Mayor hosts Poppy Appeal breakfast in Carrickfergus

A charity breakfast has been held in Carrickfergus Town Hall in support of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

Hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Billy Ashe, the fundraiser was organised in conjunction with Carrickfergus branch of the RBL.

Mr Ashe, said: “In November the whole community has the opportunity to recall the service and all too often, the sacrifice, of those who served to protect our freedom.

“I welcomed the opportunity to support the local Royal British Legion branch.”

Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim Joan Christie OBE was guest of honour along with George Horner, president Carrickfergus RBL, who spoke about the vital importance of the Poppy Fund to ex-service personnel and their families. Also in attendance was the Deputy Mayor of MEA, Cllr Timothy Gaston and Cllr Thomas Hogg, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Reverend Sam Grant, the mayor’s chaplain, led prayers.

Meanwhile, at 11am on Armistice Day, a two-minute silence was observed by veterans and members of the community at the Big Lamp in Carrick’s Market Place. A similar act of remembrance took place at Whitehead war memorial.