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 February 5, 2026
Confirmation that the High Court has ordered an urgent judicial review into inheritance tax reforms has been welcomed by the DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 5, 2026
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused Shared Environment Services (SES) of paralysing Northern Ireland’s planning system.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that shocking new figures on cancer treatment in Northern Ireland expose a health service struggling to deliver timely care and has called for urgent action including free travel support for patients and ring-fenced funding to address chronic delays.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the generosity of the local community after attending a retro 1980s fundraising event at Windsor Bakery in support of Luca’s Voice, a charity supporting families navigating speech and communication challenges.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed serious concern following confirmation that Santander intends to close its Banbridge branch in May 2026, warning that the decision risks leaving many customers, particularly in semi-rural areas, without access to essential face-to-face banking services. 
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of new access steps at Orchard Park in Loughgall, describing the works as a clear example of delivery in action and a significant improvement for local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has marked Holocaust Memorial Day by joining colleagues at Westminster in remembrance of the millions of victims of the Holocaust, reaffirming the importance of education, vigilance and standing firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hatred in society today. The annual day of remembrance serves both to honour those who were murdered and to underline the responsibility placed on current and future generations, with the stark reminder that if a minute’s silence were held for every person murdered, the world would be silent for more than eleven years.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial support for businesses across towns and villages in the constituency that have been devastated by recent flooding.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons honouring and expressing gratitude for the British Armed Forces, in the wake of recent public commentary that caused deep concern and upset among serving personnel, veterans and their families.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has broadly welcomed the Westminster Government’s Water White Paper, outlined this week in the House of Commons by DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds, describing it as a balanced and informed approach to improving water quality.