Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement

 
 
Thursday, 11th March 2010

Time to Talk with George Strong

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 29 May 2008
THIS week the 'MAIL' caught up with 'peace-maker' George Strong.
George, 70, is a retired director of conciliation and arbitration services within the Labour Relations Agency, he is still called on to to arbitrate in settling employment issues.

Since his retirement George was secretary of Belmont Bowling Club and was president of Northern Ireland Private Greens Bowling League and a council member of the Irish Bowling Association, he plays for the senior team at Lurgan Bowling Club.

George is no stranger to Lurgan, in the 1970s he helped with recruitment, training, retention, labour productivity and industrial relations for new companies throughout the development of Craigavon.

Later as a client executive with the industrial development board he worked to build and attract new companies to the area.

Over the past year George has had to care for his wife, Mary, who suffered a heart attack and was confined to hospital for almost six months.

He said: "She contracted a number of infections including MRSA and I cannot speak highly enough of the care and attention given to Mary over these testing times.

"I would like to thank consultant cardiologist, Dr Menown and his team at Craigavon Area Hospital and the aftercare provided by Banbridge Health and Social Services Trust and her GP."

George moved to the Banbridge Road two years ago to be near his two daughters, Gillian in Moira and Allyson from Waringstown as well as son-in-law Jonny and three grandchildren Lucy, Callum and Zara.

He and wife Mary are members of Lurgan Presbyterian Church.

If you could trade places with anyone else for the day who would it be and why?

Senator George Mitchell. I have worked all my life in dispute resolution and his work in the peace process in building confidence among parties and communities is to be commended by all. The peace process has really helped to develop society as a whole in Northern Ireland. It would be great to have been alongside him at the beginning of the peace process and glean his knowledge, skills and experience.

Describe your perfect day...

it would centre around my family and friends. I celebrated my birthday with my family and friends on the north coast, the weather was superb - it will be something special to remember.

If you could change your job what would you do instead?

Due to my wife's illness I have had to develop domestic skills as a carer, I have enjoyed working life and would not swap that role.

Party animal or slouch potato?

More of a slouch potato these days but in my younger days I enjoyed the great Irish showbands.

Page 1 of 2

  • Last Updated: 29 May 2008 12:00 PM
  • Source: Lurgan Mail
  • Location: Lurgan
 
 
 


Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.