Jackie Tennant, who is a Registrar for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, has retired after an incredible 47 years’ of service to the local community.
Jackie, who is based in Smiley Buildings, Larne has navigated her way through almost all of the departments in Council throughout her career.
On the 1 April 1974, 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 the August of 1974.
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.
In August 1980 she became the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, after the post became vacant, and she has stayed there ever since.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor, Peter Johnston, said: “As Councils longest serving employee I want to take this opportunity to wish Jackie well on her retirement.
“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.”
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.”