Irish construction firm Patton has celebrated its centenary with a community ‘Picnic in the Park’.

Patton employees and their families joined with members of the local community at Houston’s Mill in Broughshane village in a special event attended by over 150 people on Saturday 22nd September.

With the weather on our side, the community dined al fresco in the park and enjoyed music from the Ulster Orchestra’s Brass Quintet throughout the afternoon.

The kids enjoyed an array of activities including having their faces painted, balloon modelling and a special magic show.

Organisers were overwhelmed with entries for the ‘Big Bake Off’ competition in which everyone was invited to showcase their culinary talents and bring along their baked goods to be judged by Ireland’s good food ambassador Jenny Bristow. Jenny was extremely impressed with the standard of tasty delights on offer and presented four entrants with prizes for their outstanding effort.

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Patton Chairman, Neil Patton, welcomed guests including employees and their families, community groups and Ballymena’s Mayor Alderman P.J. McAvoy.

He said: "We were delighted to join with friends and colleagues to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and indulge in the spirit of the community. As a company, and in line with our DNA community strategy, we continue to strengthen our relationship with the community and show our commitment to creating a positive influence. Our partnership with the Ulster Orchestra continues to be an important element in maintaining this strategy and promoting our engagement with the local community and the arts."

Tracy Marshall, Head of Development at the Ulster Orchestra, said: "Patton has been supporting the Ulster Orchestra for many years through annual concert sponsorship, community focused activities, outreach projects and education work. Their commitment to us and their ongoing partnership is of vital importance to the Orchestra and we value it greatly. Our joint event in Broughshane, with the support of Arts and Business, was one of the highlights of this partnership and it was a privilege to attend it."

This project was made possible by the Arts & Business Northern Ireland Investment Programme.