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Ulster Women's Unionist Council Committee:
Patron: Mrs Betty Cowan
President: Mrs Shelah Wilson MBE JP
Chairman: Mrs May Steele MBE JP
Vice Chairman: Miss Ellie Henderson
Organising Secretary: Mrs Gladys Hutchieson
Hon Treasurer: Mrs Avril Swann
UWUC Summer Garden Evening:
A summer Garden Evening was held at the home of Cllr Leslie Cree MLA and his wife Irene. This was a most enjoyable event which included a Garden Quiz, ballot and coffee evening. The beautiful garden has a number of exotic features, many of which are of an historic nature and the Quiz certainly tested the participants.
For once the weather was good so if the answers took time to work out this was compensated by the lovely summer evening down in Bangor.
UWUC Summer Barbeque Pictures:
The Summer Barbecue was held on Saturday 23rd June 2007 at Brookhall Historic Farm, Mageragall, Lisburn. The support was tremendous and Sam and Pauline Johnston opened up their restored historic building which was great as the weather deteriorated. The rain, though, did not stop people walking around to view the antique farm equipment and the grounds of the historic farm. Councillor George Shiels did the entertainment which was appreciated as he brought some mid-Ulster humour to the gathering.
Everyone agreed this was a most enjoyable evening – good food, good company and good fun!
Councillor George Shields entertaining the gathering
Gladys Hutchieson, UWUC Organising Secretary, Leslie Cree MLA and Irene Cree in the background, and Joanie Elliott taking a welcome rest from serving the food
Councillor Danny Kinahan with his children Mia and Hugo
Betty Cowan, UWUC Patron on left of picture with friends
May Steele UWUC Chairman and Ellie Henderson UWUC Vice Chairman
Coffee Morning 2006:
The UWUC Coffee Morning was held this year on 1st December at Cunningham House when Sir Reg Empey, leader of the Party, drew the Christmas ballot. Sir Reg commended the ladies on their hard work for the Party during the year.
Sir Reg Empey, Avril Swann UWUC Hon Treasurer, Gladys Hutchieson UWUC Secretary and May Steele UWUC Chairperson at the Christmas Coffee Morning
Nancy Armstrong, Agnes Molyneaux and Irene Cree at the Christmas Coffee Morning Sale
Jean Henderson and Kathleen Smith at the Christmas Coffee morning
Charity Event 2006:
The UWUC held its annual Charity event on 8th November 2006 at Cunningham House, which this year was in aid of Arthritis Care (NI). Miss Linda Jackson, who represented the Charity, gave an interesting and enlightening talk on the work of Arthritis Care (NI). This was followed by a question and answer session following which a cheque was handed over to support their work.
Mrs Joan Carson, Party Officer, presenting a cheque to Miss Linda Jackson. Also pictured are Mrs May Steele, UWUC Chairperson and Mrs Shelah Wilson, UWUC President
UWUC Summer Outing 2006:
The UWUC visited Hillsborough Castle this year. Following the pattern set in previous years, a place of historic interest was chosen as the ladies feel there is so much of local interest in Northern Ireland that many people take for granted simply because it is on our doorstep. The tour of the Castle itself was enlightening as there were plenty of portraits and pictures of historic events. It was a beautiful summer’s day and the ladies were able to walk about and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Hillsborough Castle as well as do some shopping in the picturesque town before ending the day with a meal in The Plough Restaurant.
UWUC Summer Outing 2006 to Hillsborough Castle
From left: Joanie Elliott, Shelah Wilson MBE JP (UWUC President), Aubrine Willis
UWUC congratulate Lord Trimble on elevation to the Peerage:
At their meeting this week the UWUC agreed to write to Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey to congratulate him on his elevation to the House of Lords. They added that they were pleased for him and for their good friend and member Daphne Trimble, and wished them both all the very best for the future."
The UWUC run a Range of Activities:
The Ulster Women's Unionist Council has played an important part in the political life of the Ulster Unionist Party over the years. We endeavour to have political speakers at our meetings; take part in Conference debates and support training for women in politics.
We are supportive of the Party Leadership and our position on the Council and Party Executive ensure that we play a full and active role in the political life of the Party.
We run a number of events which include supporting a charity of our choice, holding a Public Speaking Competition for Young People and Fund Raising events in support of the Party.
