On 24th February 2010, GMS pupils attended and participated in the activities at the Belfast Activity Centre Showcase. This involved "taking the leap of faith" in front of HRH Prince Phillip.
The following has been written by Miss Young and the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award pupils:
Anthea Harbinson, Chelsea Winchester, Amy Mercer, Stephanie Perry, Chloe Walker and Rebecca Briers
When we got to Belfast Activity Centre(BAC) in Barnett’s Park we couldn’t get parked because the place was covered in police because of the arrival of a special person. We weren’t told who it was until later. When we finally got to the centre, the BAC trainers were there.
I spotted my Primary School Principal there with pupils from Glenwood PS. Chelsea
Then we met Patrick our teacher for the day and a man called Noel who explained that the actual Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip was going to be there! Patrick told us we would be doing the ‘leap of faith’ Amy
When we sat down, I noticed Mary Peters so we got Mrs.Young to get her over to talk to us and we got her autograph. Anthea
She told us all about the work she does and about her winning the Gold in the Olympics strong>Chelsea
Dame Mary Peters is Lord Lieutenant of Belfast which means that she is the Queen’s representative for Belfast. Dame Mary said that BAC was actually not in Belfast and that the Lord Lieutenant for Co. Antrim would also be present. Mrs. Joan Christie stopped and spoke to me at the activity area later.
Then Patrick took us outside to warm up and get to know each other better(R) by playing some games with ball and Hula Hoops . It was great fun! strong>Chelsea
Then we went to a tepee and ate food around a fire. Then we went out to do the ‘leap of faith’. To do it you clip onto a rope, then you climb up a ladder… then you climb up a pole and when you get to the top you jump for a trapeze pole. strong>Amy
Before we started anything we put on our waterproofs and helmets and harness. Everyone had to take their turn to take a jump. strong>Chloe
When it got to Anthea’s turn, the Duke of Edinburgh came round to watch and speak to us…….then he went … and I did it. It was really scary but really exciting ! strong>Stephanie
I did it first and was very scared but after… I was very glad. I helped the others by holding the rope. The Duke came to us and greeted us and shook Mrs. Young’s handRebecca
Noel had warned us that HRH did not shake hands very often due to pains so I felt very honoured and tried not to squeeze the royal hand too much. Miss Young
The ‘leap of faith’ looked so high with only a small table to stand on at the top. I went second and everyone else was controlling the rope to keep me safe. It was so scary going up the ladders and climbing the big brown wood log. I felt like a bear hugging a tree ha ha. I was so terrified when I got to the top … it was shaking and so was I! I took a deep breath and jumped to catch onto the trapeze bar. I let go while everyone lowered me . I was so happy when I did it!. The Duke of Edinburgh came to talk to us … He was a really nice man. The paparazzi were everywhere -taking photos of us and him. Chelsea
When I got ready to go on the ‘leap of faith’ the Duke came, so I had to be really confident. When I got to the top my legs were shaking like mad. HRH Duke of Edinburgh was watching me. I was so nervous but when I jumped for the bar everyone clapped and cheered. I felt wick but it was all good in the end. Anthea
Ryan told me afterwards that no one should have been allowed to jump while HRH was in the area as none of the Royal entourage was wearing a helmet . But try as he might, Ryan could not get HRH to move on until he had seen Anthea jump! Miss Young
I got to the top but didn’t jump for the pole –I was too scared Amy
I was last to go and I was scared to jump. I took ages to go. Everyone was trying to get me to jump but I just couldn’t but in the end I finally jumped. I made it! I was so pleased! We went back to the tepee to toast marshmallows over a fire. We also melted chocolate over it and had a nice chat. Chloe
Afterwards we had to stand on either side of the Royal car while the Duke had a photograph taken with all the BAC staff. As he drove away everyone clapped and cheered . We then went and thanked Patrick for supervising us and got on the bus and came back to write up our logs at school. Rebecca and Chelsea
Can you spot 2 GMS Past Pupils in the photo above?????
It was a brilliant day!!! Anthea
