MAYORAL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE

The Mayor who took her seat as First Citizen of Derry and Strabane in June has had a fairly hectic schedule with daily events, activities and meetings with people from all walks of life keeping her well occupied.

‘It has been a delight to represent the city and district as Mayor and while it has been non-stop for the past few months, I’ve found it very enjoyable and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I will admit that I am very much looking forward to the break. With regards to my Christmas plans I will be attending church on Christmas morning and will be enjoying a few less structured days to spend time with my family.

“I particularly love the days just after Christmas when the pressure is off and I can just relax without clock watching.

“Christmas is a very special time for me and my family and I think we should all remember the religious significance of this time of year and bear in mind that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’.

“When we ask ourselves why we celebrate Christmas each year, remember that it is out of gratitude for what God did for us. We remember His birth by giving each other gifts, worshipping Him and being especially conscious of those less fortunate which is why I’ve encouraged the public to take part in events such as the Christmas Jumper World Record, which will benefit many worthwhile charities and to host events throughout the year to support my chosen charities this year – Action Cancer and the Tear Fund.’

The Mayor has carried out quite a number of ceremonial duties and has chaired many of the meetings of Council but her key role and that which she has enjoyed most has been meeting with local people across the Council area and representing the city and district.

‘I am privileged to have met with so many groups and individuals from all over the district and also people from different countries as I’ve travelled and welcomed visitors to our Council area. A recent highlight for me has been my visits to local care homes in the weeks running up to Christmas. I’ve met some great characters and have been humbled by the experience as it reminded me that not everyone is looking forward to Christmas but that in even the saddest of situations like homelessness, illness, loneliness and bereavement we can take comfort and find some form of joy, may it be in kindness, a listening ear or in friendship.

‘Being in my position as Mayor I regularly meet with great people who work so hard helping those in need and offering them support. Earlier this month I met with members of the homeless community and have hosted lunch for homeless people, where I learned more about the issues that affect their daily lives and think it is important that we all recognise this hard work that takes place on the ground by local people and charities and offer them our support where possible.

‘All the people I have met over the past few months have been very good natured and cordial, making me feel very welcome and accepted by all communities throughout Londonderry, Strabane and the rural areas. For the tremendous support and encouragement from the beginning of my term that they have given me, I am truly grateful and hope I have served them well to date.

‘I will be hosting a special Choral Gathering event on Thursday 22nd December. It is something I am really looking forward to and I hope it will reflect the true Christmas spirit as it brings together people from all over our city and district, so I’m asking everyone to come along and join in with this event. The choirs performing will represent our unity as a district as the make their way from Strabane, the Waterside and various areas throughout the city for a united performance on the City Walls and culminating with a choral gathering in the Guildhall.’

With the new Council which formed in April 2015, now fully established, the Mayor and Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie have been keen to showcase the new city and district and its business potential to help develop the local economy and secure the district as the go to place for business. In doing so they met with political and business leaders from throughout the world. Following a recent trip to Boston where the Mayor joined civic leaders, businesses and officials from the North West in the largest ever delegation to Boston, Massachusetts, the local area was positively received by investors in America.

The Mayor said, ‘The Boston trip led by myself and the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Terence Slowey saw seventeen businesses from across the North West region participate in an overseas trade mission with a view to expanding or further expanding our business in the US market. We found this collaborative approach with Donegal County Council worked very well and proved to be very beneficial. As our current regeneration projects are progressing, doors are beginning to open for us as we present what we have to offer to big investors. This is part of Council’s continual work and something that I will remain supportive and involved with once my time as Mayors comes to an end. I fully believe we have everything to offer the world and we should make sure they know it.

‘Looking back over the past year I am proud to have been involved in many initiatives and campaigns that have brought our area to light. Our European Youth Capital 2019 bid for one brought our young people to the forefront of politics. The work they and the bid team put into the campaign and presented to a European audience is promotion you cannot buy. We showed the world we are a city of culture and a top five winner in terms of being a European Youth capital. This is something we will use to our advantage and take forward into 2017. Our youth should expect great things to come in 2017 as we continue to invest in our young people and give them their time to shine.

‘I have had great fun at the ever popular monthly tea dances at the Guildhall too, I’d like to thank our older people for coming along, supporting my charities and enjoying themselves. There has been so many events I’ve been lucky to attend such as our famous Halloween celebrations and Summer Jamm in Strabane but my personal favourite has to be the Foyle Maritime Festival and the return of the Clipper Race. Seeing so many visitors arrive in the city and how our quayside walk along the Foyle was transformed was very exciting and motivating in terms of what we can offer people. Despite narrowly missing the top spot, Team Derry~Londonderry~Doire did a great job and it was our pleasure to sponsor the crew and host the teams during their stopover.’
The Mayor was keen to reassure rate payer’s that Council is committed to ensuring their money is invested wisely and that any decisions by Council are made with their best interests and that of the area. She continued that the future looks bright for the city and district and with work progressing on building our local economy and securing further investment in our infrastructure and regeneration that she is fully confident that there is a lot to look forward to in 2017.

‘As Mayor and speaking on behalf of Council we are collectively committed to providing strong leadership and partnerships with key agencies and figures in pushing Londonderry, Strabane and the entire North West region to the fore. Thus, ensuring we get our fair share of inward investment and government funding to complete regeneration of key sites and improvements to our infrastructure.

‘Looking ahead to 2017 I’d ask everyone to play their part in promoting our city and district. As a business and tourist destination we have so much to offer from first class hotels to what is now our treasure, our unique history. We should be proud of what we have, who we are and what we can offer the world. People make a place and together we can make our place even better, together.’

While wishing everyone joy, peace and love over the festive period, The Mayor added, ‘I feel truly honoured to be in this position and have really enjoy meeting people and learning more about the important work that is being carried out by people outside of Council. I have had the opportunity to attend some wonderful events, performances and functions. In doing so I have visited lots of local community groups and believe strongly in the importance of our community planning process and how it can benefit these communities. I would urge everyone in 2017 to become more involved in the community planning process and be part of the decision making process for your area.

“Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to each and every one of you and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. I look forward to continuing my Mayoral year with your assistance and support and remain committed to representing our city and district in the New Year.’