High achievers receive Mayoral praise

BALLYMENA Mayor, Cllr Hubert Nicholl has extended congratulations to various individuals, businesses and groups in the borough on the achievements they have made during the past month.

At the outset of last Monday night’s monthly civic congratulations were extended to:

* New Years Honours Award Recipient David Gibson from Broughshane, on being awarded an OBE for services to higher education in Northern Ireland – Mr Gibson is a Senior Teaching Fellow of Enterprise Education in the Queen’s University Management School.

* Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on reaching the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

* Ald Maurice Mills on reaching his 40th milestone as a public representative, with a 96% attendance record at all Monthly and Special Meetings of this Council over the 40 year period.

* Glenn Ferguson on his recent appointment as the new Manager of Ballymena United Football Club.

* Ahoghill lady, Lynne McDowell, who now lives in London, on being selected to perform as part of a prestigious dance troupe at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in London.

* Staff involved in organising the Ballymena Sports Awards evening and also all who were nominated for awards and those who were successful in each category.

* All Saints Boxing Club on reaching their 50th Anniversary.

* Ballymena Arts Partnership on having been awarded two National Epic Awards, including the prestigious Peoples’ Choice Award for all of Ireland. The group were also awarded Runners Up for the All Ireland Award.

* The Radio Cracker team on excelling in raising £64,500 for charities during their Christmas Campaign.

* The village of Broughshane on being chosen from more than 1000 entries to take part in the 2012 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom UK Finals. Broughshane has been placed in the “Champion of Champions” category and their colleagues, Ahoghill, will also be competing in the Small Town category. Judging will take place in July with the results being announced at a special awards ceremony in Guernsey in October.