Congratulations to Mrs Susan Pinkerton on her appointment as High Sheriff of County Antrim for 2021, which was announced in the London Gazette today, she takes over from Mr Rupert Cramsie. To see the announcement, please click here.
Mrs Susan Pinkerton lives at Seacon More, Ballymoney, County Antrim. Her husband Major John Pinkerton, TD, DL, was High Sheriff of County Antrim in 2015 and recently retired as a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. Please click here to find out more about the role of High Sheriff and how it differs from the Lieutenancy.
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![]() The New Year's Honours list is announced today and includes those who have been recognised for their work during COVID-19. We are delighted to report that 22 people in County Antrim received national honours. Following the 28 people honored last time round, we are delighted that County Antrim continues to be well represented. The Full Honours list can be viewed on the London Gazette website by clicking here or by accessing the following link: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/63218/supplement/N1 A message from the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, Her Majesty’s personal representative for the County. “This year has not been without its many challenges for us all and with the new restrictions in place, this Christmas is going to be slightly different. In particular, my thoughts are with families that are separated from each other or those that find themselves alone. The Advent season is, of course, one with the overriding messages of hope and new beginnings. Despite the circumstances we find ourselves in this Christmas, those messages are as relevant this year as ever. With vaccines beginning to be rolled out already, and with that set to continue apace next year, combined with all the selfless key workers and volunteers who are carrying on in the face of this viscous virus to keep us safe and well shows that out of darkness springs light, with these very actions being the start of new beginnings and the epitome of hope. Hope of COVID-19 being defeated, hope of life returning back to some sense of normality and hope of us being able mix again with our loved ones, both at home and overseas. On behalf of HM The Queen, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the selfless key workers and emergency services personal who have kept us safe this year and who will be working over Christmas and New Year. To all the volunteers, charities and local business who have done their bit to help others, I’ve been so inspired by your selflessness and commitment to your communities and I thank you. I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and all best wishes for the New Year; a new beginning where hope springs eternal. In the words of that old Irish Blessing, “until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand". Stay safe. Yours ever, David McCorkell" The run-up to Remembrance Sunday was unfortunately very different this year due to COVID19. The Lieutenancy were unable to undertake the normal number of engagements throughout the County and any engagements that did happen were smaller, socially distanced events with only the minimum number of attendees. On 6th November, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, attended a small service of remembrance in the Garden of Remembrance, Carrickfergus, and laid a wreath on behalf of HM The Queen. He also planted a cross to honour the North Irish Horse (Now B Sqn, Scottish & North Irish Yeomanry). On Remembrance Sunday, 8th November 2020, wreaths were laid in the following locations:
It was fantastic to be allowed to have the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets able to attend. It has been a very difficult year for this year's cadets due to the disruption caused by COVID19. Congratulations to Emma Ellison, of Larne detachment, 1st (NI) Bn ACF, on her recent promotion to Cadet Sergeant Major. The delayed Queen's Birthday Honours, which were due to be released in June, were announced today along with the COVID Honours list.
We are delighted to report that 28 people in County Antrim received national honours. The Full Honours list can be viewed on the London Gazette website by clicking here or by accessing the following link: www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/63135/supplement/B1 The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, was delighted to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex to Lisburn today. HRH, as Royal Colonel, firstly visited the 2nd Bn The Rifles, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. The Lord-Lieutenant then received HRH afterwards at Lisburn City Church Community Trust, 1 Graham Gardens, to recognise their efforts during COVID-19. HRH then visited Unicorn Group, The Green, Riverbank, Tullynacross Road, Lisburn. Unicorn Group, which manufactures a range of washroom products, medical bins for hospitals and floor tiles, welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex to its Lambeg headquarters today where it has ramped up production of its Pursan alcohol hand cleansing product in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The visit saw HRH tour the factory and learn about the manufacturing process behind the company’s flagship product as well as discovering the other elements of the market that Unicorn Group has successfully developed over its history. Established over 20 years ago, Unicorn Group employs more than 80 staff and exports its extensive portfolio of products including hand and surface hygiene range, washroom products, medical and recycling bins, vending machines and floor tiles globally. A surge in demand for hand cleanser during the current pandemic has seen the firm increase production of its Pursan product range, primarily its 70% alcohol hand cleanser. Speaking about the visit, Roger Pannell, CEO of Unicorn Group said: “It was an honour to meet HRH The Earl of Wessex and show him round the facility. It was the perfect antidote to the pressures and uncertainty that have come hand in hand with this pandemic. “Our staff have worked tirelessly over the past six months to ensure our increased demand is met, against a backdrop of challenges that have left no business or home untouched. Their commitment across the Group has been a huge help during this difficult time. Being able to showcase their efforts to HRH The Earl of Wessex was a moment of pride and gratitude for Unicorn Group. HRH completed the day with an engagement in County Down. ![]() The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, was delighted to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to County Antrim today. The Lord-Lieutenant greeted HRH in Mallusk, Newtownabbey, on his arrival to see Henderson Foodservices, where he learned about some of the fantastic work that has been undertaken during COVID-19. The visit was part of a day trip to Northern Ireland by TRHs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. TRHs also undertook engagements in Belfast and at Hillsborough Castle.
The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, joined the Northern Irish Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association to lay wreaths of remembrance in Lisburn today. The event was organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. Also in attendance:
The Mayor said “With 75 years gone by since the end of the war, I’m privileged to be here today to pay tribute to these men and women, including our own local hero - Professor Frank Pantridge. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is privileged to continue to work very closely with the Malaya and Borneo Veteran’s Association and the Pantridge Trust. Today we remember the National Malaya Borneo Veterans who served alongside Professor Pantridge to give our country a better future. We commemorate them for their fortitude and invincible courage.” Professor Pantridge grew up in Hillsborough. He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant in WW2 and was awarded a Military Cross during the Fall of Singapore when he became a POW. He returned to Northern Ireland in 1950 and transformed medical history with his invention of the portable defibrillator. In 1990, Professor Pantridge was awarded the honour of Freeman of the Borough by what was then Lisburn Borough Council. It is the highest honour the council can bestow and was given for his contribution to worldwide mobile coronary care. For more information, please see the Council's article by clicking here. The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, has written to Major John Pinkerton, TD, DL, to wish him a very happy 75th birthday. John retires today as a Deputy Lieutenant of County Antrim having served for over 4 years. He was appointed in 2016 by Mrs Joan Christie, CVO, OBE. John also served as High Sheriff of County Antrim in 2015.
The Lord-Lieutenant said "I would like to express my sincere thanks to John for his service and all he has done for the County. I send him my best wishes for a long and happy retirement". The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, and Mrs Julia Shirley, DL, represented the Lieutenancy at ceremonies to raise the red ensign for Merchant Navy Day in Larne and Newtownabbey respectively. The ceremonies were organised by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and attended by their respectives Mayors and other representatives from the Councils. In Larne, other special guests included Northern Ireland Executive Junior Minister Gordon Lyons MLA and the Port of Larne Harbour Master, Mr Stuart Wilson. The flag-raising ceremony took place and messages were read by the Lord-Lieutenant from the Earl of Wessex and the Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, PC. The annual event supports a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagpoles. |
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January 2021
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