HRH The Duchess of Gloucester attends 'Hope for Youth Northern Ireland' gala dinner at Belfast City Hall
Royal visitor to Northern Irish charity dinner.
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester this evening attended the “Hope for Youth Northern Ireland” Gala Ball at Belfast City Hall.
Hope for Youth (NI) (formerly Women Caring Trust), a registered charity founded in 1972, working on a wholly cross-community basis, helps Northern Ireland young people, particularly those from disadvantaged areas most affected by decades of violence and community tension. In 2010 Hope for Youth funded 10 youth projects across Northern Ireland:
- Falls Community Council
- Music Theatre 4 Youth
- The Hope Centre
- Youth Initiatives Tinderbox Theatre Company
- Oh Year Music Centre
- Prime Cut Productions
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Playhouse Derry
- Sliabh Beagh Development Association
Upon arrival HRH was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters DBE, and went on to meet Alderman Ruth Patterson, Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman May Campbell, Sheriff of the County Borough of Belfast and Mr Ion Montgomery, Chairman Hope for Youth Northern Ireland.
Upstairs in the Great Hall HRH met a number of Trustees and friends of the Hope for Youth Charity over pre-dinner drinks. Background music was provided by fiddle player Ms Patricia Tracey.
Later HRH, accompanied by the Deputy Lord Mayor proceeded to the Lady Mayoress’ Parlour and accepted an invitation from the Deputy Lord Mayor to sign the visitors’ book.
Returning to the Great Hall for Dinner, HRH listened to a few words of welcome from the Deputy Lord Mayor and, prior to Grace, heard a brief overview of the Hope for Youth Charity from Mr Montgomery.
During the meal entertainment was provided by a number of young people known as Musical Theatre; Master Magician Clive Greenaway; and fiddle player Ms Patricia Tracey.
HRH departed following the Loyal Toast, bringing the engagement to a close.