Born and brought up in Ballymena, County Antrim, I now live in East Belfast. Having recently joined the Masonic Order in Deramore Masonic Lodge 290, I’m enjoying making my first steps in Freemasonry. Freemasonry is not the only interest that I have. Other s include:
Scouting
FLAGS
FLAGS is the National Scout Active Support Unit which actively supports the recruitment, retention and ongoing support of LGBT adults within Scouting in the UK. I was elected Chairman of the Unit at the AGM on 3 September 2011 at Gilwell Reunion.
National Catholic Scout Fellowship
The National Catholic Scout Fellowships supports and furthers the aims of Scouting in a Catholic context.
International Scout Active Support
ISAS facilitates opportunities for members of the Scout Association who have or wish to participate in an international experience through Scouting, and provides a link between Scouts who wish to be part of a project or activity in Scouting anywhere in the world.
isfn.org.uk/http://www.isfn.org.uk/
Music
Ballymena Festival – Music, Speech, Dance
The Festival takes place during February and March each year in the new Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena which has modern facilities for most major performing arts. The Festival provides a wide opportunity for performers at all stages of music, speech, drama and dance. Gala Nights featuring major classes and performances representing the best in each section take place on Saturday evenings during the Festival.
Irish Guild of Organists and Choristers
The aims of the Guild are to raise awareness of the history of Church music and to promote the highest standards in its practice. The Guild also exists to encourage members in their spiritual lives, and to provide a means whereby they can share experience and resources with other musicians.
Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists is a charity and membership organisation for the promotion and advancement of organ playing and choral directing.
The College has nearly 3,000 members based in 40 countries around the world. Together we work to promote the best in organ playing and choral directing, and to encourage anyone who is interested to learn more about this fascinating and versatile musical instrument, and to explore its history and repertoire.
As a professional examining body, the College has a long history of accrediting organists and choral directors in order to maintain the highest standards in musical performance and music teaching. The College’s qualifications are held by many and are recognised worldwide as a measure of achievement and distinction.
Charitable organisations
Among the other charitable organisations which I support include:
