‘Proud’ Mayor sends festive wishes to allin borough

Alderman Robinson said it was a “great honour” to hold the office of First Citizen for the second time.

He said: “It is a great honour for me to be addressing you this year on the second occasion of holding this office, I am very proud to be the Mayor of Newtownabbey.

“I would like to thank all the local groups and organisations for their hard work over the past year and commend them for everything they do, not only for their own good causes but also for the good of our borough.

“This is the time of year we all look forward to seeing the lights and decorations bringing Christmas a little nearer and adding a sparkle to the borough.

“At this festive time of year our thoughts are with the elderly who are living on their own, those who have to work over the Christmas period, and those who have lost their jobs, times are hard for some.

“We think of the Armed Forces, wherever they are stationed in the world and who are unable to be here with their families, and we wish them a safe return home.

“Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus and recognise that Christmas is a time for love and forgiveness for all.

“On behalf of myself and the Mayoress I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and send our very best wishes to you all for the New Year.”