Royal 90th birthday celebrations boost Lifeboats

Her Majestys Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Joan Christie OBE is pictured at HM Coastguard Station, Larne, with the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE at the cheque presentation.

The charitable organisation was selected as the worthy recipient of the funds, as The Queen is the patron of the RNLI.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, who attended several of last year’s 90th birthday events was pleased to be able to hand over the cheque to the RNLI.

Cllr Wales said: “From authentic ‘Tea Dances’ to the lighting of the celebratory beacon - along with a family fun evening along Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus – to a church service of celebration for the Co of Antrim organised by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant to special flower beds being created in Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena and a schools art competition, there were many ways with which we marked the royal birthday.

“We even ‘minted’ special commemorative coins for anyone in the borough who also turned 90 in 2016. As originally suggested by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Joan Christie OBE - who I am pleased also took the time to attend - the funds raised as a result of these celebrations have now being donated to the RNLI.”

Speaking at the handover of the cheque for £364.50 in a short ceremony held at HM Coastguard Station, Olderfleet Road, Larne, the Mayor added: “The RNLI provides a wonderful service, rescuing people 24-hours a day. We are honoured to pay tribute to them.”