Slideshow: Home-Start 25th anniversary celebrations

The driving force behind Home-Start in Antrim Margaret Thompson (centre) receives presentation from chairman Philip Scott and volunteer Eileen Emerson at last week's 25th anniversary celebrations in the Old Courthouse. INBT 41-128JC

A special ceremony was held last Friday in the Old Courthouse, celebrating the initiative which has been spear-headed from the start by local woman Margaret Thompson.

Local MP Danny Kinahan was in attendance at the event and praised Margaret for the “excellent” work Home-Start has achieved in the past 25 years.

Speaking after the event, Mr Kinahan said: “I am genuinely honoured to have been asked to speak at this years Home-Start AGM, particularly to celebrate their 25th year in Antrim and the upcoming retirement of Margaret Thompson.”

“I have always admired the life changing work of Home-Start and hearing how for those present Home-Start has changed lives and how it has made such a positive contribution to Antrim, is simply fantastic.

“Being there, listening to the stories and seeing how Home-Start has evolved over the years has reinforced the important role such groups play in addressing need, both physical and emotional.

“They really deserve recognition for their work, from the volunteers working with families and running groups to those trustees, who volunteer their time and skills to ensure the legal and professional requirement of being a charity are met.

“I was also very pleased that I had the opportunity to personally thank Margaret Thompson for her work. Now that she is retiring I know she will be missed. She truly has been an asset to Antrim and I wish her a happy retirement.”