Outgoing Mayor looks back on a busy nine months in office

“I had a shorter term than most Mayors but I feel I packed a lot into that time,” said Mr Ewing. “I met a lot of wonderful people and enjoyed the charity events I held.”

During his time in office, Mr Ewing held a wide range of events to raise funds for his Mayoral charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care, including Lisburn’s Got Talent and a Country Concert.

“Lisburn’s Got Talent was a great success and really highlighted the wealth of talent we have in Lisburn,” he continued.

“The country night with Hugo Duncan and the fashion show were also very successful. and I was delighted to host a motorcycle run in memory of Bruce Moulds.”

Mr Ewing spent much of his nine months in office either out in the community meeting local people, or hosting receptions to welcome groups and organisations into the Mayor’s Parlour.

“I really enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life,” he said.

One of the stand-out moments of the year for Mr Ewing was when he had the opportunity to meet the Queen during her visit to Hillsborough last summer. ”Meeting Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip along with Michelle at a garden party in Hillsborough Castle on June 24 last year, the day before I was elected as Mayor.

“This was very special and an occasion we will both always remember and cherish. This was the first time we both actually met the Queen and Prince Philip in person. Michelle and I had previously attended a garden party in Buckingham Palace on July 12, 2011, which was lovely as well. We have great memories.”

after leaving office, Mr Ewing thanked his wife Michelle for her support, as well as his driver Glenn, who he said had become a good friend. “I am very proud of Michelle. She really had a wonderful time and I know she will miss it.”

Mr Ewing said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as Mayor of Lisburn and thanked everyone who had supported his charity events throughout the last nine months.

“It was an exceptionally busy nine months,” he said.

“I will really miss it but I am looking forward to having more time with Michelle as well.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended my charity events. I really enjoyed hosting them and I hope people had a wonderful time attending them as well.

“The theme for my mayorship was that I wanted to enjoy it and have fun and I think I achieved that.”