I will be a cut above my colleagues in the council

I will be a cut above my colleagues in the council

15 November 2017

ROWALLANE councillor Billy Walker has lost his flowing locks in the name of charity.

The local politician had his head shaved last Friday night and raised £830 for Killyleagh Community Association which is currently putting the finishing touches to next month’s Christmas festival. 

However, the DUP declined to lose his trademark, and much cherished moustache, refusing an offer of an additional £50 to have it shaved off.

While councillor Walker admits he could have chosen to have his head shaved during the summer, he wanted to to go ahead with the charity event last weekend — just as winter started to take its grip — to show his appreciation for the work of the community group.

The Smugglers Table in Killyleagh was the venue for last Friday night’s fundraiser and the honour of shaving the politician’s head went to Wendy Reid from East Belfast who pledged the most money.

“I last had my head shaved over 40 years ago and I did feel the cold after my hair was shaved off last weekend,” he said. “I have no doubt it won’t take that long to grow back and while it was great fun to take part in the weekend event, the most important thing was the terrific amount of money the event raised for the community group. 

Councillor Walker said the Killyleagh group is exactly the kind of organisation the town needs and is not only delighted with the progress it has made, but the enthusiasm and commitment of its members who have the interests of the town and its people at heart.

He said he cannot thank enough all those who donated money for his head shave and while he has joked it hasn’t helped his good looks, he is confident his hair will grow back.

“My new look ensures I will be a cut above the rest of my colleagues in the local council debating chamber and while I wasn’t hard to miss before, my new look will certainly make me stand out in the crowd,” he joked.

“But I think I will have to ask Santa for a new hat to get me through the rest of the winter and will also save a few quid on hair cuts over the next few months as well. It was a fun night last Friday and am thrilled I have been able to raise so much for the community group.”

Councillor Walker added: “Thanks to the Smugglers Table for hosting the event and to everyone who made a donation. I am very grateful for all the support to help an organisation which I have no doubt will play an increasingly important role in the life of the town in the months and years to come.”