Page 35 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

Northern Ireland Branch Christmas 2016
Busy December diaries forced the members of the NI Branch to look to the end of November for a Christmas meal date. On Friday 25 November the Association Members enjoyed Christmas lunch at The Ulster Reform Club. In the heart of Belfast, The Ulster Reform Club is set in wonderful surroundings and holds a host of interesting artefacts inside. It is essentially a gentleman’s club with Victorian origins being located in a purpose- built, red sandstone building which opened in January 1885. The club was originally built by Ulster members of the Liberal Party, to celebrate William Gladstone’s victory in the 1880 general election. However, by 1886, its leadership was dominated by supporters of the Liberal Unionist Party, including Fred Crawford, and they formed a political committee to further the cause of the union of Britain and Ireland. However, it attracted criticism for being overly secretive, refusing to reveal details of its constitution, membership or purpose even to officials of the Ulster Unionist Party. Despite this, The Club has many notable members and due to this holds certain prestige. Over the years its members have successfully influenced the creation and growth of industrial, commercial and professional enterprises in Belfast and far beyond. Extensive refurbishment in recent years has created facilities of the highest quality for members and guests.
With the splendour of the décor, this venue made for a fabulous setting to enjoy the first of our Christmas festivities. In addition to a fabulous four course meal, we enjoyed a relaxing time in the bar catching up with each other. The Christmas get together is incredibly important for all who can attend. The season of goodwill gives us the
l NI Branch Members present at the Christmas Lunch in The Ulster Reform Club, Belfast, 25 November 2016
platform to meet, have good conversation and reflect on all events over the previous year. The Association, despite small numbers, has great strength and 2016 had been eventful. In addition to sadly losing members, gaining new recruits and having success of members at both the RCN and Edith Cavell Awards, our Chair attended Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE.
Lt Col Ruth Smith TD received the OBE at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday 25 November 2016. Prince Charles presented her with this much deserved award. We are incredibly proud of this as an Association Branch and know that Ruth had both a fabulous and very memorable experience.
Maj Kerry McFadden-Newman Secretary NI Branch
Florence Court
It was a rather damp August morning for the N I Branch’s summer outing, but the small party of 7 was in good cheer as they set off to Enniskillen. On arrival at the Royal Inniskillings Museum we were met with a very welcome cup of coffee and homemade scones. Following this, the group had a talk from the curators about the museum and the role the Inniskillings Fusiliers had in the First World War. There was then some time to look at the exhibits which included a very fine collection of silverware which posed the obvious question of who cleans it all?
We then moved to the new County Museum, in the same location, which wasn’t officially open for another week so it was a privilege to have a personal tour to see the exhibits which represented the long and
Members of the NI Branch enjoy the Museum in Enniskillen
varied history of Fermanagh.
By now it was lunchtime and the group travelled to the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen for a lovely lunch
and catch up with friends. Afterwards the group moved to
the final destination, Florence Court. This 18th Century mansion was the former home of the Cole family and is now owned and maintained by the National Trust. We were treated to a
Members of the NI Branch take in the change in weather (bright sunshine!) in the beautiful surroundings of Florence Court in Fermanagh
tour by our very own ‘butler’ who told us about the history of the building and he pointed out the fine rococo plasterwork on display. At the end of the tour there was enough time to purchase a wee souvenir of the trip from the NT shop and then have a cup of coffee before setting off home to Belfast, after a very enjoyable day out.
THE GAZETTE QARANC
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