Crowds turn out for Gracehill Royal visit

Moving on to the Moravian Church which is an ancient Episcopal Church founded in 15th century Moravia and Bohemia, TRH met Ms Roberta Thompson (Senior Tour Guide), Rev Sarah Groves (Minister, Gracehill Moravian Church), Raymond Kitson (a member of Gracehill Moravian Church), representatives of Ballymena Churches Together and also the Church Restoration Committee.

Taking a short walk to the Moravian Church Hall, they met Ms Dorothy Watson, Chair of Gracehill Country Markets and members of the Gracehill Country Markets group, before touring the Country Market and meeting stall-holders as well as local people visiting the market.

HRH The Prince of Wales commemorated the visit by unveiling a plaque and was, in turn, presented with gifts of a Country Markets hamper and a bowl carved from a Gracehill Yew Tree by Mrs Sadie Johnston, former Chair of Gracehill Country Markets.

As the Royal entourage made their way to Gracehill Jubilee Wood to plant the first tree there, assisted by Gracehill Primary pupil Owen Johnston, they took the time to view the exterior of the disused Village Shop (c1787) which the Old School Trust hopes to purchase and restore with the assistance of a number of funders.

Then it was off to make their final call in the village - to the home of the Johnston family, historic Lynwood House.

There the Royal couple first met representatives of European Heritage Open Day (EHOD), local EHOD Guides and helpers and Gracehill Village association before being introduced to representatives of the environment and Heritage service, Gracehill Village, the association of preservation trusts and Galgorm Castle, and representatives of Ballymena Borough Council all of whom are involved in planning regeneration projects in the area.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy said: “It was a privilege to be in the welcome line-up and it’s fantastic for the Council to be involved. Hopefully this will be followed up by many more such visits to the borough”.

The Mayor, Hubert Nicholl added: “It’s terrific having Their Royal Highnesses back in Ballymena and, in particular, to Gracehill which has a proud history and a heritage that is important in the borough”.

Galgorm woman, Pearl Young who had been waiting from mid-morning to see the special visitors, said she was “delighted” to be part of the experience and confessed to having a real fondness for “The Royals”.

“Princess Anne once came to the stables up our road,” she said. “Her car stopped beside me and I saw her up close. She waved out at me - it was lovely”.

Fellow Galgorm resident, Alison Duff, said she had turned up on Friday to support her children who attend Gracehill Primary School.

“My daughter Katherine’s class, P4, were asked to go to the tree planting ceremony and I’m really pleased for her and that she’s getting the chance to see this. It’s something that the children will have the rest of their lives,” she said.

Proud grandmother, Margaret Cameron from Carniny in Ballymena said she travelled to the village to catch a glimpse of her twin grand-daughters - Gracehill Primary P4 pupils, Katie and Jenna Semple.

“It’s a lovely surprise for them and it’s nice to see the children taking part and being able to be involved in what’s going on,” she said.

Jennifer Mewha, whose parents Margaret and Jim live in the village, travelled back home with family and friends specially for the visit.

“We love the Royals so this is very exciting. We really wanted to see them up close and for the kids to see them,” she said.

Two ladies that achieved a close-up with the Royal couple were Gracehill P3 teachers, Mrs Rebecca Kernohan and Miss Nanette Stewart.

“Camilla shook hands with us both and Charles asked where the headmaster was and ‘were we in charge?’,” said Mrs Kernohan.

“He also said the children were looking very smart,” added Miss Stewart,”and we said ‘of course’.

“We were told that they probably wouldn’t stop to talk, so we’re really delighted!”.

Gracehill P2 teacher Rosemary Cubitt was just as delighted to be present for the occasion.

“I’m very much a fan of the Royals and especially Prince Charles. I’m absolutely delighted to have seen him - he looks younger than on television and Camilla is looking very pretty too”.

Church Road resident Hilda Scullion said: ““My family and I have met nearly all the Royal family over the years- my son and daughter have been to three garden parties in the past three years. So, of course, we are very much Royalists.

“We get a lot of visitors to Gracehill and it is very deserving of a Royal visit. It’s just lovely”.

Her neighbour, Linda Clements, who revealed she has previously personally met Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, said: “It’s absolutely wonderful for the village and I’m delighted to be part of the audience.

“Gracehill is a special place and people recognise it as special and we are very privileged that Charles and Camilla are here today. It will keep Gracehill on the map”.