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

By Carla Lockhart MP January 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has spoken of her bitter disappointment following confirmation that Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will not be added to the routine newborn heel-prick screening programme, despite sustained campaigning and evidence that the condition can be treated if identified at birth.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the Labour government’s increased inheritance tax threshold on agricultural and business property relief as a hard-won and welcome concession, but says it remains insufficient.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 7, 2026
As we enter a new year, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reflected on the challenges of the past 12 months while setting out her priorities for 2026, reaffirming her commitment to serving constituents across the area. 
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a new local business venture after visiting Morning Buzz Coffee, praising the commitment and initiative behind a one-man operation serving the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns about the safety of rural roads during the current spell of severe winter weather, following a recent bus incident at Esky and ongoing engagement with Roads Service officials on gritting arrangements, grit salt availability and the treatment of rural routes across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over significant delays facing women referred to breast clinics under the “red flag” pathway across Northern Ireland, with waiting times stretching far beyond the 14-day target designed to ensure rapid assessment where breast cancer is suspected.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 31, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has been a strong adversary for Northern Ireland agriculture over the last twelve months, and has pledged to continue championing the industry in 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 30, 2025
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the Labour Government of ‘ stage-managing’ the Farm Profitability Review and deliberately silencing the most serious concern facing farmers – inheritance tax.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the government’s decision to increase family farm tax thresholds, offering long overdue relief to a large number of farming families and rural communities.