NAVY COMES TO TOWN WITH FABULOUS BEATING RETREAT IN LISBURN

Members of the Ship’s Company of HMS Hibernia along with Sea Cadets from across Northern Ireland were joined by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines (Scotland) for a special “Meet The Navy Ceremony” in Lisburn. The event was hosted by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in support of HMS Hibernia, home of the Royal Naval Reserves in Northern Ireland, based at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. 

The RNR were formerly based on HMS Caroline, but since moving to Lisburn have forged strong links with the local community. In this partnership, HMS Hibernia has been shown much support from the people and leaders of Lisburn and in return provides training and opportunities for young people from the locality and from further afield in Northern Ireland. This training prepares them not only for work in support of Royal Navy operations, but much of it is also transferable to civilian life as skills much valued by employers.

In recognition of the partnership, the people of the city were treated to a display of music and precision drill from the world-renowned band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. The day concluded with the ceremonial Beating Retreat held in Castle Grounds and attended by local business leaders and dignitaries including: His Worship the Mayor, Mr Brian Bloomfield; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council; Mrs Joan Christie, Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim; High Sheriff of County Antrim, Ms Miranda Tisdale; Commanding Officer of HMS Hibernia, Commander Neil Downing; Commander John Gray RN; and Dame Mary Peters, Honorary Captain Royal Navy Reserve.

In their remarks both the Mayor and Commander Downing highlighted that the partnership continued to be of significant mutual reward and each looked forward to it continuing.