Hillsborough Castle provided a stunning backdrop for Northern Ireland’s celebrations to mark the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen, with Army Reserve officers and soldiers from 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery based at Coleraine and Newtownards firing the traditional 21 Gun Royal Salute.
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David Hill, representing Sea Source, and Alison Kearns, both from Kilkeel, are pictured enjoying the occasion in the company of Mr Denis Desmond CBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Londonderry, and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Scott Curry. [/caption]
booming birthday Salute provided an opportunity for the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Northern Ireland and SaBRE, the organisation which links the country’s Reservists with employers, to bring representatives of the Northern Ireland’s business community up to date on the evolving role of Reservists. Welcoming guests from the public and private sectors, Colonel Johnny Rollins MBE, Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Northern Ireland, spoke of the high value of employer support.
He said: “It takes a considerable degree of personal commitment, time, selfless dedication and energy to pursue a part-time career with the Reserve Forces, but that burden is much lighter for those who are fortunate enough to have the active support of their employer as well as family backing.
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Major Robert Gibson explains the history behind the ceremony to, from left) David, Donna, Dawn and William Carlisle, representing Carlisle Fuels of Ballynahinch.[/caption]
“We are extremely grateful to those employers who are prepared to show support and flexibility within the constraints of their business environment, helping their employees to balance full-time civilian and part-time military careers. The valuable support which they give to Reservists is genuinely appreciated and we are continuing to work with employers to develop partnerships which will bring benefits to all concerned.”
“Benefits of Reserve service certainly flow back to the employer in the form of accredited, industry standard and nationally recognised training and qualifications, alongside military skills such as positive work ethos, confidence, the ability to work under pressure, leadership and communication skills.
“The superb turnout and discipline of the Royal Salute show the high standards of military skills which are a trademark of our Reserve Forces, making this piece of pageantry a fabulous showcase for us.”
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In bright sunshine the guns blazed their birthday greeting in a ceremony which was mirrored in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London where the annual Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace is a focus of national attention.[/caption]]]>
