Somme centenary programme launched

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have launched their Somme Centenary programme with a number of events running from July until November, ranging from exhibitions to theatre performances.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have launched their events programme to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme taking place between July and November.  
Mayor, Cllr Thomas Hogg is joined by Ald Frazer Agnew MBE, Chair of Somme Working Group, Billy Snoddy, Vice Chair of Somme Working Group, Deputy Mayor, John Blair and Elected Members (l-r) Cllr Michael Maguire, Cllr Mervyn Rea MBE, Cllr Stephen Ross, Cllr Philip Brett, CentenaryCllr Jim Montgomery, Cllr Brian Duffin, Cllr Billy Webb MBE JP.Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have launched their events programme to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme taking place between July and November.  
Mayor, Cllr Thomas Hogg is joined by Ald Frazer Agnew MBE, Chair of Somme Working Group, Billy Snoddy, Vice Chair of Somme Working Group, Deputy Mayor, John Blair and Elected Members (l-r) Cllr Michael Maguire, Cllr Mervyn Rea MBE, Cllr Stephen Ross, Cllr Philip Brett, CentenaryCllr Jim Montgomery, Cllr Brian Duffin, Cllr Billy Webb MBE JP.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have launched their events programme to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme taking place between July and November. Mayor, Cllr Thomas Hogg is joined by Ald Frazer Agnew MBE, Chair of Somme Working Group, Billy Snoddy, Vice Chair of Somme Working Group, Deputy Mayor, John Blair and Elected Members (l-r) Cllr Michael Maguire, Cllr Mervyn Rea MBE, Cllr Stephen Ross, Cllr Philip Brett, CentenaryCllr Jim Montgomery, Cllr Brian Duffin, Cllr Billy Webb MBE JP.

A community grant fund was available for local groups who wanted to organise their own commemorative events.

Thirteen local groups were awarded this funding and received their certificates at the launch.

Local school children were also involved in a competition designing an image to be included in the commemorative booklet being produced to promote the programme.

Templepatrick Primary School P7 pupil Christina Jenkins was the lucky winner and her drawing will feature in the centre pages of the booklet.

The centenary of the Battle of the Somme has significant resonance locally, given the huge numbers of men from all parts of Ireland who served in the British Army and the many lives that were lost.

Many men from what is now Antrim and Newtownabbey, volunteered themselves for the war effort and served with great distinction; both at the Battle of the Somme and elsewhere during World War One. It is right and proper that we should honour their sacrifice.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg, said: “The council programme aims to educate, inform and promote understanding of this historical event and the impact it had for the people of our borough.

“I invite all of our residents to engage with the inclusive programme of events and activities and remember the sacrifice made at the Battle of the Somme.”

For a full listing of events please visit the website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk