It's the most windowful time of the year for festive Ballymena shops!

Ballymena businesses have played their part in creating a festive atmosphere for shoppers with some super window displays this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Dec 2016, 13:05 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2016, 10:05 BST
L-R Back Row: Jacqui McNeill (Midtown Makers Studio and Shop), Daphne Kenny (Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique Galgorm), Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce), Gillian Matthews and Nuala Mullan (both Willow Beauty) Front Row: Wendy McKay (Leaf Designs), Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, Chamber President Ronan McCann, Linda Williams (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council) and Lynda Ferguson (Leaf Designs)L-R Back Row: Jacqui McNeill (Midtown Makers Studio and Shop), Daphne Kenny (Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique Galgorm), Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce), Gillian Matthews and Nuala Mullan (both Willow Beauty) Front Row: Wendy McKay (Leaf Designs), Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, Chamber President Ronan McCann, Linda Williams (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council) and Lynda Ferguson (Leaf Designs)
L-R Back Row: Jacqui McNeill (Midtown Makers Studio and Shop), Daphne Kenny (Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique Galgorm), Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce), Gillian Matthews and Nuala Mullan (both Willow Beauty) Front Row: Wendy McKay (Leaf Designs), Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE, Chamber President Ronan McCann, Linda Williams (Mid and East Antrim Borough Council) and Lynda Ferguson (Leaf Designs)

And those yuletide efforts were rewarded when Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual Christmas social/networking event in the Adair Arms Hotel.

There was an excellent turnout of Chamber members and guests for the informal evening.

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Ronan McCann, Chamber President welcomed everyone and presented the trophies and certificates for the 2016 Christmas window dressing competition.

L-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel BarrL-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel Barr
L-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel Barr

The three prize winners were: Leaf Designs, Galgorm; Tilly Anna’s, Church Street; Willow Beauty, Broughshane Street.

Ronan said the judges were very impressed with the high standard of the windows this year.

“It made their job very difficult and because of this the judges also awarded two highly commended certificates to Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique, Galgorm and Midtown Makers Studio and Shop, Church Street

A presentation was also made to the NI Hospice.

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L-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel BarrL-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel Barr
L-R Chamber President Ronan McCann presenting a cheque for £3300 to Rosemary Kennedy (NI Hospice Ballymena Support Group) while looking on are Maureen Giles, Maureen Hunter and Muriel Barr

A raffle was held at the 2016 Business awards and an excellent £3300 was raised.

Chamber would like to thank the following businesses who donated prizes for the raffle: Michelin Tyre PLC, Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Galgorm Resort and Spa, Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena BID, Bank of Ireland, K & G McAtamney Butchers and Deli (Greenvale Street) and Go Sun Chinese Restaurant.

Ronan added: “Thank you to the Adair Arms Hotel – the hospitality as always was excellent.”

Related topics:Ballymena