House of Lords – Tuesday 18th October 2011
Posted by Mary | Previous Events
Once again the wonderful Baroness May Blood hosted a fascinating evening in the Atlee Rooom at the House of Lords. This year the Irish Times newspaper generously agreed to sponsor this event, but sadly the Editor, Geraldine Kennedy, who was scheduled to be a keynote speaker had to pull out at the last minute. Paddy Lennon extended sincere apologies on her behalf.
Nonetheless we had an excellent line-up of speakers. Naomi Long, the newly elected MP for East Belfast and former Mayor of Belfast, spoke about her career to date and her reasons for getting involved in politics. She was followed by our very own WIN committee member, Ros Hubbard, who talked about her very interesting career working as a Casting Agent on films such as ‘The Commitments’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’. She was spellbinding. Finally, Baroness Blood herself enthralled us with both amusing and poignant tales of her life as a Union activist, a community spokesperson and her unexpected elevation to the peerage. She was honest and straight talking as well as funny and unpretentious.
The evening ended with a lively question and answer session whilst the excellent House of Lords staff made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. This event is always a sell out and Baroness Blood has agreed to host another reception in 2011 in the Atlee Room on the 18th October 2011.