My late mother, Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE, had the privilege of serving as Lord Lieutenant for Country Antrim from 2008 until 2019.
Over the course of her tenure as Lord Lieutenant, she had the pleasure of meeting lots of incredible people but the part of the role that gave her the most joy was meeting with young people from across the County and Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey. She loved talking to the many wonderful young people that she met. Their enthusiasm, passion and aspiration left her feeling enthused and inspired.
My mother was deeply honoured by the Council’s decision to create a bursary scheme in her name. She was thrilled by the opportunities that the scheme would offer young people in the borough and, before her sudden passing in January 2023, she greatly enjoyed personally awarding bursaries to talented musicians, committed youth volunteers and schools delivering special education.
My family and I are delighted to continue our support for the scheme. The Joan Christie bursaries recognise her belief that the youth of the Borough represent the future. I’m confident that this investment into Co Antrim’s amazing young people will also act as a fitting legacy for everything she represented.