A Special Day

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 The Club proudly celebrated the Centenary at a 21 Royal Gun Salute fired at noon Monday 14 November 2011, the birthday of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. 

This singular event, organised by Headquarters 38 (Irish) Brigade, was one of the simultaneous salutes also held in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Gibraltar, York and Stirling.

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3 ceremonial light guns were fired for the salute at 12 noon precisely, by a ceremonial troop from 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery (Volunteers) who were then inspected by our own Honorary Member Dame Mary Peters, DBE, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for the County of Belfast.

 

salute2The Club were delighted to have present District Governor Barney Callaghan, Past District Governors, representatives from other Rotary Clubs, members and guests together with Officers and some Cadets from the University Officer Training Corps, Belfast. click on image for caption

The special day began with guests being piped into the castle by an army Pipe Major and the enjoyment, before the Salute, of light refreshments in the State Drawing Room in the company of the OTC cadets, with a pupil from the Lisburn School of Music, Tania Chung, playing beautifully on the grand piano. 

The organising Major welcomed everybody and wished Dame Mary and the Club continuing success in the years ahead before we moved onto the terrace steps for the salute and inspection - suitably equipped with ear plugs!

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Safely discharged, there was then an opportunity to inspect the guns ourselves, mingle and pose for a members' group photograph on a beautiful sunny November day.

salute8salute9Retiring inside to the Throne Room President Adrian thanked all who had been involved, expressed how delighted the Club were to be present and marked this special day by bestowing, on behalf of Council, a Sapphire Paul Harris Award on PP Bryan Johnston for his exemplary service to the Club over many years.

salute11salute10A buffet luncheon was served in the dining room and enjoyed by all, offering the opportunity to sit in some interesting locations... and have many tête à têtes.

This very special day was greatly enjoyed by all.

Full Gallery can be seen below