Royal couple at Aldergrove service

The Duchess of Cornwall meets children at St Catherine's Church in Aldergrove.	The Prince of Wales meets a young a young admirer at St. Catherine's Church in Aldergrove.

THE Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have attended a special dedication service to unveil a new stained glass window at St Catherine's Parish church to mark the end of the military role in policing Northern Ireland.

They visited the church, which is situated in the grounds at RAF Aldergrove, last Thursday as part of a two day visit to Northern Ireland.

One hundred and fifty people including local parishioners, RAF personnel, Army Air Corps and their families attended the service.

Station Commander Group Captain David Stubbs said: "The window will be a permanent thank-you and reminder of the debt owed to all the people who served at RAF Aldergrove, contributing towards peace and stability in Northern Ireland".

Following the service Prince Charles and the Duchess met RAF personnel and the families at a reception at the Sergeants Mess .

The new window consists of the Station crest - a red hand holding a rose - and the inscription reads, 'Ours to Hold'. Below this are clouds and then the hills of Antrim. Rising above the hills is the Sun, which represents a new beginning for Northern Ireland and the new Assembly.

Lough

Below the hill is Lough Neagh, and in one corner there are six bulrushes that represent the six counties of Northern Ireland.

The next scene is a Wessex helicopter, which is the gate guard at RAF Aldergrove, and two soldiers with a dog. Below the soldiers is a picture of Stormont and In one corner, flying just above Stormont, is a Lynx helicopter symbolising the work of the military guarding the new seat of democracy.

Below Stormont is the Tri-Service Crest, and below that an inscription: 'This window is dedicated to all who have served at RAF Aldergrove during Op Banner. "I came to serve and not be served," says the Lord.'

MEMBERS of the Princes Trust's Team Programme from Lisburn had a rendezvous with royalty at the Ova] Football Ground last week.

The young people and their coaches net the Trust's President, the Prince of Wales, when he called at the East Belfast home of Glentoran FC during his recent visit to Northern Ireland.

They are involved in a joint initiative with the Irish Football Association to promote soccer coaching in the community through young people.

This aims to improve the motivation and confidence of unemployed young people so they go back to work or education.

Demonstration

The Royal visitor was treated to a demonstration of wall climbing and abseiling by 16-to 25-year-olds on The Trust's Team programme.

He then enjoyed a demonstration of lining skills by Peter Smyth and Rudi Duncan, both of whom have successfully completed another of the Trust's initiatives 'Get into DJing'.

This like the other 'Get Into's' give young people training and a practical placement with some of the best in the industry.

Siobhan Craig, Northern Ireland Director for The Prince's Trust, said: " We are very pleased that His Royal Highness has been able to get a taste of the work we carry out throughout the year here in Northern Ireland. Last year we- were able to support over 1,200 young people. This year we hope to raise that figure to over 2,000.

THE Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited Hillsborough last week to attend Secretary of State Peter Hain's annual garden party.

The theme of the event was 'The Community and Voluntary Sector'.

The couple were greeted on their arrival at Hillsborough Castle by Mr William Hall, Lord-Lieutenant of County Down and went on to meet Secretary of State Peter Hain and First Minister Ian Paisley.

In the Rose Garden they were introduced to Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton along with a number of police officers and their guests.

They also met Brigadier Mike Riddell-Webster, Commander 39 Brigade, who went on to introduce a number of personnel serving in Northern Ireland and their guests.

In the main garden the Comber Silver band played the National Anthem before the Secretary of State invited the royal couple to plant a Wollemi Pine tree, with the assistance of Mr Jimmy Creighton, a member of staff at Hillsborough Castle who is due to retire soon after 31 years of service.

Accompanied by Mr William Hall and Mr Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary with the Department of Social Development.

The Prince and the Duchess then went on a tour of the garden, meeting many of the 2,000 guests attending the event.