75 years of service: Robin Swann leads Westminster tribute to St John Ambulance Antrim
South Antrim MP Robin Swann during a visit to meet the volunteers of St John Ambulance in Antrim last year.
Monday 28 September 2026
St John Ambulance volunteers in Antrim have had 75 years of service to their community formally recognised at Westminster, with South Antrim MP Robin Swann tabling a parliamentary motion marking the milestone.
The Antrim unit, founded in 1951, has provided generations of first aid cover, emergency support and community care across the town and wider area.
The Early Day Motion, tabled in the House of Commons on 7 September, also welcomes the recent opening of a permanent home for the unit in Antrim — securing a base from which its volunteers can continue their work in the years ahead.
Three quarters of a century of volunteering
South Antrim MP Robin Swann during a visit to meet the volunteers of St John Ambulance in Antrim last year.
Mr Swann said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise both current members and the generations of volunteers who have served the community since the unit was established.
“For three quarters of a century, whether providing vital first aid cover at local events or assisting during emergency situations, their presence has been a constant source of reassurance.
“I want to express my deepest thanks to every volunteer, past and present, who has been part of this legacy.”
The South Antrim MP is due to join members of the unit on 5 October to mark the anniversary in person.
“I am very much looking forward to joining the unit on 5th October to celebrate their 75th anniversary in person and thank them directly for 75 years of service to the Antrim area.”
Antrim volunteers recognised in Parliament
Mr Swann’s Early Day Motion celebrates the unit’s 75th anniversary and commends the “generations of dedicated volunteers” who have provided first aid coverage, emergency support and community care since 1951.
It also welcomes the opening of the unit’s permanent base and records Parliament’s gratitude to past and present members for their “selfless service and devotion to saving lives and supporting the local community”.
The motion, EDM 756, was tabled by Mr Swann as its primary sponsor and has also attracted support from MPs Jim Allister and Jim Shannon.
For the volunteers who have given their time across seven and a half decades, the parliamentary recognition comes as the Antrim unit begins its next chapter from a permanent home — with its 75th anniversary celebrations set to continue on 5 October.
