Royal couple enjoys hands-on visit to Northern Ireland’s firefighter training college and local farms

Story Highlight

– Princess of Wales joked about wanting a speedy fire engine.
– William and Kate learned firefighter training at new college.
– They participated in simulated rescue exercises but missed targets.
– Couple visited sustainable flax farm and discussed linen industry.
– Ended with apple picking and baking traditional potato apple bread.

Full Story

The Princess of Wales expressed her playful side during a recent visit to a firefighter training college in Northern Ireland, jokingly wishing for the opportunity to ride in a fire engine with sirens blaring and travelling at high speed. Accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the couple undertook an unexpected tour of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Learning and Development College, located near Cookstown in County Tyrone, to witness the crucial training imparted to future firefighters.

During the visit, they were introduced to the college’s cutting-edge training facilities that prepare recruits for various emergencies, including flood rescues and high-rise building evacuations. The royal couple even participated in a simulated rescue task, attempting to save mock casualties from a flood scenario, although they encountered some difficulty in accurately throwing the rescue line.

The couple travelled a short distance across the college’s extensive 50-acre grounds in a fire engine, where the ride was described as quite leisurely. Newly qualified firefighters Caoimhe McNeice, 25, and Piarais McCaffery, 32, accompanied William and Kate for part of the visit, sharing their experiences at this pioneering institution. McNeice recounted that the driver was adhering to safety regulations, joking about their pace: “He got us there safely, I think he was on a limit for his speed. The princess was wanting the sirens on, but he was strictly told no. It was just a bit of banter; she said, ‘I’d love to drive at the real speed and have the sirens on’. She even suggested that her husband take the wheel.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales previously visited Belfast three years ago, when they attended a cocktail-making event and toured Carrickfergus. This time, Kensington Palace indicated that their agenda included visiting various innovative organisations aimed at fostering growth and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in rural areas.

At the training college, which was officially opened in May, William and Kate viewed demonstrations of critical fire-fighting techniques, including the management of a large ladder and the recovery of dummies from a simulated burning building. Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings discussed the college’s mission to equip firefighters with essential skills, noting, “It helps us stay ahead of the game,” as recruits practice for real-life scenarios.

The royal couple’s experience culminated at a water facility designed to mimic rapids, where staff demonstrated recovering a mock casualty. William and Kate attempted to assist by throwing lifelines to volunteers simulating rescue victims, although neither was able to connect successfully. Fire instructor Pete Sloane remarked on the challenges posed by the swift-moving water: “The water was moving at 24 knots, very fast, and they were both very close. It’s difficult to hit a moving target, but another go and they would have had it.”

Following their time at the training facility, the couple visited Mallon Farm in County Tyrone, which has transitioned from a traditional dairy farm into a flax farming operation. Helen Keys MBE and Charlie Mallon guided them through the flax fields and introduced the royal visitors to an antique machine dating back to the 1940s used to process flax for linen production. Kate participated in an old mechanics task to soften the flax, responding enthusiastically to the vintage equipment she encountered.

During this visit, they also met with community members like Tiernan Stuart, a full-time carer with a passion for historical spinning techniques. Stuart shared his aspirations of encouraging children to engage creatively with spinning, to which William remarked on the ingenuity such a challenge could inspire. Stuart proposed initiating a competition focused on various spinning skills to nurture talent in this area.

Their discussions continued with Amy and Joel Anderson from Kindred of Ireland, who showcased innovative clothing items made from flax and linen, highlighting the growing consumer interest in sustainable sourcing. The Princess of Wales also reflected on her family history related to the woollen manufacturing industry during this informative engagement.

Before departing, William and Kate privately met with officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, taking the opportunity to express their appreciation for the work of law enforcement in the region.

Next on their itinerary was an apple farm in Armagh, known as Northern Ireland’s Orchard County. Catherine McKeever was particularly taken aback by the royal visit, reflecting on the extraordinary nature of the experience. She and her husband, Pat, now see their children continuing the family legacy with a diversified business producing craft ciders and apple products.

At Long Meadow, the couple toured the production facilities and sampled freshly pressed juices directly from the source, with Mary and Pat’s son, Peter, noting the genuine nature of the tasting experience. The couple partook in an apple-picking activity, during which discussions about cider brands and apple varieties flourished.

Concluding the visit, William and Kate engaged in a light-hearted culinary exercise, attempting to prepare the McKeevers’ traditional potato apple bread. Mrs McKeever described the event as “absolutely unbelievable,” as they were treated like any other visitors eager to learn a family recipe. Such interactions encapsulated the spirit of the royal couple’s day, filled with significant community engagement and a celebration of local culture and innovation.

Key Takeaways

– Princess of Wales expressed a desire to experience a fire engine ride at high speed during a visit to a firefighter training college in Northern Ireland.
– The royal couple participated in training activities, including attempting rescue techniques in a flood simulator.
– They engaged with newly qualified firefighters and observed various training scenarios demonstrating emergency responses.
– William and Kate visited a sustainable flax farm, discussing eco-friendly practices and Kate’s family history in the wool industry.
– They sampled produce and participated in apple-picking and a royal bake-off at Long Meadow apple farm, impressing the family with their engagement.