Mayor: It’s a time to ‘think of others’

The Mayor, of Lisburn City and Castlereagh, Councillor Thomas Beckett, would like to wish all the residents a very Happy Christmas.
Mayor Thomas BeckettMayor Thomas Beckett
Mayor Thomas Beckett

Mr Beckett - who celebrates his birthday on Christmas Day - said the festive season is a time to ‘think about other people.’

Councillor Beckett said: “For so many people Christmas is their favourite time of year. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas time and a peaceful New Year.

“Many people come together, relax, enjoy company and celebrate the birth of Christ at this very special time.  I have been very busy with mayoral engagements through December and I have met many people and been made very welcome everywhere. 

“I would like to thank everyone I have met: from those who run our nursing homes in the area; for the school carol service invitations, to festive church services and to community groups for their kind festive invitations, it has been a pleasure to meet everyone. 

“We of course think of people who have troubles or illness, and, for whom, Christmas can be a very difficult time. Please remember the neighbour you know who would love to see someone and where a friendly face popping in to say hello would lift their day.

“We think of patients who will see Christmas Day in hospital. We also remember those who have been bereaved or who are battling with problems. It is a time to think about other people.

“I am looking forward to marking my birthday on Christmas Day over the festive period and taking time out to be with my family. I would like to extend my

appreciation to my colleagues on Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for all their support over the last nine months since the new Council came into being; and to everyone who has helped me raise funds for my mayoral charity, the Mary Peters Fund.

“I look forward to taking my role forward for the Council and the local area in 2016,” he concluded.