Sixty years and growing: Tree planting ceremony celebrates Ballykeel anniversary
Residents of Ballykeel in Ballymena celebrated the 60th anniversary of the estate with a special tree planting ceremony.
A Horn Beam tree, which keeps its leaves all year round and was supplied by the Housing Executive, has become a welcome addition to the area’s community garden.
Carolyn Crawford, the Housing Executive’s acting Area Manager for Mid and East Antrim, said:
“Ballykeel has grown into a thriving community over the last 60 years and we wanted to celebrate the area’s continued success.
“Working alongside Ballykeel 1 Moving Forward Community Group we donated the tree to mark 60 years since the estate was established.
“We’re proud to support the efforts of the community group, which has helped make Ballykeel a great place to live for so many people.”
Chris Bowyer, Chair at Ballykeel 1 Moving Forward Community Group, added:
“We owe a huge thanks to the Housing Executive’s maintenance team for helping us mark this special milestone for the Ballykeel estate.
“Not only will it celebrate this special anniversary, but it will also be a tree of remembrance for all casualties of conflict.
“Planting the tree near our mural commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings has really enhanced the area and we’re looking forward to seeing it grow and flourish alongside our wonderful community.”