“A new meaning to life” - why even the smallest amount of volunteering counts

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Linda Murray from Lisburn has been volunteering for over 14 years, an activity she believes has given her a renewed sense of purpose after retirement and the motivation to make the most of life following open heart surgery.

Linda is a regular volunteer at The Ballance House, a restored 19th century homestead in the rural countryside of Glenavy. The Ballance House is the headquarters of charity the Ulster New Zealand Trust (UNZT) and birthplace of John Ballance, who went on to become the 14th Premier of New Zealand in 1891. The Trust seeks to preserve and promote the special connection between Northern Ireland and New Zealand and works to develop links and interchange between the two countries. 

Linda has benefited greatly from making time to volunteer at The Ballance House, as well as her other volunteering roles:

“A friend told me several years ago that The Ballance House needed volunteers. I thought I would give it a go and haven’t looked back since!” comments Linda.

“Volunteering has brought so many good things into my life. In fact, after lifesaving heart surgery four years ago, my motivation to get through my recovery was to make it to an event I was volunteering at! Volunteering has helped me stay active and since retirement I’ve taken on other roles too to keep me socialising, like volunteering at the local church car boot sale and attending a weekly befriending group.

“Being a volunteer has allowed me to meet so many people, both other volunteers and members of the public. I had a career with the LCCC visitor information centre so it has been wonderful to keep engaging with people and places of interest. You’re never lonely when you volunteer!

“It allows you to develop new skills too. If you have a particular interest, you can try volunteering in that area. For example, we have had people with an interest in becoming a tour guide or developing their catering skills who gain experience and references from volunteering with The Ballance House. I always loved spending time with children and now that my children are grown up, I get to interact with young visitors to The Ballance House through our lovely Victorian school visits. I also get to work in marketing, coming up with new ideas to promote the venue. Importantly, you can also access fantastic training in important areas like safeguarding, health and safety, first aid and so on. Those are skills you will have for life,” Linda said.


To anyone considering volunteering, Linda believes that every hour you can spare is worthwhile:

“Everyone can find a little time in their schedule to volunteer no matter how busy you think you might be. I think sometimes people assume you need to offer a lot of time often, but that’s not the case – every hour counts even if it’s not every week or every month. Volunteering isn’t always in person either - we will sometimes have Zoom meetings with other volunteers to contribute to ideas and planning – so you can be flexible if travelling isn’t always easy.

“The way I look at it is, I have to make every day of life count. I made a promise to myself that I would keep contributing as much as I can while I can, and I know I have more to give. I can’t encourage people enough to try volunteering. It opens so many doors to experiences, opportunities, skills and friendship. It adds a whole new meaning to life,” Linda said.

David Moore, Volunteer Now adds: “Linda is an incredible volunteer who proves that volunteering can be truly life enriching. Through her amazing contribution to The Ballance House and her local community, Linda is not only changing the lives of others but also broadening her friendship circle, staying socially and mentally active, and setting an amazing example to others. 

“As Linda rightly says, volunteers don’t need to commit to a large amount of time or agree to a regular commitment. If you have some time to give, it will always be gladly received. There are so many organisations in Northern Ireland that need volunteers to keep them going and there is always a role to suit individual circumstances. Linda has a wonderful, positive attitude and has truly made volunteering central to her life. We are certain there are many more people in Northern Ireland who can do the same,” David said.

Radio legend Waitangi Day 2025 guest speaker

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The Ulster New Zealand Trust is delighted that BBC Radio Ulster presenter Anne Marie McAleese will be the 2025 Waitangi Day guest speaker on Friday February 7, an event for members and volunteers. 

For over 35 years Anne Marie has presented the iconic Saturday morning radio show ‘Your Place and Mine’ for almost an hour between the news bulletins at 8am and 9am. Her coverage over the years has included many updates on happenings at The Ballance House. Publicity yielding dividends in the numbers supporting UNZT.

Ironically a week later, on Saturday, Feb 15 Anne Marie will present her final edition of Your Place and Mine.  Commenting on the decision to step aside from the programme Anne Marie said “Your Place And Mine has been a massive part of my life for the last 35 years.  And it has been the joy of my life,      all the people I’ve met and the far flung places I’ve been to.  It was a privilege to visit so many parts of Northern Ireland and to have learnt so much about the things that really matter in life, especially the value of a shared sense of community and a pride in our place. It’s time for a new chapter in my life,   but my heart will always be in Your Place And Mine”.

