Celebrating Belonging in Ards and North Down: Local Artist and Businesses Support Mayor's Charities

The Mayor of Ards and North Down has unveiled a new artwork created to help celebrate the theme of her Mayoral year: Belonging. The theme reflects a commitment to nurturing a Borough where every resident is valued equally, where people feel proud of their local identity, and where everyone shares a responsibility to care for our landscape, our towns and villages, and - most importantly - one another.

This year's Mayor's charities - St Vincent de Paul, North Down and Ards Women's Aid, and Orchardville - reflect and complement that theme.

Donaghadee artist Deborah Robinson has lovingly created a special image to celebrate Belonging, and has generously gifted its use for fundraising. As part of these efforts, beautiful Sea Salt & Driftwood hand-poured candles by local Bangor-based Bespoke Candles feature the illustration.

A beautiful blend of local talent, creativity, and community spirit.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Gillian McCollum said:
"I am incredibly grateful to Deborah Robinson for creating such a thoughtful and meaningful piece of art that captures the essence of Belonging in our Borough. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the great team at Bespoke Candles, who have so generously supported and engaged with us to make this possible."

Proceeds from sales of the limited-edition candles will go towards the Mayor's charities, and are available for purchase in North Down Museum, Ards Arts Centre and from the Mayor's Office, City Hall, Bangor.

Photo caption - The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum with Pat & Caoimhe Duggan, Bespoke Candles and Artist, Deborah Robinson.