'He was one of our own'

Just some of the words used by speakers at a well attended event last week to pay tribute to the late Martin Chalmers, Portush who for many years had been a regular feature of the resort, pushing his Council cart and helping keep the streets clean.

Martin sadly died last September, leaving many who knew him including his family to mourn the passing of a well respected and much loved member of the community.

At the unveiling of a summer seat in his memory, Martin’s former colleagues at Coleraine Borough Council joined with his family, and staff and pupils from Martin’s old school Portrush Primary including to commemorate his life.

In a unique tribute to Martin, the school walked to the Town Hall to witness the unveiling of the seat before embarking on Martin’s Mile, a one-off litter pickup to acknowledge the work of Martin and all Council cleansing staff and as an expression of their disgust at litter in their town.

Leading the well ordered procession was Martin’s best friend and former colleague Marshall Golligher, proudly pushing Martin’s old cart, lovingly called ‘Mrytle’.

Martin’s Mile was devised by a former friend and past classmate of Martin, Mrs Karen Maguire, now a teacher at Portrush Primary.

In a moving tribute to Martin’s humble approach to life and work, Karen spoke of how children especially are exposed to ‘somewhat vacuous celebrity icons’ who they are supposed to look up to.

She said: “We have many in shining role models in our own hometown, this included Martin who really did something worth respecting.

“This is like a fanfare to the common man. Portrush Primary school teach the children that being a good citizen is not all about being wealthy and fashionable but about making a real difference to peoples lives often going unnoticed. Cleaning our streets in all weathers might not seem the most glamorous of jobs but if it wasn’t for role models like Martin, Portrush and everywhere else would be less than healthy.”

“Martin’s two nieces Samantha and Emma helped their Dad, Martin’s brother, Stewart to unveil the seat and Samantha thanked everyone for paying such a warm compliment to their beloved uncle.

In helping organise and support Martins’ Mile Council’s Environment Officer Jim Allen also paid tribute to both Martin and to the school.

“I was delighted to join with our own staff and the school in recognising Martin Chalmer’s contribution to society”, he said. Martin and I work at both ends of the battle against litter. I try and change attitudes while people like Martin are at the sharp end.

“Congratulations to Portrush Primary School for organising such a unique event which not only highlights the need to keep our environment free from litter but how a hard working and honest approach to life gets the recognition it deserve. Hopefully the many who come to sit on this beautiful bench will also reflect on that.”

* Coleraine Borough Council would like to apologise to the family of Martin for inadvertently getting the date wrong of Martin’s burial in the article published on May 19. Martin died and was buried in September and not November as previously published.