Carrickfergus Roll of Service approved with nominations to be sought from families, veterans’ organisations and the community
Mid and East Antrim councillors have approved a Roll of Service to be established at Carrickfergus Memorial Garden at Joymount.
The proposal seeks to create a permanent tribute in recognition of individuals from the Carrickfergus area, including Whitehead and Greenisland, who have served in the armed forces or emergency services.
The Roll of Service aims to recognise those who have made a “significant contribution to their community, region or country through their service and commitment”.
Nominations for inclusion will be invited from families, veterans’ organisations and the community and considered by the council’s Memorial Sub-Committee.
A report presented to a meeting of the council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee said: “The Roll of Service will support the preservation and promotion of local heritage by recording the contribution of service personnel for future generations.
“The project will also provide an educational resource for residents, schools and visitors, strengthening understanding of local history and civic contribution.”
The report noted the estimated cost of initiating the project is approximately £1,500. It is proposed this will be met through funding from The Executive Office and the council’s Good Relations Programme.
Speaking at the meeting, Knockagh DUP Councillor Marc Collins said he was “more than happy” to propose accepting the recommendation to establish the Carrickfergus Roll of Service, seconded by party colleague Ballymena Alderman Reuben Glover.
Braid TUV Cllr Matthew Warwick commented: “This looks like a really interesting initiative.” He asked if suitable sites in Larne and Ballymena could also be considered.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the council’s Veterans’ Champion Carrickfergus Castle DUP Ald Billy Ashe MBE, who is leading the project, said: “The initiative will create a lasting tribute to the men and women from the greater Carrickfergus area who have served in the armed forces, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Prison Service, Fire and Rescue, and Health and Social Care services.
“This project aims to establish a permanent and ever-growing record of local people who have served their community and country over many generations.
“The proposal will utilise one of the existing blank walls within the memorial garden, an area that has, on occasion, been subject to vandalism. Transforming this space into an attractive and meaningful focal point will not only enhance the memorial garden, but also encourage greater community ownership, appreciation, and respect for the site.
“The Roll of Service will be complemented by a commemorative plaque, and individual engraved memorial bricks, that will complement the already erected heritage storyboards that tell the stories of local service and sacrifice.
“Families will be invited to commemorate loved ones by recording their names and service details, creating a living record that can continue to grow as future generations add to it.
“The project will preserve Carrickfergus’s rich military and public service heritage while strengthening civic pride and encouraging community participation.
“Working in partnership with veterans’ organisations, community groups, schools, and local stakeholders, the project will create a shared place of remembrance, reflection, and learning.
“Appropriate arrangements will be put in place to maintain the Roll of Service and ensure contributions are recorded respectfully and accurately.
“The project is inclusive and intergenerational, recognising both men and women who have lived in or served the greater Carrickfergus area, including Whitehead and Greenisland.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter