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17 June 2010

On 16 June Billy Tate MBE, Principal of Belvoir Primary School in Belfast, died after an illness. Trevor Ringland, Chair of the One Small Step Campaign, says ‘ Billy Tate was both a friend and a strong supporter of the ideals of the One Small Step Campaign. A strong and friendly character he showed the leadership so necessary in a society emerging from conflict that needs to heal itself. He will be sadly missed by his family, work colleagues and children at Belvoir Primary School and many friends.  His positive influence will however continue for many years to come in those of us who knew him.’

On 9 March 2009 the Belfast Telegraph published an article by Billy Tate as part of the Community Relations Council series in association with the One Small Step Campaign. In it he wrote:

‘I want to see a healing of the communities in Belfast and for my children to experience life to the full. I teach mutual understanding to promote tolerance and trust in the local and wider community. That requires us to engage in developing learners in practical activities that value and celebrate cultural difference and diversity. Too often the cross-community activities are safe ones for principals, where we follow the lines of least resistance.’

‘When a class of senior pupils asked me to introduce hurling into school I was flabbergasted because, momentarily, my old prejudices returned. On reflection, the real issue was that I knew this request would create difficulties for me as a principal. The road-less-travelled is always lonely and full of pot-holes. This should not deter us, as leaders and followers, because it takes us to a place where we will find true reconciliation. Children are already on this road looking back at my generation who are contemplating the potential journey ahead.‘

Click this link to read the full article.

A funeral service for Billy Tate will take place on Saturday 19 June at the First Lurgan Presbyterian Church followed by interment at Lurgan Cemetery.