The daughter of Maurice McAleese, for many years the much respected editor of the Northern Constitution weekly newspaper in Coleraine, Anne Marie joined the BBC in February 1989. Working in the Broadcasting House press office before becoming a reporter for a programme called Round The Triangle, about life on the north coast. She went on to present several other programmes on BBC Radio Ulster, including Frankly Anne Marie, Saturday Afternoon With Anne Marie, Arts Extra, A Round With Anne Marie, and On Your Behalf. Her documentary programmes included Tea And Cappuccino and   The Lady Computer Of Strabane.  Anne Marie presented the first ever broadcast of Your Place And Mine in September 1991.

Elusive photo of Kiwi WWII airman tracked down

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Warrant officer Edward Lindsay Darrell accidentally drowned at Lough Erne in Fermanagh. 

A relation of a New Zealand World War II airman has located his elusive picture with the help of the Salvation Army.  Pete Darrell came across a portrait of warrant officer Edward Lindsay Darrell in uniform amongst the estate of Edward’s sister Violet, which was in the care of the Salvation Army after she died alone in Wellington in 2003.

Northern Ireland based Bryan Johnston was looking for a photo of 22-year-old Edward, who accidentally drowned at Lough Erne in County Fermanagh during September 1944. He was one of 26 Kiwi airmen who died in Northern Ireland during the war.  Bryan is displaying photos of the 26 men at The Ballance House, Glenavy, Co Antrim. Now headquarters of the Ulster New Zealand Trust it was the birthplace and home farm of John Ballance,14th Premier of New Zealand between 1891-93. The Liberal PM, who ensured NZ women were the first in the world to have a vote.

Only Edward Darrell’s photo remained missing from the montage of 26 despite help from the New Zealand Defence Force and the High Commission in London.  The just located album belonging to Edward Darrell, including the sought after photo, revealed that he enjoyed life with the RNZAF, training in Canada and then deployment to west Africa and the UK.

Born in March 1922 in Australia, Edward came to New Zealand as a child and attended South Wellington Public School.  Before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1941, he was employed from March 1936 as a cabinet maker, later joining Woolworths, first as a storeman and then a clerk in its head office. 

During the war, Edward was a wireless operator on a Lockheed Hudson reconnaissance aircraft. Ironically and sadly, surviving wartime flying on active service only to drown off-duty in Lough Erne, where swimming was a popular recreation with the many servicemen and women based in wartime NI.

He was laid to rest with fully military honours in the Parish Churchyard, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh. 

UNZT expresses deep appreciation to Bryan Johnston for his extensive research in completing the 26-man montage of deceased RNZAF airmen.

 Article courtesy of Rodney Magowan based partly on information recently published in The Post, Wellington's premier daily newspaper

Take a Sunday run to The Ballance House

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THE Ballance House, just minutes from Lisburn, the M1 and Glenavy, is an ideal Sunday afternoon outing for all ages.

Book here

Each Sunday from 2pm to 5pm volunteer guides from the Ulster New Zealand Trust reveal the eye catching  'Half a World Away From Here' new Exhibition inside the Ballance House. The childhood home of John Ballance, who left this family farm to become NZ Prime Minister. Finding fame by ensuring New Zealand women were the first in the world to have a vote.

John Ballance clearly had a huge determination to offer opportunity to all genders, races and creeds in a new nation of family farms.

 Continue your informal tour by stepping back in time and into the Victorian Parlour, the ‘good room’ of our great grandparents in rural Ulster.

Then wander outside to the garden that is home to a collection of 19th century farm machinery before taking that essential break in the tea barn.

With its original features, historic artefacts and colourful heritage exhibitions all ages enjoy a Sunday run to The Ballance House. The home to positive links, past and present, between Ulster and NZ.

Ballance & McKnight Appreciation Day

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The sun shone and the band played on as Ulster New Zealand Trust members hosted the Ballance and McKnight Appreciation Day on Sat, Aug 10.  Members of these two extended and much respected families related to NZ Prime Minister John Ballance were joined by UNZT volunteers and guests including the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh and the NZ Hon Consul.

