Mayor links up with Polish community in Ballymena area

The young Polish children were delighted to meet Ballymena’s first citizen face to face and get to see the Mayors famous ‘chain of office’ up close.

Alderman McAvoy was equally delighted to meet the young Polish people, many of whom are local citizens in Ballymena and others who travel from various local towns.

The Mayor was entertained with a short performance of their Polish culture and was delighted to receive a gift from the pupils – a beautiful book of scenes from the Narew River in Poland. He also enjoyed sampling Polish food.

On Saturday past, November 24, the Mayor returned their hospitality, welcoming them to the Mayor’s Parlour in the Braid.

Speaking after his morning with the Polish young people, the Mayor said: “We, as Council, and indeed I as Mayor, fully recognise and take very seriously promoting Good Relations by welcoming minority ethnic communities to our Borough. I am delighted to have visited the Polish Saturday school and look forward to welcoming the pupils to the Braid Civic and Arts Centre at the end of November.

“Visits like this are significant and recognised by Council, as we continue to develop our Good Relations themes to “Create a Climate for Change” and “Promote Provision of Shared Space” for all our citizens in Ballymena. Through engagement like this we trust that everyone in our borough feels welcome, safe, respected and celebrated.”