That this House congratulates Ards Shopping Centre in Newtownards on celebrating its historic 50th anniversary landmark; notes that since officially opening its doors in June 1976 as Northern Ireland’s very first hypermarket, anchored by the iconic and fondly remembered Woolco, it has stood as a progressive, premier retail destination for the people of the Ards Peninsula and the wider County Down region; commends the centre’s ongoing dedication to serving the local community by remaining a vibrant hub for commerce, employment, family days out, and social connection; highlights its successful modern evolution into a bustling retail complex hosting vital community anchors like Asda, Primark, and TK Maxx; and wishes the management team, centre staff, retailers, and the entire shopping community of Newtownards continued growth, success, and prosperity for the next fifty years.

That this House congratulates Ards Shopping Centre in Newtownards on celebrating its historic 50th anniversary landmark; notes that since officially opening its doors in June 1976 as Northern Ireland’s very first hypermarket, anchored by the iconic and fondly remembered Woolco, it has stood as a progressive, premier retail destination for...

That this House congratulates the congregation of Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church on the occasion of their 100th anniversary; commends the dedicated spiritual leadership of their minister, Reverend Andras Gilicze; pays tribute to the vital role the church plays across the Ards Peninsula through vibrant local initiatives, including the thriving Carrowdore Girls' Brigade; and expresses its sincere gratitude for the congregation's century-long commitment to supporting local families, nurturing young people, and spreading the love of God throughout the community.

That this House congratulates the congregation of Carrowdore and Ballyfrenis Presbyterian Church on the occasion of their 100th anniversary; commends the dedicated spiritual leadership of their minister, Reverend Andras Gilicze; pays tribute to the vital role the church plays across the Ards Peninsula through vibrant local initiatives, including the thriving...

That this House celebrates the success of Armed Forces Day in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford last Saturday 21 June 2025, that took place from 10am-5pm in Ards Airfield; notes the day kicked off with an official armed forces parade, featuring bands, pipes and drums of the Royal Irish Regiment alongside a display of the Red Arrows, the C47 Dakota and the Falcons; highlights the strong community engagement and how the event aims to honour those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces; underlines the success of this event with over 60,000 attendees and that this will go down in history as a day to remember; thanks the Armed Forces, Ards and North Down Borough Council and Eventsec for their work in making the day a success and also the general public for coming out in their thousands to support our wonderful Armed Forces.

That this House celebrates the success of Armed Forces Day in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford last Saturday 21 June 2025, that took place from 10am-5pm in Ards Airfield; notes the day kicked off with an official armed forces parade, featuring bands, pipes and drums of the Royal Irish...

That this House celebrates 50 years of Community Advice Newtownards, formerly Citizens Advice, in Strangford constituency; notes that Community Advice has been instrumental in the local community for providing practical and reliable information to help residents with their problems; highlights the large range of topics Community Advice are able to assist with, which can range from parking tickets to support with benefit forms, and that this advice is free, independent, impartial and for everyone; and thanks Community advice and their incredible staff for all they do to serve the people of Newtownards and surrounding areas and wishes them all the very best for the future.

That this House celebrates 50 years of Community Advice Newtownards, formerly Citizens Advice, in Strangford constituency; notes that Community Advice has been instrumental in the local community for providing practical and reliable information to help residents with their problems; highlights the large range of topics Community Advice are able to...

That this House celebrates 20 years of Patton's Bakery, opened in 2004 by Warren Patton in a small rented premises in Newtownards; notes the tremendous expansion of the business with dozens of staff and delivery vans; highlights that, in 2015, they won Best Family Business at the then-Ards Borough Council Business Awards, and Manager of the Year at the same awards; underlines that, in 2017, they were also named spar supplier of the year, as the business continued to grow; wishes the family all the best and a very successful future; and thanks them for their contribution to local hospitality in Northern Ireland.

That this House celebrates 20 years of Patton's Bakery, opened in 2004 by Warren Patton in a small rented premises in Newtownards; notes the tremendous expansion of the business with dozens of staff and delivery vans; highlights that, in 2015, they won Best Family Business at the then-Ards Borough Council...

That this House notes the milestone anniversary of Newtownards RBP No 290, celebrating 125 years; highlights the preceptory as part of Newtownards Royal Black District Chapter No. 11, which was instituted in 1913 and that Newtownards District Chapter was formed by two preceptories which had been affiliated to City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter but the District now consists of thirteen preceptories which meet regularly at locations throughout Strangford and North Down, including the Ards Peninsula; thanks all District Officers for their efforts in ensuring this year's Black Parade celebrations went off successfully; and wishes each preceptory all the best for the future.

That this House notes the milestone anniversary of Newtownards RBP No 290, celebrating 125 years; highlights the preceptory as part of Newtownards Royal Black District Chapter No. 11, which was instituted in 1913 and that Newtownards District Chapter was formed by two preceptories which had been affiliated to City of...

