STORY: JULIE-ANN SPENCE
PICTURES: PAUL MURPHY

Lisnagarvey Operatic Society celebrated their 50th Anniversary last week in The Ramada Hotel. (l-r) Cllr. Trevor Lunn, Laureen Lunn, Mayoress Cl Margaret Tinsley, Lisburn Mayor James Tinsley, David Wilson, Nell Mcllwrath and Roy Mcllwrath - Chair, Doran Lyness, Sid McDowell and Gillian Algie - organiser. US4307-356DW

LISBURN'S award-winning musical company, Lisnagarvey Operatic Society, celebrated its Golden Anniversary in style last week. The company, which has been entertaining the people of the city for five decades, held a gala dinner at the Ramada Hotel last Friday evening (October 12).

Past and present members of the Society, which is currently rehearsing for its annual pantomime 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', came together to celebrate the important anniversary.

They were joined on the night by the Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor James Tinsley, the Mayoress Mayoress Margaret Tinsley, former Mayor Councillor Trevor Lunn and former Mayoress Laureen Lunn.

During his speech the company's President, Sid McDowell, looked back on the Society's 50 year history, noting that during the 30years of the Troubles, Lisnagarvey never missed a performance.

Long Service medals were also presented to a number of members of the company, including a 35 year medal for Nell Mcllwrath, a 40 year medal for Heather Campbell and a fifty year medal for Gwen Gibson.

Chairman, Roy Mcllwrath, added: "It was a wonderful evening, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all."

Lisnagarvey Operatic Society's 50th Anniversary dinner attended by Roy Mcllwrath - Chairman - and Gillian Algie - Event Organiser. US4307357DW	Lisnagarvey Operatic Society's 50th Anniversary dinner. (I-r) Roy Mcllwrath - Chair, Jennifer Anderson - Treasurer/Vice Chair, Lisburn Mayor CIIr, James Tinsley, Doreen Lyness and Sid McDowell. US4307-359DW

Ulster Star
19/10/2007