News

North Down Bestows Freedom of the Borough on NI Prison Service

29 September 2007

At a special ceremony today (29 September) in Bangor, the Mayor of North Down, Councillor Dr Stephen Farry, MLA, paid tribute to the Northern Ireland Prison Service for its loyal service, often through difficult and dangerous times, in ensuring a safer society for everyone in Northern Ireland. The Service was then awarded the Council’s highest honour—the Freedom of North Down.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Prison Service, past and present, representatives of the wider Prison Service family and Councillors from North Down. The Mayor presided over a special meeting at which the Council’s Resolution to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough upon the Northern Ireland Prison Service was recorded. The resolution read as follows “That North Down Borough Council confers the Freedom of the Borough upon the Northern Ireland Prison Service and recognises the immense contribution and sacrifice given by its members, under the most trying of circumstances, to uphold the rule of law and democracy in our prisons. Furthermore, it remembers and salutes those officers who gave the supreme sacrifice for Queen and country.” The Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, Mr Robin Masefield, CBE, then signed the Register of Freemen and received a sealed and illuminated Deed of Grant.

As part of the ceremony the Northern Ireland Prison Service Band and a Guard of Honour marched from the Royal British Legion in Bangor to the Town Hall. The party was then inspected by the Mayor of North Down, the Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Lord Lieutenant, in front of a group of more than 100 assembled guests. Following the inspection there was a display by the Prison Dog Handlers.

Following the proceedings at the Town Hall, the invited guests gathered at the Marine Court Hotel for a Civic Luncheon where toasts were offered to Her Majesty the Queen, the Northern Ireland Prison Service and North Down Borough Council. Council presented the Prison Service with a specially commissioned crystal Bangor Bell.

In return, the Director presented the Council with a specially commissioned crystal Bell that was rung in the circle area of Belfast Prison to regulate the routine of the prison. For many years the sound of this bell would have been synonymous with the unlocking of prisoners to go to work and their return in the afternoon.

Commenting on the day the Director of the Prison Service said: “I want to emphasise today the support given to all our staff over the years by spouses, partners, families and friends. Without their help, the lives of our staff would have been even more arduous. The support of wider Prison Service family is great strength and it is wonderful to have a wide range of representatives with us today.”

The Mayor of North Down Councillor Dr Stephen Farry, MLA commented: “This Award honours the professionalism and dedication of the Officers in the NI Prison Service who are working to protect and secure our community. I am delighted that North Down has been able to publicly show its appreciation of their work and trust that today’s ceremony will serve to further strengthen the links between our Council and the Service in the years ahead.”

From 8-22 October an NIPS exhibition is open to the public at North Down museum. All are welcome to attend.

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