HMS Bangor - Freedom of Borough

The freedom of the Borough of North Down was conferred upon HMS Bangor on Saturday 22 October 2005. HMS Bangor was launched at Southampton docks and became the first ship in 15 years with a close Northern Ireland link. As well as official links with Bangor and Bangor Combined Cadet Force HMS Bangor is closely affiliated with Clifton Special School, the ships adopted charity.

The then Mayor of North Down Councillor Roberta Dunlop stated on behalf of the residents of North Down, of which Bangor is part, "I would extend to the officers and crew of HMS Bangor, our very sincere thanks for your work and that of your colleagues throught the Royal Navy".

 Order of Proceedings


10.20am Royal Marine Band marches into arena and provides musical interlude

10.5 5am The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Mrs R Dunlop, will arrive by car and take up position
(a)	The Officer of the Guard will invite the Mayor to inspect the Guard
(b)	The Mayor and Commanding Officer inspect the Guard
(c)	The Mayor and Commanding Officer inspect the front row of all platoons
(d)	The Mayor and Commanding Officer return to the Dias

11.10am Drumhead Service - the undernoted Clergymen will officiate:
Father Henry McCann
Reverend Mill McKnight 
Reverend Charles McMullen

 11.30 am Special Council meeting to confer the Freedom of the Borough on HMS Bangor
Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Mrs R Dunlop will preside
The Mayor will call upon the Town Clerk and. Chief Executive to read the Resolution of the Council to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough upon IIMS Bangor
The Mayor will address the meeting and invite the Commanding Officer of HMS Bangor, Lieutenant Commander J D Holmes RN, to sign the Register of Freemen
The Mayor will present the sealed and illuminated Deed of Grant of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the Commanding Officer of HMS Bangor, who will pass it to the Casket Party for safekeeping.
The Commanding Officer will address the meeting The Mayor will then declare the meeting concluded 11.35am Salute to the Borough of North Down

11.40 am Conclusion of Proceedings, Parade moves off to Town Hall

12.15pm The guests of the Mayor of North Down and Council will be entertained at a Civic Reception and Lunch in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor