Her Majesty The Queen visits East Belfast Mission

During the first engagement on the second day of a visit to Northern Ireland, HM The Queen accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and The Right Honourable Shaun Woodward MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, arrived at East Belfast Mission and was greeted by The Lady Carswell, The Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, before being presented to The Mission’s Superintendent, Reverend Dr Gary Mason MBE, and Director, Mr Mark Houston.

Touring the Mission, Her Majesty, accompanied by The Reverend Mason, met many of the parents and children in the Mother’s and Toddler’s Group, while His Royal Highness met a number of local people who regularly use the Mission Café.

Later, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness both heard details about “Skainos”, a project representing a £20m, 2-acre urban regeneration programme which will be located on the existing Mission site.

Central to the regeneration will be the creation of a new civic square with accommodation for a wide range of strategic partners to meet the needs of the local community in a neutral and friendly environment untainted by the events of the past.

In the Church, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were welcomed by around 350 of the Mission’s congregation and Her Majesty was invited by The Reverend Mason to unveil a plaque and sign the visitors’ book to commemorate the visit.

A gift of a photograph of a local scene was presented to Her Majesty by Mrs Linda Watson who has worked as a volunteer in the Mission for over 25 years

His Royal Highness accepted a gift of two local history books presented by eight year old, Lorna McLaughlin and Alan Manley.

Outside the Mission, several hundred guests and well-wishers gathered to wave farewell. The engagement came to a close when Her Majesty accepted a posy of flowers from six year old Erin Dawson.