Tonight, in the second of my Charity Events as High Sheriff of Belfast, HRH The Duke of Gloucester attended as Guest of Honour the 95th Anniversary Battle of the Somme Dinner at Belfast City Hall. HRH is the Somme Association President.

The Somme Association, a registered charity, was formed in 1990 to co-ordinate research into Ireland’s part in the First World War and to ensure that the sacrifices of all those from Ireland who served in the War, and those of their families, would continue to be honoured and remembered.

Upon arrival HRH was greeted by Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters DBE. Accompanied by Dr Ian Adamson OBE, High Sheriff of the Countyof Belfast and Mrs Carol Walker, Director, Somme Association, HRH proceeded upstairs to the Reception Hall and met a number of invited guests, including representatives of the Royal Army Medical Corp (RAMC) at a private reception.

Later HRH met over two hundred guests during pre-dinner drinks in the Rotunda and Banqueting Hall attending the 95th Anniversary dinner, which commemorated the end of the  Battle of the Somme in November, 1916. HRH proceeded to the Great Hall for Dinner piped in by a Piper from the Royal Irish Regiment. Dr Adamson said a few words of welcome and proposed a toast to The Queen.

During dinner the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment (TA) provided background music. Following dinner an Entertainment Programme was provided by the Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment (TA), followed by a screening of a DVD presentation by the Somme Association and a ballot.

This brought the engagement to a close

Running Order Gala Dinner City Hall, Belfast