In a moving ceremony Mrs Samelia Ballance unveiled an Honour Board to her late husband Jack Ballance, 1938-2023. A great-nephew of the NZ Premier, who grew up on the same Co Antrim family farm.  Then cousin Brian McKnight, patron of the Ulster New Zealand Trust, unveiled a portrait honouring his unwavering support for The Ballance House. A unique in Europe New Zealand themed museum, convention centre and rural community facility.

The thronged farmyard where John Ballance once played was then an ideal location in glorious sunshine for a concert by the famous Laganvale Metal Technology Band. Guests having first enjoyed a finger buffet and good fellowship in the Tea Barn. All generously and quietly sponsored by Brian McKnight.

As ever at The Ballance House the day drew to a close with ‘God Defend New Zealand.’ The national anthem of a nation and people that gained so much from their Liberal Premier, John Ballance. The Ulsterman, who ensured those of all genders, creeds and colours had the vote a generation before any other nation.

D-Day 80 Commemoration Event

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Our recent D-Day event, supported by LCCC, was a mix of commemoration and celebration.  Volunteers, members and friends came together to honour the brave Service personnel who risked their lives for freedom and peace.  With a focus on the role of troops across the nations, the afternoon’s programme highlighted the involvement of the Royal Ulster Rifles and a very informative article is available here.  

Thanks to everyone who joined us to make this a memorable afternoon with good company, good food and an excellent quiz!

Anzac Commemoration Service 2024

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Standard bearers at The Ballance House Anzac Day Commemoration hosted by the Ulster New Zealand Trust to remember those from these islands, NZ and Australia who served in the famous Anzac Forces to defend our freedom in two world wars. A piper and bugler from 2nd Batt Royal Irish Regiment led the veterans in their march on.

Paul Hewitt, right, chair of the Ulster New Zealand Trust, welcomes Patricia Perry, HM High Sheriff for Co Antrim and HM Deputy Lieutenant for Co Antrim Eric Rainey, CVO, MBE to the Anzac Day Commemoration Service at The Ballance House.

Miss Betty Wilson, 1926 - 2024

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Betty Wilson was the Ulster New Zealand Trust’s longest serving volunteer, esteemed committee member and a great supporter of all the Trust’s activities.   Betty was aged 98 years and her mother was a Ballance.

In 2019 Betty accepted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from Mrs Joan Christie, Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim on behalf of the Trust. 

For years, Betty organised and ran the fund-raising tombola stall at our annual events and provided lovely snowdrop table decorations at the annual Waitangi Lunch.  She will be sadly missed by our team for her good nature and humour.

Waitangi 2024 celebration at The Ballance House

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The liberal ideals of John Ballance continue to impact on daily life in New Zealand as the High Commissioner of NZ to the UK, the Hon Phil Goff, told guests attending the UNZT annual Waitangi Lunch. Ballance, a man, who strove to ensure settlers and Maori, males and females, all had equal opportunities.

Recounting the story of his own working class family and of more recent multi-ethnic immigrants Phil Goff gave an inspiring resume of the beliefs that John Ballance helped install in this liberal democracy. Vital beliefs, he affirmed, if harmony is to be maintained given that humans are sadly all too tribal.

Thanks also to Harrison and Bradley, over from Dilworth School NZ, for performing a haka for our guests.

Caroline Keenan The newly appointed Honorary Consul for New Zealand

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The Ulster New Zealand Trust is pleased to welcome Caroline Keenan as the new Honorary Consul for New Zealand. We look forward to working with Caroline and liaising with regard to furthering links between Northern Ireland and New Zealand.

With dual citizenship of the UK and New Zealand, Caroline tells us she was delighted to be appointed Honorary Consul for New Zealand in September 2023, and is very much looking forward to fulfilling this role. Read more about Caroline here.

Others follow Daffodil Group lead

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The Northern Ireland Daffodil Group was one of the first to use The Ballance House for meetings, but their example was followed by numerous clubs and businesses over the past 30 years.

