Northern Ireland Office

On the second engagement of the day Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited Ballyclare and during the engagement in the town’s Ballyclare Concerns Centre (BCC) had the opportunity to meet and hear a short musical piece performed by the highly acclaimed and successful singing group ‘The Priests’.

BCC has been proactive in community development for the Ballyclare area since 1991 by facilitating statutory bodies, business and community organisations in the delivery of educational and social events. Other initiatives run by the Centre include a Luncheon Club, a Tuesday Dance class and Counselling Services.

Arriving at the Centre TRH were greeted by Mrs Joan Christie OBE ,The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and went on to meet Mr Tom Gray, Chairman BCC, and Father Eugene O’Hagan, Administrator of the Parish of Ballyclare and Ballygowan and BCC Board Member, and Mrs Sharon Parkes, the organisations Manager who both accompanied the Royal Couple during the visit.

Beginning a tour of the centre, TRH visited the Special Needs Unit and met a number of adults with learning difficulties and were told of the role of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in providing support for individuals with special needs by Ms Jane Liken Learning Disabilities Co-ordinator.

Later HRH The Prince of Wales met members of the Ballyclare and District Historical Society who are currently involved in researching a local history project and also had the opportunity to view a photographic exhibition of “Old Ballyclare”.  Mrs Lindy Reid, Secretary of the Society, presented HRH with a gift of a local history book entitled “Ballyclare, Doagh and Ballyeaston” written by her late husband Mr Archie Reid.

Separately HRH The Duchess of Cornwall went on to meet Mrs Heather Bell, owner of a bridal shop and had the opportunity to view items of the bridal-wear on display.

TRH then met representatives of funding bodies, local business and statutory bodies who support the work of the centre before viewing a photographic exhibition reflecting the history of Ballyclare Community Concerns.

Prior to joining a reception in the Main Hall, Father Eugene O’Hagan presented to TRH, his brother Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy who together make up the successful singing group ‘The Priests’ who recently achieved over one million sales of their first recording.

During the reception TRH met invited guests representing local community groups, community and service providers, local authority, women’s groups, representatives from the education sector and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Their Royal Highnesses also met a number of senior citizens before enjoying music performed by “The Priests”.

Following the recital TRH accepted an invitation from Mr Gray to unveil a plaque commemorating their visit.

Bringing the engagement to a close TRH were presented with gifts from members of the ReACTions Theatre group who use the centre.

HRH The Prince of Wales was presented with a locally crafted pen set by nine year old Christy Grattan and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was presented with a piece of jewellery by nine year old Aime Gilmour.

Following final farewells TRH departed for the next engagement.

Notes to Editors

On arrival TRH were greeted by Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of CountyAntrim and went on to meet:

Alderman Victor Robinson, Mayor, Newtownabbey Borough Council,

Mr Norman Dunn, Chief Executive, Newtownabbey Borough Council,

Ms Margaret Ritchie MLA, Minister for Social Development,

Mr Tom Gray, Chairman, Ballyclare Community Concerns,

Father Eugene O’Hagan, Board Member, Ballyclare Community Concerns,

and

Mrs Sharon Parkes, Manager, Ballyclare Community Concerns.