Belfast u3a 25th Anniversary 2001 to 2026
Special Monthly meeting at Belfast City Hall on 26th February 2026 - Including Afternoon Tea and Entertainment
The backdrop was the magnificent Great Hall and certainly the grandeur of the surroundings contributed to setting a wonderful atmosphere right from the very start of proceedings, see photo below. It is probably true to say that the Prosecco served liberally as members and guests were greeted at the entrance was also an influencing factor. Everyone made directly to catch up with others at the round tables, casting an eye to the wonderfully decorated celebration cake,
There was an expectant wait for the arrival of the Lord Mayor, Cllr Tracy Kelly, who swept in exactly on cue and was escorted to meet Ann Hayes, to join up in the ceremonial cutting of the celebration cake and then John McQuillan proposed a toast to Belfast u3a and its future,
see video below
The video below near the end scans members in the Great Hall during the toast to the Belfast u3a and its future and to comply with GDPR this portion of this video has been 'blurred'
Barbara McDermott, standing in for Jim Livingstone, Belfast u3a Chairperson, took to the podium. She first gave an apology from Jim, who had said he was devastated to have missed the event and expressed gratitude to members for their support and encouragement.
He was also quoted as saying ‘Indeed, u3a is the best youth club in these parts’, his humour being much appreciated with a great round of applause, you can listen to the message from Jim (Chairman) below. She then introduced the Lord Mayor Cllr Tracy Kelly
The Lord Mayor, then addressed the company, commenting on how Belfast u3a had evolved over the past 25 years, how it operates now and its contribution to wider society.
Barbara , went on to talk about Belfast u3a, a little bit about the past and a little bit more about the present. Belfast u3a is one of 25 u3a groups in Northern Ireland, all registered as individual charities. Adrianne Brown, the current Chairperson of the NI Regional Executive Committee, was acknowledged.
But Belfast u3a is not just local; it is part of a UK-wide family of over 1,000 u3a branches, all linked through the Third Age Trust in London. Kate Cowan, who is Head of Information and Advice at the Third Age Trust, was also an invited guest. And sitting close by was Valerie nobain, Northern Ireland’s voice on the Third Age Trust Council. Adrianne, Kate and Valerie were commended for their exceptional work on behalf of u3a
Listen to Audio Recordings and read Transcripts of Speeches on the day Now Available.
Ann Hayes
'The First Meeting'
Business Secretary's
Opening Remarks
Lord Mayor's Cllr Tracy Kelly's
Speech
Business Secretary's
Speech
Presentation to Ann Hayes of
Belfast Castle Painting
Siobhan Casey Commissioner
COPNI
Ann Hayes was accompanied on to the stage, here she was given a painting of Belfast Castle with the inscription ‘Presented to Ann Hayes in recognition of her excellent contribution as a founding member to the development of Belfast u3a’ as can be seen in the
Photo Gallery
Videos of Performances by Belfast u3a Members & Audio/Visual presentation
Now available to all members:
Sit back, relax and watch and listen to the music performed by Members of the Belfast u3a . You can also watch and listen to the audio/visual production 'Belfast and Beyond' A Musical Portrait that was played during the afternoon tea.
Megan McArthur sings her own arrangement of 'Over the Rainbow' accompanied by David Blair on Guitar followed by her Jazzed up arrangement of 'Climb every Mountain'
Parts I and II of Classical Guitarist Duo Keith Thompson and Robert Cuthbert Performance
Parts III of Classical Guitarist Duo Keith Thompson and Robert Cuthbert Performance
Singing for Fun Perform their own arrangement of that well known song 'Belfast '
Singing for fun Perform their own arrangement of the song 'God only Knows'
Singing for Fun finish with the song 'Celebration'
Audio/Visual presentation 'Belfast and Beyond' a Musical Portrait
Future 25th Anniversary Events
