Largest service in district

Largest service in district

14 November 2012

THE largest Act of Remembrance in Down District was once again in Ballynahinch.

Several hundred people gathered at the War Memorial on Sunday afternoon where almost 30 wreaths were laid after a short service.

The officiating clergy were Rev. Scott Woodburn, of Edengrove Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Ross Harte of Ballynahinch Methodist Church.

The exhortation was pronounced by Dr. Fred Byrne, chairman of the Royal British Legion’s Ballynahinch Branch.

The Legion Standard Bearer was Michel Richer, who lowered and raised the flag, and buglers Andrew Carlisle and Stephen Wilson sounded The Last Post and Reveille.

Piper Ian Bryson played as the 27 wreaths were laid after a perfectly observed silence.

First to lay a wreath was Dr. Fred Byrne from the RBL, followed by Lorraine Patterson who laid the RBL Women’s section wreath.

They were followed by Lieutenant Commander Emma Browning who laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Navy. She was escorted by Michel Richer.

A wreath from the PSNI was laid by Constable Colin Barr.

The wreath on behalf of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was laid by Watch Commander Stephen Barr, who was escorted by Crew Commander Peter Blaney.

Unit Leader Edna Reilly laid a wreath on behalf of the St John’s Ambulance Service.

Councillor Walter Lyons laid a wreath on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, escorted by councillor Robert Burgess and John Reid.

DUP MLA Jim Wells laid a wreath on behalf of his party, escorted by councillor Garth Craig and Paul Hanna.

A wreath was also laid on behalf of the Ballykinlar-based 2nd Battalion The Rifles.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Duncan McCausland, laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant and was escorted by Natasha Mudi of the Ballynahinch Army Cadet Force 2nd Battalion.

Youth organisations laid poppy wreaths as follows: Ballynahinch Con-

gregational Girls’ Brigade — Wreath layer Melissa Johnston and escorts Caitlin Graham and Rachel Jennings.

Magherahamlet Girls’ Brigade — Wreath layer Sarah McCurry and escorts Emma Rodgers and April Kerr.

Edengrove Girls’ Brigade — Wreath layer Olivia McCulla and escorts Hannah Cordner and Victoria Cordner.

Ballynahinch Congregational Boys’ Brigade — Wreath layer Jack McIlwrath was escorted by Alex Burtney and James Rea.

First Ballynahinch Brownies — Wreath layer Megan Christie and escorts Lily Kirk and Carrie Bell.

First Ballynahinch Girl Guides — Wreath layer Jenna Fulton was escorted by Rebeka Gibson and Emily Kerr.

First Ballynahinch Scout Group — Wreath layer John McAdam and escorts Jamie Stinson and Matthew Casement.

Ballynahinch Air Training Corps — Wreath layer Flying Officer Sarah Hunter.

Ballynahinch Army Cadet Force 2nd Battalion — Wreath layer Sergeant Instructor Leanne Kerr was escorted by Shannon McNally and Rebecca Jennings.

David Stuart laid a wreath on behalf of Ballynahinch Regeneration and the people of Ballynahinch.

A number of personal wreaths were also laid during the ceremony and included:

In loving memory of Private William Hill, killed 1st July 86, aged 22, from your loving family.

16575 Sgt MT Harper 13 Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action, Flanders 23 11 1917.

In loving memory of Corporal DB Brown QGM, who gave his life serving his country in the Ulster Defence Regiment, 28 May 1986. From his son, daughters, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law and grandchildren.

Everlasting remembrance of David Dornan, from his mother Agnes and brother Ian.

Hugh David George Hawthorne, former RUC constable, sadly missed by his mother, father, brothers Adrian, Lionel and Kyle.

Everlasting remembrance of Robert Patterson from his wife Doreen and family.

Joseph Hanna, 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, died 27 May 1940.

Led by the parade commander, all present made their way to Ballynahinch Baptist Church for a service of remembrance.