There to enjoy the spectacle as guests of Defence Relationship Management were Newtownards couple John and Jenny McConnell (Deputy Head of South Eastern Regional College in Bangor), pictured with Athene Gordon, Regional Employer Engagement Director of Defence Relationship Management in Northern Ireland.

HMS Caroline in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter provided an impressive and historic backdrop recently for a ceremonial Beating Retreat by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland.

There to enjoy the spectacle as guests of Defence Relationship Management were Newtownards couple John and Jenny McConnell (Deputy Head of South Eastern Regional College in Bangor), pictured with Athene Gordon, Regional Employer Engagement Director of Defence Relationship Management in Northern Ireland.

The pair joined an audience of guests representing private and public sector employers drawn from across Northern Ireland, invited to watch the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland Beating Retreat.  The military ceremony dates back to the sixteenth century when it was used to recall patrolling units to the castle they were defending. Originally the ceremony was known as ‘Watch Setting’ and the original call was beaten by drummers alone, with fifes, bugles, pipes and other instruments added in later years. Today the Beating Retreat is played out in ceremonial form only and is a showcase for the military musicians and personnel who take part. 

On this occasion the honour of lowering the flag at sunset went to members of The Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Hibernia.  Northern Ireland’s Royal Naval Reservists have long enjoyed close associations with HMS Caroline.  Having seen service in both World Wars, this celebrated ship later became the static headquarters and training ship for the Royal Naval Reserve based at Alexandra Dock in Belfast.

Today the now decommissioned light cruiser, the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, has been sensitively and fully restored.  At its new home in Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is now enjoying a new lease of life as a fascinating tourism and educational resource for the city.

Athene Gordon, Regional Employer Engagement Director of Defence Relationship Management in Northern Ireland, which hosted the reception on board, said, “We were delighted to welcome so many guests for a presentation by National Museums Royal Navy followed by a stunning Beating Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset. This piece of pageantry provided a fabulous showcase for the high standards of skills which are a trademark of our Reserve Forces, illustrating how the Reserve and Regular Forces work seamlessly together.

“This was also an opportunity for us to thank some of Northern Ireland’s employers for the ongoing support they give to Reservists. Such support is greatly and genuinely appreciated and we are continuing to work with employers to develop partnerships which will bring benefits to all concerned".