Justice Minister attends Prison Service annual carol service

Justice Minister David Ford today celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season in the company of members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service family at ‘A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ in St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Justice Minister David Ford celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season in the company of members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service family

The service is organised by the Northern Ireland Prison Service Central Benevolent Fund which provides support for widows and families of deceased officers and also gives help to injured and ill officers.

Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Fionnuala O’Boyle, also joined the many members of Prison Service staff and their guests at the service.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was conducted by the Very Reverend John Mann, Dean of St Anne’s. Music was provided by the Newtownards Silver Band with singing by Police Service of Northern Ireland Ladies Choir and soloists Yvette Anderson and Irene Louden.

Mr Ford said: “It has been my pleasure to join with the Prison Service family in celebrating the beginning of the Christmas season in these wonderful surroundings of St Anne’s Cathedral.

It was inspiring to meet so many members of the Prison Service family, including widows and retired officers, and to see staff playing an important role in today’s festivities. I would like to thank the Central Benevolent Fund not only for organising this event but also for the valuable work they have done throughout the year.

I would also like to commend soloists Yvette Anderson and Irene Louden, the PSNI Ladies Choir, and Newtownards Silver Band for their wonderful contribution today. The music has been truly outstanding.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the staff of the Prison Service and their families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.”

Notes to editors: 

All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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