Hillsborough Castle 21 gun salute for group

This gala event, which was organised in conjunction with Historic Palaces, was held in order to say a big “Thank you” to a wide range of local people and businesses who have been benefactors of the Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland.

The guests were entertained to morning coffee whilst taking in the splendour and history of the sumptuous surroundings of the Castle, which is the official residence of the Royal Family when they visit the Province, as well as being home to the Northern Ireland Secretary of State.

At midday, the guests and volunteers were brought out to the garden, where they witnessed the 21 Gun Salute carried out by Army personnel dressed in ceremonial uniform, who responded to orders barked by the Commanding Officer.

This colourful and noisy spectacle was overseen by the Lord Lieutenant of Londonderry, who inspected the military personnel before and after the Salute.

After the guns became silent and the ordinance smoke had cleared, guests then mingled with the military personnel and pictures were taken as a memento of the event.

All guests were then taken inside to the Throne Room to hear short speeches from representatives of the Down/Lisburn Group and the Alzheimers Society before lunch was served in an adjacent State room.

The Down/Lisburn Alzheimer’s Fundraising and Volunteer Group was established some 12 years ago and has developed into one of the most innovative and successful fundraising groups for The Alzheimer’s Society in the UK, bringing in over £50,000 last year alone.

This impressive figure has only been achieved by hard work and catching the imagination of the public by staging a wide variety of fundraising events.

The Group assists clubs, societies and individuals who wish to run any events which will benefit The Alzheimer’s Society.