Ex-New Zealand PM visits Ballance House

GLENAVY: Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1999 – 2008 and currently Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, the third highest UN position, paid a visit to Ballance House at Glenavy on Saturday April 28 and walked in the footsteps of another New Zealand Premier, John Ballance.

Helen, who was on a private visit to Northern Ireland visiting relatives and locations associated with her ancestors in Lurgan and Portadown was very interested in seeing the birthplace of John Ballance, New Zealand Premier 1891-1893 and was particularly impressed with the restoration work which had been completed in 1991.

Helen spent over two hours at Ballance House viewing the wide range of artefacts and exhibitions on display and was presented with a copy of ‘The Rainmaker’ a biography of John Ballance written by Timothy McIvor.

Ballance House is open to the public every Wednesday, Sunday and public holidays, except July 12, from 2-5pm. The Spring Fair takes place at Ballance House on Saturday May 19 from 2-5pm.

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