Based in an historic farmyard with an excellent conference room for up to 60, tea barn and parking galore, the Ulster New Zealand Trust facility offers a year round friendly welcome. The on-site museum is open to the general public on Sundays other than in the winter.

However, it can be visited by groups at any time. A popular option as the museum and tea barn were both up graded during the Covid lockdown. The Ballance House offers privacy and sole use of the facility to clients varying from vintage car clubs to family celebrations and company staff training sessions.  All in the idyllic surroundings of gardens and fields overlooking Lough Neagh, the largest inland lake in the British Isles.

Minutes motoring from the Motorway network, Lisburn, Glenavy and Belfast International Airport this is a truly unique conference and event venue.


Former Mayor appointed Trust Director

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Former Lisburn and Castlereagh Mayor Brian Bloomfield MBE has volunteered to serve on the board of the Ulster New Zealand Trust. A native of Co Londonderry Brian Bloomfield attended Limavady Grammar School before graduating from Queen’s University Belfast.

Then followed a post grad year at Aberystwyth University College, Wales after which he became qualified to teach both geography and PE. Returning to his native heath Brian taught at Methodist College Belfast for 20 years until appointed Vice-Principal at Wallace High School, Lisburn. A post held from 1988 until 2008.  He was very active as a rugby coach both at school, reaching two Schools Cup Finals, and at Club level and was much involved in Coach Education. He also served as Senior Ulster Coach 1993 – 1995 and in 2009 was awarded an MBE for services to rugby.

In 2011 he entered Local Government and served two terms as an Ulster Unionist Party Councillor for Lisburn North, becoming Mayor for the year 2016-17. It was a year greatly enjoyed by Brian and his wife of 50 years, Rosalind, a former special needs teacher. The Mayor’s chosen Charity, Tinylife, benefited by just over £97,000. During their year in office there were many opportunities to meet with volunteer groups in communities across the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area.

With two of a family, Clare and Jonathan, Brian and Rosalind became grandparents in 2015 with the arrival of their first of four grandchildren.

The new director of the UNZT became involved with the team of volunteers at The Ballance House while serving on LCCC Council.  Brian has links with New Zealand as far back as the 1950s when relations of his father emigrated from Downpatrick to New Zealand.  Of course one of New Zealand’s other NI born Premiers, William Massey, came from Brian Bloomfield’s hometown of Limavady.

High Commissioner of NZ to the UK visits The Ballance House

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On Wednesday 7 June the Ulster New Zealand Trust was delighted to welcome to The Ballance House the newly appointed High Commissioner of New Zealand to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Hon Phil Goff, accompanied by First Secretary Kate Swan from the New Zealand High Commission in London.  The High Commissioner was in Northern Ireland for several business engagements, so we were honoured that he found time in a very busy visit to travel out to Glenavy to see The Ballance House.

Our Executive Chair, Mr Freddie Hall and several of our directors met the High Commissioner and First Secretary on their arrival at The Ballance House. Over tea and light refreshments Mr Goff was introduced to the work of the Trust, its origins and how the vision of Jill McIvor, some 30 years ago, had come to fruition with the restoration of the birthplace of John Ballance, Premier of New Zealand from 1891-93.  Since that early work, the Trust continues to maintain the close links between Ulster and New Zealand through promotion of the profile of John Ballance and the opening of the facility to the wider community.  The High Commissioner took a guided tour of the Trust’s new exhibition, ably given by our Director, Brian Mackey.  

 The High Commissioner was very impressed and complimentary of the work of the Trust and we are very pleased that the High Commission will be promoting the Trust through its tourist offices in New Zealand to New Zealanders planning to visit Northern Ireland.

Coronation Celebrations

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A truly celebratory Coronation event was held at The Ballance House on 8 May for our volunteers and members.  A very happy and fun afternoon was spent with entertainment including a Royal-themed presentation, exceptional musical inputs with singing and instrumentals from Chloe, Sylvia and Rachel, Piper Andy and Bugler Gregory, a competitive quiz and a delicious afternoon tea.   The unveiling of our garden seat to commemorate the Coronation was carried out by Honor, one of our long-serving volunteers.

 Thanks to everyone who joined us and to LCCC for awarding the King’s Coronation Small Grants which assisted in the funding of this event.

