Donaghadee

Alliance Local Government Manifesto for Ards and North Down launched

The Local Government elections are on May 2nd 2019. You already know what the Alliance Group has achieved over the past four years as it implemented an agenda of inclusiveness, diversity and transparency. But what do we hope to achieve in the next four years? How will your vote for an Alliance candidate affect the … Read moreAlliance Local Government Manifesto for Ards and North Down launched

Donaghadee Memorial to Lt WD Kenny VC to be protected against irresponsible dog owners

ppWilliam David Kenny (1899-1920) was born on 1st February 1899 in Saintfield, County Down, Ireland and he was the eldest child of John Joseph and Miriam Martha Kenny (nee Newton) who were married on 11th November 1896 in St Nicholas’s Parish Church of Ireland Church Carrickfergus. John Joseph Kenny from Saintfield was a son of William Kenny, a farmer. Miriam Martha Newton. A domestic servant from Green Street, Carrickfergus was a daughter of George Frederick Newton, a sea-captain. William was the oldest of three children with a sister Georgina Maria (born 1900) and brother Gerald Henry (born 1902). John Joseph Kenny was a Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary and for a time he was stationed in Donaghadee. Before that the family lived in the townland of Glenloughan, Scarva, Co Down and in Library Lane, Banbridge. William David Kenny was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant on 31st August 1918 and he was posted to the 4th Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles. A year later he was promoted Lieutenant and was killed in action on 2nd January 1920 during the Waziristan campaign. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. On 2nd January 1920 at Kot Kai, India, for over four hours, Lieutenant Kenny maintained his position, repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place, and repeatedly engaging the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His gallant leadership undoubtedly saved the situation and kept intact the right flank, on which depended the success of the operation and the safety of the troops in rear. In the subsequent withdrawal, recognising that a diversion was necessary to enable the withdrawal of the company, which was impeded by their wounded, with a handful of his men he turned back and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy, and, with the rest of his party, was killed fighting to the last. His VC was gazetted on 9th September 1920, and his parents were invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 2nd November 1920. On 6th May 1998, his VC, British War Medal 1914-20, and India General Service Medal 1908-35 with three clasps for Afghanistan 1919, Mahsud 1919-20 and Waziristan 1919-21 were sold at auction at Spinks, London for a hammer price of £52,000. They were purchased by Michael Ashcroft and are displayed in the Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum, London.

The relatives of Indian Army hero Lt WD Kenny VC have thanked those behind a scheme to protect a memorial to his achieving the Victoria Cross being “disrespected” by dog owners in Donaghadee. The inscribed stone commemorating Lieutenant W D Kenny VC is one of a number of similar VC momuments sited at locations throughout … Read moreDonaghadee Memorial to Lt WD Kenny VC to be protected against irresponsible dog owners

Gavin welcomes brilliant campaign to encourage voting in the local government elections

Gavin has welcomed a new campaign to explain the vital role of our 11 councils and to encourage people to vote in the local government elections on Thursday 2 May. “With the Brexit mess and the lack of progress from the DUP and Sinn Fein in Stormont, I completely understand that people are disengaged from … Read moreGavin welcomes brilliant campaign to encourage voting in the local government elections

Walker welcomes Consultation on Local Development Plan Preferred Options Paper

I am excited that Ards and North Down Borough Council has published its Local Development Plan Preferred Options Paper (POP) and is encouraging the local community to provide feedback to ensure that forthcoming strategies are a true reflection of local views. This is the first time we as a community have an opportunity to really … Read moreWalker welcomes Consultation on Local Development Plan Preferred Options Paper

Walker welcomes Copeland Gin to Donaghadee

Copeland Spirits

Brilliant news for Donaghadee today and I am really looking forward to welcoming Copeland Spirits to town! Following a thorough community consultation process, Co. Down company, Copeland Spirits, has confirmed that its planning application to develop a distillery and visitor centre in Donaghadee has been approved. The company’s move marks its 125-year commitment to the area, its … Read moreWalker welcomes Copeland Gin to Donaghadee

Why I’m fed up with inconsiderate dog owners

I am livid after the actions of irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to use it as a public toilet, has forced residents in Donaghadee to request the re-siting of the VC Memorial to Lieutenant WD Kenny. The Memorial is based on a template used without issue for all of the many similar VC … Read moreWhy I’m fed up with inconsiderate dog owners

Unionists refuse to support business in campaign against no-deal Brexit

At last weeks’ Council meeting, both the DUP and UUP refused to back my Motion that Council write to the Secretary of State confirming our support for our business community and its recent united voice against a no-deal Brexit. Instead, DUP and UUP Councillors chose to amend a simple Alliance motion of support for our … Read moreUnionists refuse to support business in campaign against no-deal Brexit

Unionists deny Ards and North Down residents have a right to a People’s Vote

Peoples vote

I was disappointed, but not surprised the idea of a People’s Vote on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations failed to garner enough support from other Ards and North Down Councillors with the DUP and UUP uniting to deny that we have a right to determine our own future. Yet again Ards and North Down … Read moreUnionists deny Ards and North Down residents have a right to a People’s Vote

Walker welcomes important step to Moat restoration

the moat

As Chair of the Donaghadee Town Steering Group I am thrilled about the Council’s decision to grant planning application to regenerate The Moat. The applications success will allow the retention of its iconic status within the town while adding it to Donaghadee’s growing tourism offering. This decision to grant planning permission to improve the surrounding … Read moreWalker welcomes important step to Moat restoration