Highly capable, talented, pioneering and passionate about pharmacy are key attributes of the Ulster Chemists’ Association’s President, although throughout the UCA Executive Committee, these qualities can be found in addition to tremendous levels of dedication and hard work on behalf of pharmacists throughout Northern Ireland. As a gesture of thanks, it has been a long standing UCA tradition to invite members of the Committee along to the celebratory Presidents at Home event.

“The President invites his colleagues on the Executive Committee to an evening or day out as a reward for their continuing contribution to the Association and the profession,” explained Adrienne Clugston, UCA secretary who knows first hand how hard the Committee works. “Committee members give up their free time, or what remains of it, to help run the Association for the benefit of their fellow members and the event, usually held towards the summer, is one way of showing our gratitude. The evening is also an opportunity to thank key contributors to UCA events, such as wholesalers AAH Pharmaceuticals and Sangers.”

President Paul McDonagh hosted this year’s event in City Hall’s Big Wheel, against the dazzling backdrop of the Belfast sky line. “This was the first Presidents at Home since Paula McDaid hosted her wonderful event in 2004 since it can be difficult to organise during the summer months,” Paul explained. “Therefore I was determined to have one this year to express our thanks to the Committee.

“The event was an enormous success and the Big Wheel played a big role in its popularity. It was a thank you to all the good work and free time all the UCA Committee members, along with Adrienne Clugston and Tammy Jones, have put in during the last two years in particular, that I have been President. We also extend our thanks to our main sponsors AAH Pharmaceuticals and Sangers without whose financial support many training, events and conferences simply could not happen.”

The social event was also a key opportunity for Committee members representing other professional bodies to talk about what they are working on at the moment. “It was a great chance to catch up and talk over a few things with PCC chair Gerard Greene and PSNI president Raymond Anderson,” Paul added. “However it wasn't all business and a thoroughly great night was had by all. Feedback did indicate that it certainly shouldn’t be another four years for the next one!”