 

Book The Ballance House

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Booking is now open for a Sunday afternoon outing to The Ballance House   Book Here  

From Sunday 2 April, 2 – 5 pm, our guides will introduce you to our New Zealand Story 'Half a World Away From Here' Exhibition and the new 19th century Farm Machinery display.  You will go back in time as you step into the Victorian Parlour, the ‘good room’ of our great grandparents in rural Ulster, then finish your visit with a cup of tea.

With its original features, historic artefacts and colourful heritage exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy as links, past and present, between Ulster and NZ are explored.   Come and see what it’s all about!

2023 Events at The Ballance House

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We are looking forward to a busy 2023 season at The Ballance House. Our Calendar of Events below gives you the dates of our annual family fun days - keep an eye on our Events page and Facebook for updates.

Public visiting on Sunday afternoons, 2 - 5 pm, re-opens on 2 April For further information on online booking go our Visitor Information page. We look forward to welcoming you to The Ballance House!

Jubilee Celebration Event, a truly jubilant day!

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BALLANCE and McKnight family members joined nearly 60 Ulster New Zealand Trust members/volunteers in making the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event on Thurs, June 2 truly memorable. An afternoon of pleasant entertainment with good food and great company at the Ballance House. Thanks to Lisburn & Castlereagh District Council for awarding the Trust £500 from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Fund 2022.

Trust Patron Brian McKnight planted a tree in the orchard as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.  A unique initiative marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee as groups across the United Kingdom planted a tree to mark 70 years of Royal rule.

Amelanchier lamarckii, a native of the British Isles, was selected being a deciduous small tree providing colour across two seasons. Also known as the Juneberry it will add colour to the orchard for generations to come.

Welcomed by Trust executive director Freddie Hall guests enjoyed a varied programme, including a Lisburn Camera Club film of the newly crowned Queen visiting Lisburn in 1953. Only weeks after the lucky few were able to watch on tiny black and white TV screens the Coronation in London.

Ulster New Zealand Trust members of all ages noting how Lisburn and our social habits are much changed. Market Square in 1953 had no Linen Centre nor Museum, but many small shops. Folks then dressed in their very best complete with hats for all during the visit followed by a quick fag for the men folk. That young and glamorous Queen must have shaken the hands of many thousands of local worthies since then. Taking care to make each individual’s big day special no matter how routine it is to the Royal family.

The afternoon’s entertainment continued with two musical interludes by Chloe Megarry, great granddaughter of Jack and Samelia Ballance, and by volunteer guide Francis Mulley accompanied by Ken Robb on keyboard.    Followed by an audience rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again.’ 

Then came a Royal table quiz with first prize to the Team Twigg Table and an excellent afternoon tea served by Margaret Parks and family.  Following which David Twigg proposed the Loyal Toast and encouraged those old enough to recall their own 1953 Coronation Day memories.

Adding that in 1953 Her Majesty made the first ever Christmas broadcast from overseas live from New Zealand during a royal tour of the Commonwealth.

Others noted that John Ballance, the Ulsterman who served NZ so well as Premier, lived entirely through the reign of Queen Victoria.  Our previous longest serving monarch. John was born in 1839 two years after Queen Victoria came to the throne. Thus he knew no other Head of State during his lifetime. Something John Ballance has in common with almost all of us today.

 

Rodney Magowan

Volunteer PRO

Welcome to our new Treasurer

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TOM HENDRY, recently retired Bursar at Friends' School Lisburn, has accepted the voluntary post of Treasurer with the Ulster New Zealand Trust, which exists to foster and celebrate cultural, business and sporting links between NI and NZ.

 The Ballance House museum, event centre and tea barn at Glenavy Road, Lisburn has been developed by the Trust over three decades. Indeed Tom Hendry has been involved with the UNZT over many of those years as a volunteer and a director.

 His predecessor as Treasurer, Fullerton Jelly, served for nine years with great enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail. Ably assisted by his wife Maureen, also a UNZT volunteer, Fullerton played a key role in steering The Ballance House finances successfully through the first major museum upgrade in 30 years and challenging Covid pandemic lockdowns. Both remain as volunteers and Fullerton continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Ulster New Zealand Trust.