A HEALTHY GATHERING TO MARK ROYAL BIRTHDAY AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE

The ‘big guns’ were rolled out at Hillsborough Castle on 21st April to mark HM The Queen’s 91st birthday.  The 21 Gun Royal Salute in honour of the longest reigning monarch in British history was fired by students from Queen’s University Officer Training Corps (QUOTC), under the supervision of Army Reserve officers and soldiers from 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery based at Coleraine and Newtownards.

The prestigious traditional event also provided an opportunity to showcase to employers from the health and social care sectors the work done by Reserve Forces’ medics.

Welcoming guests, Colonel Johnny Rollins MBE, Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Northern Ireland, praised the dedication and expertise shown by hundreds of local men and women who balance part-time medical roles in the Reserve Forces with demanding civilian careers and spoke of the benefits which they bring back to their civilian workplaces.

He said, “We are hugely grateful not only to the healthcare professionals who choose to ‘go the extra mile’ by devoting personal time, expertise and enthusiasm to Reserve service, but also to the employers who give them their backing. The valuable support which the sector gives to Reserve medics is genuinely appreciated and we are continuously working to ensure that the benefits of military service flow back into the civilian workplace.  Professional development and accredited, nationally recognised training and qualifications bring clear benefits, but our tri-service medics also bring to their ‘day job’ important skills such as positive work ethos, confidence, leadership and communication skills and the ability to work under extreme pressure.”

Following the firing, the firing party was inspected by HM Lord Lieutenant for County Tyrone, Mr Robert Scott OBE and Commander 2nd Medical Brigade, Brigadier Toby Rowland, pictured below with HM Lord Lieutenant’s cadet, Sergeant Jack Liggett:

 
After the firing ceremony, the guests received short presentations from a medical reservist from each of the 3 Services, including an extremely inspiring account by Corporal Michelle Haveron from 502 (Ulster) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.  Michelle is pictured below with Wing Commander Alison Moodie, OC Medical Wing, 502 Squadron.

 
The presentations were followed by a light lunch, giving the guests a chance to chat with their reservist hosts in the splendid setting of Hillsborough Castle.