Newborns and centenarians to be honoured with NI Centennial mementos

Parents who wish to avail of the mementos for their babies will have the specially designed souvenirs sent to them for their little ones.

People who reach the age of 100 during this year will also be eligible to receive a certificate from the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Peter Johnston, as well as the commemorative coin.

Preparatory work is continuing on finding ways to celebrate the rich sporting, cultural, entrepreneurial and academic talent throughout the Borough, on the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland.

While challenges remain around the exact format of events in light of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, there will still be numerous opportunities for the local community to celebrate.

A dedicated information page is now live on the Council website, where details about what is planned will be announced over the coming weeks and months.

A Northern Ireland Centenary Working Group, made up of elected members, continues to meet on a monthly basis and has considered a programme of activities and events, which will be agile and subject to review given developing public health guidelines.

Elected Members on the group are Cllr Cheryl Johnston (Chair), Cllr Matthew Armstrong, Cllr Danny Donnelly, Cllr William McCaughey, Cllr Gregg McKeen and Cllr Keith Turner.

The Working Group’s Chair, Councillor Cheryl Johnston, who herself has recently celebrated the birth of a new baby boy, said: “I am delighted to announce this unique celebration of the new and older generations across Mid and East Antrim during the centenary year of Northern Ireland.

“The Elected Member Working Group has been working on finding creative and unique ways of celebrating this historic moment while acknowledging the continued challenges posed by COVID-19, and these special memorabilia are part of those celebrations.

“We remain committed to engaging and communicating with our community and ensuring we work collectively to devise a programme of activities and events that can be enjoyed by all.”

To register for the Northern Ireland Centennial Celebrations memorabilia please visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ni100