Outgoing Mayor looks back on ‘a good year’

It has been a busy and challenging year for Lisburn’s first citizen but Mr Heading said it has been “a good year”

Throughout the year Mr Heading has met groups from throughout the city, from young children to senior citizens. He has attended numerous functions and welcomed many dignitaries to the city, including the Princess Royal, the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the US Consul.

“It has been a good year,” said Mr Heading. “While there have been a number of challenges, it has been an education and I have met people who don’t get recognised for all the hours of hard work they put into the voluntary sector here.”

Mr Heading said it is the small things that have touched him during his term in office, as much as the big events such as the Mayor’s Carnival Parade. “Simple things really stuck out for me,” he continued. “For example, going to the Autism NI summer scheme, meeting parents from Knockmore, speaking to council workers on the day of action in November.”

Mr Heading was also delighted to support his chosen charity for the year - Lisburn 2Gether Special Olympics.

When he came into office, Mr Heading said he was keen to promote and strengthen cross community links in Lisburn. “At the beginning of the year I wanted to work on improving community relations and I think I have done the best I could within my twelve months in office. I received invites from churches of all denominations and attended as many events as I could.

“I have a personal interest in Irish history and was pleased to receive an invitation from the Orange Historical Society to attend their lecture on the Ulster Convenant. I also attended Irish language events during Community Relations Week,” he added.

As his year draws to a close Mr Heading said he would like to thank his family for their support during the year. He has also offered his thanks to the Deputy Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, for his help over the last twelve months.

As Mr Heading steps down, he offered a parting thought. “I think it is about time that the most senior positions on the council were rotated amongst all of the political parties,” he said. “Lisburn is a flourishing, progressive community and the council should reflect that.”