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UFU hosts 2014 Annual Dinner

Ulster Farmers’ Union President Harry Sinclair welcomed key representatives from the agriculture industry and politicians to the UFU’s Annual Dinner which was held in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter last Friday evening.  

Harry Sinclair said: “Over 250 guests congregated for the UFU’s Annual Dinner on Friday night to celebrate the industry and the role the UFU plays as a strong and united voice for members.  As my Presidential term comes to an end it was an opportunity for me to reflect on some of the key issues which the Union have been heavily involved in and to address some of the key points which are crucial to our farming businesses and the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland going forward, specifically in relation to CAP Reform.”  

The UFU dinner was also addressed by Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, UFU Deputy President Ian Marshall and NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller.

Three awards were also presented at the dinner. The Prestigious Belfast Telegraph Cup for outstanding agricultural achievement was presented to John Bamber.  John was brought up in a family with a long tradition of farming and equestrianism. He is a financial advisor with his own business and runs a thoroughbred horse business. Mr Bamber has also been instrumental in bringing the Irish Open Championship to the Royal Portrush in 2012 and has played a key role in establishing the first Balmoral Show at Balmoral Park and the good news story it was for the Province’s agrifood sector.  

The Mary Wilson Trophy for best overall UFU group performance in 2013 was presented to the North West Armagh Group.  The award recognises the North West Armagh Group’s outstanding performance in membership recruitment; securing subscription income; and their successful delivery of group meetings and social events throughout the year.  

The Cuthbert Trophy was awarded to the West Antrim Group for retaining the highest percentage of their members in 2013. The dedication and commitment shown by the group managers and their staff over the years have enabled them to achieve a retention rate of 100%. 

Belfast Telegraph Cup: Pictured (Left-Right): Harry Sinclair, UFU President; John Bamber, winner of the Belfast Telegraph Cup; Michelle O’Neill, NI Agriculture Minister; and Paul Connelly, Belfast Telegraph.  


 

Mary Wilson Trophy: Pictured (Left- Right): Harry Sinclair, UFU President; Rodney Wilson, NW Armagh Assistant Group Manager; Valerie McCracken, NW Armagh Group; Michelle O’Neill, NI Agriculture Minister; Arthur Maginnis, NW Armagh Assistant Group Manager; and Richard Percy, Chairman of the NFU Mutual.  

The Cuthbert Trophy: Pictured (Left- Right): Harry Sinclair, UFU President; Ivan Johnston, West Antrim Senior Group Manager; Michelle O’Neill, NI Agriculture Minister; Ivan Tierney, West Antrim Assistant Group Manager; and Richard Percy, Chairman of the NFU Mutual.