Adrian and Christine capture friendship of Terry and Billy

Adrian and Christine capture friendship of Terry and Billy

3 May 2017

ROWALLANE councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews will be appearing on our television screens this October 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 last week.

The two politicians from opposite sides of the political divide were interviewed by Northern Ireland’s very own Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles in beautiful weather conditions at the picturesque golf course which commands stunning views over the Irish Sea, making a big impression on Adrian in particular.

The new 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 this autumn.

It 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 is 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.

Councillor Walker said he was delighted to take part in the programme and revealed Adrian Chiles was smitten by the beauty of the district, in particular, its stunning countryside.

“I told the presenters that being close friends with Terry who is a member of a nationalist party does not make me any less of a unionist,” he explained. “Terry and I are very close, but we hold differing political viewpoints which has never been a barrier between us. We were pleased to take part in the BBC series and had a great day. It was fantastic to meet Christine and Adrian; they are very down to earth.”

Councillor Andrews said while the duo are from opposite sides of the divide, they remain “firm friends” with their main aim always to help others, thanking the many people who have helped make their various fundraising events such a success.

“The genesis of the BBC programme is Christine taking Adrian around Northern Ireland to meet people from opposite sides of the religious and political divide who work together for the common good, despite their differences.

“The programme obviously focuses on friendship and at the end of filming Adrian holds his hands up and admits Christine is right in her assertion that Northern Ireland is the friendliest region in the UK.”

Councillors Walker and Andrews want to thank Bright Golf Club for its assistance in allowing last week’s filming to take place and have admitted they are secretly looking forward to seeing themselves on the television screen in October.

“We 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,” they added.