One of the highlights of Equity Conference is the awarding of new Honorary Life Memberships (HLM), the union’s highest honour.
Equity is honoured to present the award to Stephen Beggs and Louis Rolston.
Stephen and Louis were presented with the HLM certificates by Equity President Lynda Rooke on Saturday (10 May) at a reception in the beautiful surroundings of Derry's St Columb's Hall.
Stephen Beggs
Stephen Beggs joined Equity in 2010, he is committed to action against the far right and to attending Pride events all over the North of Ireland.
Stephen is a vocal advocate on issues of sustainability, including Equity’s Green New Deal and Green Arts NI and takes the ferry to union meetings and events across the Irish Sea.
Stephen has been a member of the Northern Ireland National Committee since 2013 and Chair since 2017.
Lynda Rooke, Equity President, said: “Stephen is universally loved by producers, cast members, arts organisations, politicians, and artist comrades. It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to award Stephen Beggs with Honorary Life Membership.”
Louis Rolston
Louis Rolston has represented the concerns and views of Northern Irish members for many years. He supports the NI Committee; International Workers' Memorial Day, Resist The Cuts funding rallies, International Women’s Day, branch meetings, May Day and more.
Louis served on Equity Council as the Councillor for Northern Ireland, representing the concerns and views of NI members, including pushing motions from branches through council, including a call for the Irish language in the Equity magazine from Lagan and East Branch, and Irish language flags for the Foyle and West Branch.
Lynda Rooke said: “Following in his father’s footsteps, Louis has always been a passionate advocate for the continuing success of the Lyric Theatre Belfast, but is equally respected for his activism across the North of Ireland. It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to award Louis Rolston with Equity Honorary Life Membership.”
