Council support for remembrance event

ABC by-laws are going to be suspended on Saturday, June 8, to allow bereavement charity ‘Little Forget Me Nots’ to hold a remembrance event in memory of babies, children and unborn children whose lives were tragically cut short.

The request for by-laws to be suspended was made by Councillor Sarah Duffy at the recent monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council.

The Sinn Féin representative for Armagh DEA commented: “On behalf of the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, permission is sought to hold a small event on the [Armagh] Palace grounds on Saturday, June 8, to mark the new plaque in the Baby Lost Garden which I know many of the councillors across this chamber have worked hard to secure.

“This event will include a ‘thank you’ picnic for their members, and a reflection to remember the babies and the children who are sadly no longer with us.

“The group are not asking for any money from council, they will provide everything that is required. Their only request is to hold the event in the Palace grounds.

“The group have provided a copy of the public liability insurance to council and have confirmed that the only facility they wish to use is the baby garden. They will not be selling anything or collecting money in any way.

“It is expected that 30 of their members will attend from the hours of 12 midday until 2pm.

“Elected representatives will be invited to attend an hour before the event for photos and to meet with members of the group.

“It is requested the council by-laws are suspended on this occasion to allow this poignant event to go ahead.

“We look forward to bringing our whole community together for this meaningful celebration.”

Councillor Catherine Nelson (Sinn Féin, Craigavon DEA) said she was fully supportive of the request: “There is a request to suspend the by-laws that may need seconded, so I’m happy to second.”

Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon (SDLP, Armagh DEA) endorsed the request as well: “I think it’s something that council should be associated with, and as Councillor Duffy referred to, there are a number of councillors and former councillors who are heavily involved in securing that facility.

“I know it’s a very sensitive issue and it’s one that I know a lot of families will get a lot of solace out of.”