Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Supports Bickerstaff Family’s Coffee Morning for Southern Area Hospice

Carla Lockhart MP • October 30, 2024

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart joined the Bickerstaff family’s coffee, cake, and tea morning on Saturday at Bannside Presbyterian Church, Banbridge, in support of the Southern Area Hospice. The event, which drew a large and crowd, was a heartwarming display of community spirit, bringing together friends and families to raise funds for a cause that has provided comfort and support to countless local families. It was in memory of a very special loved one which for the Bickerstaff family made it even more poignant. 

Reflecting on the morning, Carla Lockhart said, “It was a privilege to be part of this special day. The Bickerstaff family put on a wonderful event, and the atmosphere was buzzing with support and generosity. The Southern Area Hospice is a service that touches all our lives in some way, and it’s inspiring to see our community come together to give back.”



One of the highlights was an art auction by Anne Bickerstaff, who raised over £1,000 from her beautiful pieces, with guests enthusiastically bidding to support the cause. “Congratulations to Anne on her incredible generosity and talent,” added Ms Lockhart. “The community’s response was amazing, and it’s a true testament to the goodwill that Southern Area Hospice inspires.”


The Bickerstaff family’s efforts exemplify the community’s dedication to this vital service, and Ms Lockhart extended her thanks to them for the invitation to attend. "Thank you for having me and for hosting such a meaningful morning," she said.


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said she is extremely disappointed that the London High Court has dismissed a farmer-led legal challenge against the Labour Government’s ‘death tax’ reforms.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has continued her long-running campaign to end the three-month waiting period for Child Disability Living Allowance payments for children diagnosed with life-changing illnesses, following a recent intervention in the House of Commons.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns in the House of Commons regarding the growing number of reports from parents about children being exposed to disturbing and inappropriate content while using digital games and online platforms.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said urgent action is needed to address mounting pressures facing domiciliary care services after meeting with Southern Trust leadership alongside DUP colleagues Diane Dodds MLA, Diane Forsythe MLA and Gareth Wilson MLA, as well as Pauline Shepherd, Chief Executive of Independent Health and Care Providers (IHCP), to discuss the challenges facing the sector. 
By Carla Lockhart MP May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns regarding the condition of both Lurgan and Kernan Cemeteries following a growing number of complaints from residents and families.
By Carla Lockhart MP May 20, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reaffirmed her opposition to Digital ID, warning that proposals being advanced by Government raise serious concerns around privacy, personal freedom and individual choice.