Wonderful Betty deserves the best of retirement

Carla Lockhart MP • April 10, 2022

Local MP Carla Lockhart has wished Betty Lawder a long and happy retirement, as the inspirational Portadown lady retires after 47 years of volunteering for the Samaritans.

Speaking at an event to mark Betty’s retirement, Carla Lockhart said:

“Betty is a true inspiration, and what better legacy is there that so many can testify to the positive impact Betty has had on them when they needed help most.

As one of the founders of the local Samaritans group, for 47 years Betty has been a rock in our community. Really Betty was a trailblazer, starting to focus on mental health and support all those years ago when it was not talked about and many went without anywhere to turn to.

I want to thank Betty for her service. 47 years is quite simply remarkable. As she retires, I know she will be greatly missed but will remain someone who is always there to offer encouragement and advice.

I wish Betty a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Fivemiletown review exposes DAERA failures but leaves questions unanswered

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 10, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said the independent review into the Fivemiletown cattle cull has exposed serious failings within DAERA, but warned that it falls well short of delivering the transparency and accountability demanded by farmers and the wider public.

Farmers must fight back as carbon auditing proposals come before Stormont

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 8, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged farmers across Northern Ireland to make their voices heard as DAERA’s controversial carbon auditing proposals are set to come before the Stormont Assembly on Thursday.

Treasury Minister’s reckless comments show a disconnect for working people

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 6, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised Treasury chief secretary Emma Reynolds for suggesting that employers are not working people, warning that her comments demonstrate a worrying lack of understanding of the pressures facing small businesses, family farms and self-employed people.

Minister must apply common sense and revise slurry spreading ban

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 6, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is urging the DAERA Minister to revise the rigid rules on the spreading of slurry in Northern Ireland, saying current policy should not come at the expense of common sense.

Upper Bann’s Ross selected for Oxford Farming Conference Inspire Programme

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 6, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Ross Murray on his selection for the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference 2027 Inspire Programme. He is one of just two Northern Ireland industry representatives chosen for the initiative.

PSNI are all over the place on the IRA

By Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2026

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has criticised comments made by the Chief Constable at today’s Policing Board meeting regarding the continued existence of the IRA.

Lockhart slams Budget as missed opportunity to scrap family farm tax

By Carla Lockhart MP • October 29, 2026

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the autumn Budget as a missed opportunity for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to rectify the wrongs of their predecessors, warning that farming families have once again been let down by the Labour Government.