Integrated Education Fund

Actors Ciaran Hinds and James Ellis joined business leaders and dignitaries at a gala event in Belfast when the Integrated Education Fund hosted a celebration ball at the Europa Hotel. 

Baroness May Blood MBE, Sir George and Lady Bain and businessmen Desmond Wilson and Terry Cross were among more than 200 guests enjoying entertainment from acclaimed soul/jazz singer Mirenda Rosenberg and comedian Adrian Walsh, a close friend of the late Frank Carson.  Diners were piped into the Grand Ballroom by champion bagpiper, ten year old Ryan Cupples-Menendez. (more…)

Everyone involved in the Integrated Education Fund has been saddened by the death of our great friend and supporter Frank Carson. He is widely known as a comedian and his loyalty to his Belfast roots was often shown, but his charitable side may not be as renowned.

Frank’s association with the Integrated Education Fund began when his son Tony, an IEF donor and volunteer fundraiser, invited him to an event in Terry Cross’s Chateau De La Ligne in Bordeaux.  Since then, Frank proved to be a true friend of integrated education.  Frank became involved with us as soon as he could, came over to visit some integrated schools, rallied  his many friends from all corners of the islands and not only gave generously himself but also  worked hard to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the IEF.   (more…)

Budding stars in the realms of theatre, art and film gathered at the Lyric Theatre on 10th October) for the annual Carson Awards Ceremony.   Creative talent in integrated schools around Northern Ireland was celebrated as local entertainer John Linehan handed out the trophies and certificates.   An invited audience enjoyed films, live drama and fine art in a showcase of the winning projects.  

An exhibition of prizewinner’s work, including painting and collage was mounted in the foyer of the theatre, and short films and an extract of the play Delicates were shown in the Naughton Studio. (more…)