This week David Watters stepped down from the board of Belfast Charitable Society following 12 years as Chair. Guided by the Charity’s overall mission since 1752 to help the disadvantaged, and inspired by its long history of innovation and influence, David wanted to do more than just give out grants. David leaves a long legacy of projects and initiatives which will have, and will continue to have, a real impact on people’s lives. He also ensured that Belfast Charitable Society, already one of the oldest charities in Northern Ireland (est 1752), has the stability and structure to continue well into the future.
On Wednesday 13th March, board members, members, staff and volunteers celebrated David’s achievements with an evening of music and culture in Clifton House. Attendees were wowed with performances from the North Belfast Youth Choir, Caidre Community Choir with Siobhan Brown, ANAKA Women’s Collective and Ursula Burns.
Taking over the reins as Chair, Professor Alastair Adair, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Ulster University, commented “It’s a privilege to follow David as Chairman of the society, particularly in this very historic year celebrating the 250th anniversary of Clifton House. I would like to pay tribute to David for his dedication to the Society, applaud the leadership of Sir Ronnie in the role of President and thank my colleagues on the Board and the staff for the continued delivery of the mission to influence philanthropy to address disadvantage.
As has been mentioned this is the 250th anniversary of the opening of Clifton House and there is no better example of sustainability. I have spent 16 years leading the build of the new UU campus in Belfast and that has a life expectancy of 300 years I hope that in that time Clifton House will remain as magnificent then as it is today.”