September 2026 Newsletter

2026, Newsletter, Posts, September

Welcome to our September newsletter. We might not be going back to school, but we have been busy and hope that you can help keep the momentum going  

Coffee morning.

On Wednesday, the 23rd of September we shall be returning to Sonas . Come along between 10:30 and 12 o’clock for a drink and snack alongside good company and conversation.

Long table dinner.

Earlier this year we went along to Sonas four what they call a long table dinner. This is a relaxed meal with no menu choices. This time we shall be sharing the evening with members of the public. We will be asking for you to confirm a place a little bit nearer the time. The price will be £22.

Fundraising Triumph. 

David Mann wishes to thank everybody who helped and supported him in his “80 for 80” fundraising ride on Saturday 29th August, both before and during theevent.  David was marking his 80th Birthday by riding 80 km on a tandem.  So far at least £1,700 has been raised for Lisburn Outlook and a further £1,200 or more for the Norrie disease foundation, not including gift Aid.

Top thanks go to David’s pilot, Mark Gillespie, but a number of other Outlook members rode alongside them, either on tandems or on their own bikes, for all or part of the way.  The route took us out through Glenavy, along the Lough shore to Oxford Island and homeward through Moira.  It took just under four hours cycling time, plus breaks for refreshments.

 A huge thank you to everybody who has already donated.  The Just giving page will remain open for at least a month, so please spread the word and encourage as many other people as possible to donate.  The link is below:

August 2026 Newsletter

2026, August, Newsletter, Posts

Welcome to the next Lisburn Outlook newsletter. We have a few upcoming events that we hope will take your interest..

Coffee morning.

On Thursday, the 20th of August we will have our monthly coffee morning in the glasshouse. Join us between 10:30 and 12 o’clock for a drink and snack. 

Honouring our volunteers

On Wednesday, the 2nd of September at 7 pm in the Civic Centre we will be having tea with the mayor to help us honour our volunteers who have been with us for 10 years or more. We hope that as many people as possible will come along to show thanks and enjoy some hospitality and chat. 

A day in the Workhouse!

Well, not quite, but on Wednesday 16th September we are going to Enniskillen for a guided tour of the Enniskillen Workhouse. This will be led by Catherine Scott, the same lady who gave us a stimulating tour of the Enniskillen Museum when we were staying there last August.  We shall be leaving Lisburn around 9 a.m., enjoying the tour and then a late lunch before heading back.

Opened in 1844, just in time for the Great Famine, the Workhouse, like so many across the British Isles, served as a refuge of last resort for the poor and destitute. Here is a paragraph from their website.

Honouring the heritage of the Workhouse

Step into a captivating journey through the history of the Workhouse as we pay homage to its rich heritage. The Workhouse stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of the community that once thrived within its walls.

Unearthing the historical tapestry of the Workhouse, we explore the intricate stories of the people who sought solace within its walls. From the harsh realities of everyday life to the triumphs of the human spirit, their experiences come to life, reminding us of the strength and resilience that define the Workhouse’s legacy.

Help David raise money!

To celebrate his 80th birthday, David Mann is planning to ride 80 km on a tandem on 29th August, with the help of his pilot Mark Gillespie and other Lisburn outlook friends.  The money raised will be split between Lisburn outlook and the Norrie disease foundation.  

Norrie is a rare condition where children are born blind, often with developmental delays, and all too often go on to lose their hearing in adolescence.  David’s grandson Micah has this condition.  The Norrie Disease foundation is supporting research at Great Ormond Street Hospital to combat the hearing loss, as well as providing general support for families of Norrie people.

To support David, you can donate to either or both charities via this Just Giving lik:

If you want to join us for part of the ride, on any sort of bicycle, you would be very welcome.  Contact David for further details nearer the time.

Final words

That’s all for this month. Don’t forget to get in touch with suggestions of events you would like to see us do.