That this House celebrates the 175th anniversary of Glastry Methodist Church, with celebrations taking place in Bangor City Hall; notes the history of the church, whose roots date back to 1848 on land owned by William Shaw of Red Bay Farm, that brought together two congregations in Glastry and Portaferry; highlights that the foundation stones are still clearly in the church porch; underlines the ongoing service of the church to the local community; and wishes the church many more years of well wishes.

That this House celebrates the 175th anniversary of Glastry Methodist Church, with celebrations taking place in Bangor City Hall; notes the history of the church, whose roots date back to 1848 on land owned by William Shaw of Red Bay Farm, that brought together two congregations in Glastry and Portaferry;...

That this House celebrates 100 years of Menarys Retail across Northern Ireland in particular 38 years of business in the local Menarys of Newtownards; highlights that the family-run company of Joseph Alexander, the Great-Great uncle of the existing owners, opened Alexanders as a local Draper in Dungannon; notes that Joe’s nephew, Brian McCammon, took over the business in 1968 and began his expansion plans with the purchase of Menarys Bros in Lisburn in 1979; further notes as locations grew the business was rebranded as Menarys and continued expansion throughout the between the 1980s and the 2000s when Brian’s 3 sons: Peter, Stephen and Philip come into the business and take over operations; further highlights the work of the 200 staff that are employed and 60 of those have been with the business long term; wishes the local Menarys teams all the best for their continued success; and thanks them for their contributions to the local economy of Newtownards and beyond.

That this House celebrates 100 years of Menarys Retail across Northern Ireland in particular 38 years of business in the local Menarys of Newtownards; highlights that the family-run company of Joseph Alexander, the Great-Great uncle of the existing owners, opened Alexanders as a local Draper in Dungannon; notes that Joe’s...

That this House notes the 45th anniversary of Nationwide Building Society serving the town of Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; highlights the staff and the efforts they make to ensure that customers of all ages have access to cash and advice regarding all types of accounts, ISAs and bonds; thanks the staff for all of their great work within the town and for the decision to keep a physical branch in this town; and wishes them all the best for their future.

That this House notes the 45th anniversary of Nationwide Building Society serving the town of Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; highlights the staff and the efforts they make to ensure that customers of all ages have access to cash and advice regarding all types of accounts, ISAs and bonds;...

That this House notes the 110th anniversary of Rice's Bar in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; further notes the opening of the bar in 1913 by Samuel Rice, four generations of his family have not only ran the bar, but have been brought up on the top floor, sharing their home with hundreds of people over the years; highlights the pub currently being ran by Mother and Daughter, Roisin and Margaret, following the death of Roisin's husband Brendan, the third generation of Rice sons and ably assisted by their wonderful family unit; further highlights the wonderful familial and community spirit held within the bar and that so many see it as a home, with the warm and comforting environment of the family; sincerely thanks the Rice's for their contribution to the local Newtownards economy; and wishes the Bar and family nothing but the best for their future in the hospitality industry.

That this House notes the 110th anniversary of Rice's Bar in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; further notes the opening of the bar in 1913 by Samuel Rice, four generations of his family have not only ran the bar, but have been brought up on the top floor, sharing...

That this House celebrates 145 years of the opening of the alter of St Patrick's Church Newtownards in Strangford and the dedication which took place this month; further notes the original opening of the Church on 24 October 1877 by Bishop Dorrian and the generosity of Lady Londonderry, who financed the whole project as an expression of her deep faith; underlines the goal of the Church as outlined in their celebratory literature as to inspire not just this generation but future generations to come to faith; highlights the power of prayer and love in a world of such rapid cultural change and celebrates the Churches efforts to bring healing, renewal and a reawakening of faith; and sincerely wishes St Patrick's Church and its parishioners all the best for the future.

That this House celebrates 145 years of the opening of the alter of St Patrick's Church Newtownards in Strangford and the dedication which took place this month; further notes the original opening of the Church on 24 October 1877 by Bishop Dorrian and the generosity of Lady Londonderry, who financed...

That this House notes the 145th anniversary of local department store, Wardens of Newtownards; congratulates the wider Wardens family and Helen Campbell on its anniversary and thanks them for their tireless drive to be relevant and modern, providing high quality goods at a good price and remaining a staple of the thriving Newtownards High Street; and further thanks every member of staff, from longest serving Nigel Edmund to the fresh starts, wishing them every success for another 145 years of dependable community focused retail in Newtownards.

That this House notes the 145th anniversary of local department store, Wardens of Newtownards; congratulates the wider Wardens family and Helen Campbell on its anniversary and thanks them for their tireless drive to be relevant and modern, providing high quality goods at a good price and remaining a staple of...

That this House congratulates Greenwell Street Presbyterian on reaching their 150th anniversary of spreading the Gospel of Christ and making a difference to the lives of people in Newtownards; wishes them all the best as they continue to show the love of God in a practical way to the local community; thanks the Minister Rev McCauley and his Session for the hard work they put in for the glory of God; and wishes them God's richest blessing on the future of their ministry in Newtownards.

That this House congratulates Greenwell Street Presbyterian on reaching their 150th anniversary of spreading the Gospel of Christ and making a difference to the lives of people in Newtownards; wishes them all the best as they continue to show the love of God in a practical way to the local...