A Christmas and New Year Message from the Mayor

As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to everyone in Ards and North Down. When we reflect on 2024, we will all be able to remember some very special moments for our Borough... 

Sport has been a big theme for this year and the Paris Summer Olympic Games transpired to be a hugely successful competition for our local athletes. There was a lot of buzz in Newtownards for our Olympic homecoming where thousands of people descended on Conway Square to congratulate our competing athletes, including Rhys McClenaghan and Jack McMillan who won gold medals. 

Their successes on the world stage will help inspire other up and coming sporting stars of the future. It is important to nurture and encourage young sporting talent, and the Ards and North Down Sports Awards will continue to recognise those who excel as they rise through the ranks. Nominations for the 2024 Sports Awards are currently open so make sure you submit your nominations before the 10 January deadline. 

Outside of the sporting sphere, there were further successes right across the Borough. Numerous local businesses won prestigious food and drink awards, and seven locations won Green Flag awards, an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management of open parks and spaces. Four locations won Seaside Awards and Donaghadee picked up another win in the Translink Ulster in Bloom's Best Kept Town category. 

Many of these successes are testament to the continued sterling efforts of council staff and volunteers right across the Borough. During my Mayoral year, I am keen to recognise those volunteers who work hard to boost civic pride in their area. I am awarding Mayor's Recognition Certificates to those who go above and beyond to improve the environment and boost civic pride. Please email nominations@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk if you know of someone deserving who fits the category.  

I am also pleased to confirm the Civic Awards will be returning in 2025. More details will be revealed early next year but this will provide another opportunity to recognise those for their exceptional contribution to the community.  

2024 also saw some excellent events held throughout Ards and North Down. Sea Bangor, Tide and Turf Portavogie, Comber Earlies Food Festival and the new Shorelife Celebration were just some of the events that attracted many visitors to our Borough and provided a welcome boost to our local economy. 

There were times to reflect and remember too. D-Day 80 provided the opportunity to celebrate the most decisive turning point in the Second World War and pay tribute to all who served during the Normandy campaign. 

I would like to pay tribute to the many charities that help our community. This year, I am supporting three in particular; Action Cancer, the Sea Cadets (Ards and North Down Units), and St. John Ambulance (Dufferin Cadets and Bangor and Ards Adults ambulance unit). If you would like to support the charities, I would be delighted to accept donations online via the Council website. All monies raised will be shared between them. 

I hope this holiday season is filled with warmth and joy for you and your loved ones. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Councillor Alistair Cathcart 
Mayor of Ards and North Down