Duke of Edinburgh visits NI to celebrate 50th year of awards

The Duke of Edinburgh has today attended a special reception at Hillsborough Castle to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

During the gathering, Prince Phillip was joined by 50 young people from across Northern Ireland who, today, became the latest participants to received Gold Award Certificates, the highest level of recognition.

To achieve such success and join the ranks of over 1.5 million young adults who, nationally, have earned an award, each of the recipients undertook a demanding programme of personal development for periods of up to 18 months.

Mr Eric Rainey, the Award Director of Northern Ireland's Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh.

Local personalities Jackie Fullerton and George Jones also attended the ceremony, helping to present the Gold Award Certificates.

Ballymoney High School Choir provided musical accompaniment for the event, as the Duke met with Award leaders who will travel to Sri Lanka later this month to assist with the post-Tsunami rebuilding process and Award holders who plan to hoist an Award flag on Mount Everest in May as part of the national celebrations for the 50th Anniversary.

The Duke of Edinburgh then attended the Royal Ulster Yacht Club in Bangor, which was established in 1866 and granted a Royal Warrant in 1869.

He was greeted by Mr William Hall, Lord-Lieutenant of County Down who went on to introduce a number of specially invited guests.

Prince Phillip met with 40 young people, including children from local schools taking part in training activities provided by The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Ocean Youth Trust, Maritime Coastguard Agency and The Royal Yachting Association, all currently working towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

The Prince then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit and also accepted a gift of the book, “Letters from High Latitudes” by Lord Dufferin who, in 1867, was the first Commodore of the Club.

Finally, he presented a framed “Access Organisation” certificate to the Club in recognition of its outreach commitment.

Following lunch, he met a number of Royal Ulster Yacht Club staff and signed the visitors’ book.

(SP)