Carla Lockhart MP Praises Day Opportunities Sunflower Project at Bannvale House

Carla Lockhart MP • September 3, 2024

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart recently visited the Day Opportunities site at Bannvale House, Gilford, where she was warmly welcomed by a stunning field of sunflowers. The project, is aimed at supporting the Day Care Centre by raising essential funds and provides horticultural training to service users with additional needs, helping them develop invaluable life skills.

"It was a real pleasure to walk through the sea of sunflowers," Ms. Lockhart said. "This initiative not only brings joy to everyone who visits but also serves a greater cause by empowering individuals through hands-on training and skill-building. It’s a perfect example of how community projects can make a difference."


The sunflower field is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and visitors are encouraged to stop by and experience the beauty firsthand. Bunches of sunflowers are available for just £3 each, with an honesty box on site. Additionally, the Bannvale Bloom and Brew cart offers refreshments for those who want to enjoy a cup of tea or a treat while they visit.


"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the coordinator and the entire team of gardeners who have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. Their dedication is truly inspiring," Ms. Lockhart added.


For anyone who hasn’t visited yet, Ms. Lockhart highly recommends taking the time to enjoy this wonderful project.



Share

By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
The DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the government of “dragging its heels” and being “tone deaf” to the concerns of vets and the wider agri-food industry around the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in the New Year.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
DUP Agriculture Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has expressed deep concern following confirmation from DAERA that an additional 44 suspected cases of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) have been uncovered during tests on a County Down farm.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the progress made this week at Stormont on the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates, bringing long-awaited recognition and comfort to families who have suffered the heartbreak of losing a baby before 24 weeks.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended local residents for their “unreal generosity” following visits to Tesco Banbridge and Tesco Craigavon for the Big Food Collection supporting Via Wings and the local Craigavon Food Bank.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 1, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging farmers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant, following confirmation that Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been detected in two cows originating from a herd in Bangor, County Down.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 28, 2025
Lockhart protests in solidarity as Chancellor “betrays farmers”
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has again demanded truth and accountability for the families of the 29 people who died in the 1994 Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre, delivering a powerful contribution in Parliament this week during a Westminster Hall debate secured by Alex Easton MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that this week’s Budget “offers presentation rather than substance” and fails to deliver meaningful support for workers, employers, farmers, policing or public services in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the Government’s approach to net zero, highlighting what she describes as hypocrisy and eye-watering costs linked to ministerial travel to international climate conferences. 
By Carla Lockhart MP November 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to immediately halt plans for a new £10 million clinical trial that would see children, potentially as young as eleven, once again prescribed puberty blockers. The MP has voiced strong concerns about the ethics, safety and necessity of the trial, and has joined colleagues in signing a letter led by Rupert Lowe MP urging ministers to stop it.