BBC show to capture the friendship of councillors

BBC show to capture the friendship of councillors

13 September 2017

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews will be appearing on television screens within the next few weeks in a new BBC series focusing on friendships.

The duo, who have organised a series of fundraising events over recent years which have raised over £10,000 for local charities, took part in a recording for the new programme at Bright Golf Club in the summer and last Friday morning were at Belfast’s Corn Market to film a few final scenes.

The two politicians from opposite sides of the political divide feature alongside other people from across the Province in the programme hosted by Northern Ireland’s Christine Lampard and Adrian Chiles.

The picturesque Bright Castle golf course which commands stunning views over the Irish Sea, made a big impression on Adrian in particular during the summer and he admits at the conclusion of the three-part television series that Northern Ireland is the friendliest region in the UK.

The  programme captures the unique friendship between DUP man Walker and the SDLP’s Andrews, highlighting that while they may have differing political views, when it comes to helping the local community they are united.

Over the past number of years the duo have raised thousands of pounds via a series of fundraising ventures including a boxing match, eating challenge, sponsored cycle, golf competition, a rowing challenge on Strangford Lough and are currently making plans for a baking challenge.

The Rowallane politicians have forged a close bond over the past 20 years which clearly comes across in the BBC programme due to be screened shortly.

The episode featuring Billy and Terry begins with Adrian and Christine on the hunt for the politicians with the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick their first port of call. 

With no sign of the intrepid duo in sight, they head off to Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s headquarters at the Downshire Civic Centre where a quick check of the debating chamber reveals no sign of the Rowallane politicians.

The presenters then make their way to Bright Golf Club and after commandeering a golf buggy they set off, with Christine at the wheel and Adrian scouring the fairways using binoculars in a bid to get a glimpse of the politicians.

They then appear over the brow of a hill with golf clubs in hand and stop with Christine and Adrian to recount how they became friends and their work to raise thousands of pounds for charities and worthy causes.

The local politicians say they were delighted to take part in the programme and revealed Adrian was very taken by the beauty of the district, in particular, its stunning countryside.

“It was a privilege to take part in the programme which features a few Down Recorder photos of a our various fundraising exploits,” revealed Billy.

“When the final scenes were filmed in Belfast last Friday we had an opportunity to have a sneak peak at the edited version which will be screened  shortly. While it is rather surreal to watch yourself on television, it captures the great friendship Terry and I have enjoyed for many years.”

Councillor Andrews said it was “quite emotional” to watch snippets of the programme and revealed he really enjoyed taking part.

“Billy and I had great fun making the programme and Christine and Adrian were really lovely. They are very down to earth and it was great to meet and work with them. The programme shows that while Billy and I are from opposite sides of the political divide, we are very close friends and work hard on behalf of everyone in the community,” he said.

Terry added: “Billy and I are always delighted to help others and getting involved in fundraising was never about raising our profile, it was about trying to make a difference and we are humbled this has been the case.”