Prince Charles’ delight as he opens Portico heritage centre

Prince Charles’ delight as he opens Portico heritage centre

25 May 2016

PORTAFERRY was in its best light yesterday when Prince Charles arrived in town for the official launch of the arts and heritage centre, Portico.

Arriving at the newly restored Presbyterian Church and arts centre shortly after 11am, the Royal guest took his place among clergy from each of the town’s churches, politicians and project benefactors for a service of thanksgiving on a day signalling summer’s arrival.

Flanked by the Lord Lieutenant for County Down, David Lindsay, and Portico’s arts and heritage officer, Dr Verity Peet, Prince Charles was welcomed by the chairman of Portaferry Presbyterian Church, Mr Ian McDonnell.

Mr McDonnell said it was an honour to have the Royal guest among them on what he described as a “momentous day in the life of the congregation and particularly in the history of this wonderful building.”

He said Portico was now not only the spiritual home of the the Presbyterian Church in Portaferry, but was also, following a £1.5m refurbishment project, including a £1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, an arts and heritage centre and building for the whole community.

Prince Charles told the gathering he took “enormous pleasure” from his invitation to attend.

Describing the Portico building as “remarkable”, he said he was particularly keen to congratulate those who had put so much “effort, dedication and indeed money” into bringing the building back to life and ensuring it can be used by everybody as an arts centre.

“It is a remarkable project and for me it is very special to be able to join you on this occasion to rededicate this building,” he said.

”I do hope it will provide everybody who lives in this town something very special for the future.”

After the service and formal address, the Prince made his way into the sunshine for an extended meet and greet in the garden.

Stopping unexpectedly to shake the hand of an chuffed congregation member Carol McDonnell on his way out of the church building, he appeared at ease as he moved through the garden, chatting with schoolchildren, local businesspeople and the Portico team.

“Were you allowed out? Were you given a few hours off?” he asked a group of St Columba’s College’s year 11 students.

“Did they not even give you a full day? Are you doing any exams yet?”

Similarly jokey with children from Portaferry Integrated Primary School, he then stopped to accept the gift of a hurl and sliothar from Christopher Duff, of St Patrick’s Gaelic Athletic Club in the town.

When he finally reached the exit, Prince Charles put his hand on his open car door before hearing a shout from the crowd of by-standers who had been standing outside the gates desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the VIP.

“Welcome to Portaferry Prince Charles,” hollered an excited Kathleen Mullan.

To the Portaferry woman’s surprise, the Prince made his way over to shake her hand, before chatting to the rest of the crowd and accepting a flower from a toddler.

The experience was almost too much for Mrs Mullan.

“He came straight over to me and shook my hand, I nearly fainted,” she said. “This is absolutely fabulous, my hand is shaking. I won’t wash it for a week!”