1. Bar-B-Q: This was held at Brookhall Historic Farm on three occasions. This is in a central position and is widely supported and a good opportunity for members to meet and bring friends along. Sam and Pauline Johnston, the proprietors, set a Trail quiz which is a challenge for children and adults and gives everyone an opportunity to see the animals and historic artefacts of the farm. Good fun for all!
UWUC Chairman May Steele, Rev. Dr. Robert Coulter and Robert Wilson with the Rt Hon David Trimble and wife Daphne Trimble at the UWUC Barbeque, Brookhall
2. The Edgar Graham Memorial Public Speaking Competition: This is an annual event for young people which is held in Cunningham House. The standard is always high and is considered to be a prestigious addition to a winner's CV. The Edgar Graham Memorial Public Speaking Competition was held again this year on 26th April in Cunningham House. This year's winner was Kathryn Rutherford, Grosvenor Grammar School, second was Peter Coulter, Ballymena Academy, and third was Laura Houston, Ballymena Academy. Jonathan McMaster, Grosvenor Grammar School and Sara Gracey, Friend's School Lisburn were highly commended. Molly Doran, Friend's School Lisburn was the most promising speaker.
Sir Reg Empey who presented the Prizes at the Edgar Graham Public Speaking Competition along with the Prize Winners, Mrs Gardiner (Adjudicator), Mrs Graham, Miss Ann Graham, Mrs May Steele, UWUC Chairman and Mrs Gladys Hutchieson, UWUC Secretary
Sir Reg Empey, Mrs Gardiner (Adjudicator) and Mrs Gladys Hutchieson (UWUC Secretary) at the Edgar Graham Memorial Public Speaking Event
Sir Reg Empey, Kathryn Rutherford, Winner of the Edgar Graham Memorial Public Speaking Competition, Mrs Gardiner (Adjudicator) and Mrs May Steele (UWUC Chairman)
3. Bus Run: This is an annual event and is open to members and their friends. We visit a different place in the Province every year to take in different branch areas and have an evening meal in a hotel which gives the local branch the opportunity to meet members from across the Province.
Our last bus run was held on Wednesday 3rd August 2005 to the Linen Green, Dungannon and then a visit to Palace Demesne, Armagh, where we had a very interesting tour kindly arranged by Cllr Sylvia McRoberts, followed by an evening meal in the Belmont Court Hotel, Banbridge.
4. Charity Event: This is an annual event when a key member from a chosen Charity comes along to our Council meeting, meets the leadies and talks about their Charity. The Charity representative usually brings along items for sale. This, along with our donation, provides valuable revenue for the Charity.
This year's Guest Speaker was Mrs R Hassan. Mrs Hassan spokes of Rural NI & South Armagh where there was a good unionist following. She spoke of a new group formed called SAVER/NAVER. This group was established in 2000 to bring relief and support to victims of the troubles in South and North Armagh and Mid Ulster who were suffering hardship and distress. They call themselves survivors now and not victims and they help support each other to remove fear and restore confidence.
Mrs Hassan gave some account of the dreadful past - 68 murders in all and how many families were affected. The SAVER/NAVER group were able to buy a house called Bingham House in Markethill and were delighted with the donations and support they received.
Mrs Hassan answered many questions from the floor. A vote of thanks was made by Mrs Joan Carson. It was also proposed by the ladies that a sum of money (raised by the sale) would be given to Mrs Hassan's SAVER/NAVER group which they thought was a very good cause.
5. Coffee Morning: This is an annual event held at Cunningham House. It is our final event of the year and is usually held the first Friday in December, so it gives an opportunity for a festive get-together. Members and friends can come along, meet together and have a chat with the Leader and Party Chairman.
Sir Reg Empey Leader of the Party, meeting the ladies at the Christmas Coffee Morning
As well as our standard annual events set out above, we run other fund raising events which are arranged by branches locally such as a Coffee Morning, Table Quiz, Old Tyme Dance, Fireside Quiz.
We play an active role in the political life of Constituency Associations.
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UWUC Chairman
Mrs May Steele MBE JP
2005 Dixon Cup Winners
Fermanagh Branch
2005 Johnstone Cup Winners
North Down Branch
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