The first Lady Taverners were elected on 12 October 1987, with Diana Thomas becoming chairman at the Christmas lunch. Diana led the fundraising path; £51,000 in 1988 to almost double that in her second term of office. Joan Morecambe became founder president and still works amazingly hard on our behalf.
There is no doubt that without the original Honorary Lady Taverners – and Baroness Thatcher – the Lady Taverners as such would not have come into being and been the success they are today.
Now over 1,000 strong, the Lady Taverners continues to draw members from the sporting, show business and corporate worlds.
Over the past quarter of a century, funds have been raised in our 25 regions around the country, to help enhance the lives of young people with special needs and from disadvantaged backgrounds. The aim is to give as many young people as possible a ‘sporting chance’ in life.
In Northern Ireland, specifically, there is a core committee that arranges several fundraising and awareness events throughout the year. Annually, the Lady Taverners NI hosts the ‘Spirit of Sport Awards’. These awards recognise and celebrate children and young people with special needs and from disadvantaged backgrounds who have excelled in sport, despite their challenges. Children and young people are nominated and brought to a panel of judges who have the hardest task of selecting overall winners. Each year there is a special awards ceremony, which also acts as an awareness opportunity for the charity. The awards ceremony for 2014 was held at the closing matinee of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, where our inspirational recipients gratefully accepted their accolades from evil witch, celebrity Lorraine Chase who is a Lady Taverner and was headlining the panto, on stage alongside the full cast! After the final curtain, recipients and their families were thrilled to meet the cast in a private setting and show off their new trophies. The audience generously donated to the charity as they left the theatre – what a great day for the Lady Taverners NI.
Another successful event, hosted by the NI region of the Lady Taverners in 2014 was the ‘Champagne Afternoon Tea with Vintage Fashion’. Friends and supporters of the charity flocked to Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, for an afternoon of fun, fashion and fizz, reminiscing through yesteryear with many outfits and stories behind the outfits! Our President, Dr Janet Gray MBE was one of the models on the day and gladly showed off some beautiful pieces! Check out our images for a glimpse of the day that raised around £1,000 for a great cause!
However, the year isn’t over yet! The Lady Taverners NI have teamed up with The Masonic to throw the bash of the year, the ‘Grand Masquerade Ball‘ in Europa Hotel, Belfast on 18th October. With a great line up of entertainment, including headlining act ‘The Untouchables’, a drinks reception and three-course dinner in a mysterious masquerade setting is impossible to refuse. Tickets are still available, so please get in touch through our website or click here for more information!
The Lady Taverners understand the massive potential sport has to encourage boys and girls of all abilities to get out, keep fit and be part of a team. By donating sports equipment, specially made wheelchairs, sensory equipment and putting on fun days, sport and recreation can be made accessible to everyone.
In 25 years over £12 million has been raised and if you would like to join the Lady Taverners and help to give young people everywhere a sporting chance in life, or would like more information regarding the Lady Taverners, please click here.