Bert
Wilson MBE (Class of 1957)
Bert Wilson attended Portadown College from 1946 (in the Prep’ Dept) to 1957. He was Deputy Head Boy, House Captain, Queens Scout and Troop Leader (he represented Ulster at World Scout Jamboree in Canada 1955).
He was also Captain of Athletics and Senior Champion. He was awarded colours in rugby and athletics in 1954, 1955 and 1956. He won the N. Ireland “AAA” high jump championship in 1955. He obtained a good senior certificate including a high mark of 95% in Technical Drawing (first place in N. Ireland).
After leaving school Bert qualified as an Environmental Health Officer and worked in Co Armagh and Co Down. On the creation of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 1972 he was appointed as Area Manager in Craigavon and took a major role in the setting up of the organisation in that area. In 1979 he was promoted to Regional Housing and Planning Manager for the Southern Region. He became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing in 1989. He was awarded the MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours in 1994 for his services to housing in N. Ireland. He retired from the NI Housing Housing Executive in 1995. Bert is married to Anne, they have 3 children, Mark, Paul and Jane and 5 grand-children.
Bert’s interests include:
Rugby. He played for Portadown and North. His senior playing career was cut short due to injury. He then refereed for 15 years under the flag of Portadown R.F.C.
Golf. He is a Trustee of Banbridge Golf Club. Having been Captain in 1978 and President 1988-90. At his best he played to a handicap of 4 but now is up to 13, entirely due to old age!
Church. Bert has served his church at Parish Diocesan and General Synod levels. He is presently the Down and Dromore representative on the Representative Church Body.
Music. He inherited his love of music from the well known musical Wilson family. He plays the piano and was President of The South Ulster Concert Band for over 30 years. He is also Vice President of Portadown Ladies Choir.
Scouting. On moving to live in Banbridge in 1967 Bert became Commissioner for Cub Scouts in Banbridge District. He was awarded The Medal of Merit for his 16 years service.
Masonic. Bert takes an active interest in the Masonic charities, in particular, the Masonic Boys fund, which help with the educational needs of those families suffering hardship.
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Scouting links regarding Bert:
http://wj55.org/Stories/Wilson.php
http://wj55.org/Stories/Belfast_Reunion.php
Diocesan Council link regarding Bert:
http://www.downanddromore.org/news/2012/06/The-end-of-an-era
After leaving school Bert qualified as an Environmental Health Officer and worked in Co Armagh and Co Down. On the creation of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 1972 he was appointed as Area Manager in Craigavon and took a major role in the setting up of the organisation in that area. In 1979 he was promoted to Regional Housing and Planning Manager for the Southern Region. He became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing in 1989. He was awarded the MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours in 1994 for his services to housing in N. Ireland. He retired from the NI Housing Housing Executive in 1995. Bert is married to Anne, they have 3 children, Mark, Paul and Jane and 5 grand-children.
Bert’s interests include:
Rugby. He played for Portadown and North. His senior playing career was cut short due to injury. He then refereed for 15 years under the flag of Portadown R.F.C.
Golf. He is a Trustee of Banbridge Golf Club. Having been Captain in 1978 and President 1988-90. At his best he played to a handicap of 4 but now is up to 13, entirely due to old age!
Church. Bert has served his church at Parish Diocesan and General Synod levels. He is presently the Down and Dromore representative on the Representative Church Body.
Music. He inherited his love of music from the well known musical Wilson family. He plays the piano and was President of The South Ulster Concert Band for over 30 years. He is also Vice President of Portadown Ladies Choir.
Scouting. On moving to live in Banbridge in 1967 Bert became Commissioner for Cub Scouts in Banbridge District. He was awarded The Medal of Merit for his 16 years service.
Masonic. Bert takes an active interest in the Masonic charities, in particular, the Masonic Boys fund, which help with the educational needs of those families suffering hardship.
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Scouting links regarding Bert:
http://wj55.org/Stories/Wilson.php
http://wj55.org/Stories/Belfast_Reunion.php
Diocesan Council link regarding Bert:
http://www.downanddromore.org/news/2012/06/The-end-of-an-era
