Registrar retires after almost 50 years of service to Larne

A Larne council employee has brought the curtain down on almost 50 years of service to the community.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Jackie Tennant, who is a registrar for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has retired after a career in local government that commmenced in 1974.

Based in Smiley Buildings, Jackie has navigated her way through almost all of the departments in council. At the age of 20, she landed her first role as a receptionist with Larne Borough Council. Just three months later Jackie moved to Technical Services and became the deputy registrar of births, deaths and marriages in August 1974.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She spent two years there and then took up the position as finance secretary. After two years spent in finance Jackie tried her hand in the Leisure and Tourism department, which lasted just a few months, before she was appointed Town Clerk’s secretary. Jackie retained the duties of deputy registrar during these years.

Jackie Tennant on her last day as registrar with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.Jackie Tennant on her last day as registrar with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.
Jackie Tennant on her last day as registrar with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.

In August 1980 she became the registrar of births, deaths and marriages, after the post became vacant, and she has stayed there ever since.

Reflecting on her incredible career, Jackie said: “I have seen many changes over the years in the council with the biggest being the introduction of computers. When I first started we were using typewriters!

“The organisation has grown so much over the years; I have trouble trying to keep track of people’s names – although I recognise their face. Also, there are now policies for everything, back in 1974 we had nothing.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Mayor, Councillor, Peter Johnston, said: “As Council’s longest serving employee I want to take this opportunity to wish Jackie well on her retirement.

Rhonda McIlroy, Jackie Tennant, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and Juliet Coulter.Rhonda McIlroy, Jackie Tennant, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and Juliet Coulter.
Rhonda McIlroy, Jackie Tennant, the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and Juliet Coulter.

“The role of registrar, is an important one and for over 40 years Jackie has been there for some of the most important parts of people’s lives, showing compassion and dedication throughout.

“Jackie has a special place in the history of the council and we are extremely grateful for all her hard work over the years.”

--

Click here to read: Hundreds of loved-up couples say ‘I do’ in Mid and East Antrim

Jackie Tennant with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and council colleagues.Jackie Tennant with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and council colleagues.
Jackie Tennant with the Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston and council colleagues.

--

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.

Related topics: