A truly royal occasion was experienced on Friday 21st October 2005 when along with almost 200 young people and adults, members of our Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade Companies met and spoke to His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward) during his visit to the Boys’ Brigade Ganaway Activity Centre near Millisle.

The Prince arrived at 4.25pm and was greeted by a welcoming party of BB dignitaries and Ganaway staff. He then toured the Centre and was presented with the young people taking part in a wide variety of activities ranging from outdoor and indoor sports to musical items. In the Ganaway Arena, our own young people, Lauren McKee, Rachel Gallagher, Caroline Orr, Naomi Ellison, Helen Byers, Wayne Burges, Mark Dunne, Andrew Hare and Jack Elliot showed of their skills on the indoor climbing wall, while buglers Craig Lynn, David Stewart, Ryan Cherry, Ryan Irvine and Glenn Crangle sounded an excellent fanfare for the Prince, who commended them accordingly.

It was then the adults’ turn, when His Royal Highness was introduced to various groups waiting in the sports hall. He spoke to each group very informally before signing the visitors’ book and accepting a gift.

To conclude this memorable occasion, the Prince Edward then proceeded to plant an oak tree at the entrance to the Millennium Centre before leaving for his next engagement.

It was a very special and successful day in the very busy life of Ganaway and pleasing to the good images of our young people being promoted province wide