Charlotte makes palace trip for BB

Back row L-R: Jonathan Graham and Jonathan Gracey, L-R: Malcolm McFadden, Darren Hamill, James Gibson, Matthew Creggan and Charlotte Orr

The Gold Award holder, Charlotte and young leader in First Hillsborough Boys’ Brigade took part in The Duke of Edinburgh Apprentice Leaders programme.

She joined seven other members from the Boys’ Brigade Northern Ireland District (BBNI) in a once in a life time Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (D of E) Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace, London.

The Duke of Edinburgh is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve Duke of Edinburgh Awards since it was founded in 1956.

Members of the Royal Family HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex congratulated those that were present.

Charlotte was joined by James Gibson, 2nd Saintfield BB, Darren Hamill, 1st Broughshane BB and Matthew Cregan, 1st Waringstown BB.

Matthew Cregan, was among a group of young people who completed their Gold Expedition in The French Alps and met The Earl of Wessex when he visited the Headquarters of The Boys’ Brigade Northern Ireland, Newport just outside Hillsborough in 2014.

Jonathan Gracey, Director for The Boys’ Brigade Northern Ireland District said, “The Boys’ Brigade Northern Ireland District has held a licence to deliver the DofE for 60 years and I feel honoured to have been invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a commemorative plaque to acknowledge and say thank you for our work with the Charity during its Diamond Anniversary year.

“Our young people are encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones when doing their D of E and the skills they develop can be life-changing, so for us to be involved is something special. We are delighted to be here and see our three members receive their Gold Awards.”

Visit www.bbni.org.uk for more information about the BB. For more information about the D of E go to www.DofEDiamondChallenge.org.