Format

The year 1885 was an important year in our history. It was the year when the Reform Club opened its doors at 4 Royal Avenue. This followed a period going back to 1868 when Liberals came to play an important role in Ulster politics. In 1880, first steps were taken to establish a club in Belfast, following the Liberal model recently established by the Manchester Reform Club. Its aim was to 'bring together the men of position and influence in the province’. These people were all followers of William Gladstone, but with the introduction of the first home rule bill in 1886 there was a parting of the ways.

This talk will look at these early years and the individuals behind this important initiative.

Professor Emeritus Brian M. Walker is a former member of the politics school at Queen’s University Belfast and author of “Ulster politics: the formative years, 1868-86.”

Coffee/Tea can be purchased at 10.30am and our meeting will begin at 11.00am. The talk will last for approximately one hour followed by 15 minutes of questions. Members and guests can then have lunch if they wish to.

Please book in advance.

The Club’s Historical Society invites all members of the Club to make suggestions for events that might add to the celebration of our 140th anniversary this year.