Down Lieutenancy
The D Day 80 Beacon was lit at Bangor Castle on 6th June 2024. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL was accompanied by Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Sgt Francesca Hamilton, Mayor Ards and North Down Borough Council Alistair Cathcart, and Chief Executive Susie McCullough.
During the D Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration event in Bangor, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL presented medals to members of 591 (Antrim Artillery) Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment, for their recent UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.
The D Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration event included a Drumhead Service and a Beating Retreat performed by The Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment.
A Gun Salute was fired by the Royal Artillery over Belfast Lough. Many US Navy ships assembled in Belfast Lough ahead of the D Day Landings in Normandy.
(L-R Back) Polish Consul Mr Mariusz Stus, Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet Sgt Francesca Hamilton, US Consul General James Applegate, CEO Ards and North Down Borough Council Susie McCullough, (L-R Front) High Sheriff Sue Wild, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL Mayor Ards and North Down Borough Council Jennifer Gilmore, Lt Col Kevin Thomas.
Cadet Sgt Francesca Hamilton has been selected as HM The Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for the County of Down for 2024-2025. She was presented with her certificate at Hillsborough Castle in March 2024 by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL.
Picture Credit: RFCA NI
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL welcomed The Princess Royal to Dromore in September 2023 when HRH visited to unveil the Chatty Bench for the town centre, a gift from Dromore Branch of The Royal British Legion to the local community and businesses.
Picture credit: Dromore Branch of The Royal British Legion
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Catherine Champion DL attended a Civic Reception in Bangor Castle to mark the milestone 250th anniversary of Millisle and Ballycopeland Presbyterian Church in March 2024.
Picture Credit: Co Down Spectator