drinks reception in the Museum at The Mill and entertainment from soloist Grace Taylor and the Adoro choir.

Alderman Robinson and his wife Vikki were joined by family, friends and colleagues as they welcomed guests, including First Minister Peter Robinson MLA, to the Mill. Other invitees included Diane Dodds MEP, Nigel Dodds MP and Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, as well as several MLAs, councillors and dozens of community representatives.

“I’m very, very pleased with how things went,” alderman Robinson told the Times. “The staff worked really hard behind the scenes and really pulled out all the stops to make the evening a success. I’m not just saying it because it was my dinner, but it really was one of the best installation dinners I’ve been at. It all went really well and the entertainment was fantastic too.”

Generous donations from guests on the night helped raise £1,080 for the Mayor’s three charities - the Alzheimer’s Society, Epilepsy Northern Ireland and Reach.

Alderman Robinson, who previously served as the borough’s First Citizen in 2008, said he was “absolutely shocked” by how much money was raised for his three charities.

“I just want to thank people for their generosity and for helping raise so much money for three very worthwhile causes. I never expected to raise so much money and I was overwhelmed by the response,” he added.

• More pictures in this week’s Times...