Warm welcome guaranteed at Open Arms Church

Carla Lockahrt MP • April 4, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart joined with those attending the Friday Luncheon at Open Arms Church in Portadown recently, where members of the local community are welcomed to enjoy a time of socialising and food.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Over recent weeks it has been a pleasure to call at a number of initiatives across Upper Bann, aimed at encouraging people to come out of the house, to socialise, and to enjoy a nice meal together with neighbours.

 

The Friday Luncheon in Portadown meets every Friday, and runs between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, to provide a beautiful lunch. It is organised and run by the folk at Open Arms Church, who offer a warm welcome to anyone attending. The lunch is open to all – no connection to the church is necessary. I know from the conversations I had with those in attendance that it is greatly enjoyed by all you attend.

 

Loneliness continues to be an issue in our community, and I would commend all those who are organising events to combat this in our community.”

Share

Chancellor must STOP the Family Farm Tax

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
The countdown is on ahead of the Chancellor’s autumn budget on 26 th November, and pressure is mounting on the Labour government to do an eleventh hour U-turn on its proposed changes to historic Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

Christian Ethos in Schools Must Be Defended

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart was at the Supreme Court today as judgment was handed down in the challenge brought against the place of religious education and collective worship in Northern Ireland’s schools.

Lockhart Welcomes Installation of New Grit Bin at Linen Green in Waringstown

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the installation of a new grit bin at the entrance to Linen Green in Waringstown, following a lengthy process to have the development formally adopted.

Community at Its Best as Carla Lockhart MP Visits Groups Across Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding community spirit shown across the constituency following a busy day of engagements with local groups on Saturday.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Attends Annual Service of Remembrance at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and security personnel after attending the Annual Service of Remembrance and Reflection at Bethany Free Presbyterian Church, Portadown.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart Celebrates Remarkable 102nd Birthday of Much-Loved Banbridge Resident

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 19, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid a heartfelt tribute to Mrs Weir of Banbridge, who has celebrated her 102nd birthday, describing her as “one of Banbridge’s finest” and a cherished figure within the local community.

Lockhart leads NI farming delegation to HM treasury

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 18, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has led a representation on behalf of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, to HM Treasury in Whitehall to hand in a letter protesting against proposed inheritance tax reforms.

Farmers left in limbo over critical issues

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the UK government of leaving farmers in limbo over a number of critical and hugely concerning issues.

Lockhart urging DEFRA to step-up as vet meds grace period deadline looms

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 13, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that farmers, pet owners and vets in Northern Ireland could face serious disruption when the current grace period for supplying veterinary medicines ends on 31 December 2025 .

Lockhart Praises Banbridge Volunteers Supporting the Poppy Appeal

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 12, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the dedication of local volunteers supporting this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Banbridge, and joined with the community on Sunday to honour the fallen at the town’s Remembrance Service.