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08/10/2009
Moderator Visits Magilligan Prison
The Presbyterian Moderator has praised training and education facilities at one of NI's largest prisons.
Reverend Dr Stafford Carson (pictured) visited Magilligan Prison for the first time yesterday where he met the Governor, Tom Woods and the Reverend George Simpson, who is the resident Presbyterian chaplain.
The senior clergymen also met Father Frank O'Hagan, the Roman Catholic chaplain.
Reverend Carson - who was with his wife on the visit - mingled with staff and inmates as the group received a comprehensive explanation of the prison history while they were touring its facilities.
They visited the Prix'n Press, an in-house Prison Service printing plant.
Reverend Carson commented that the Priz'n Press work was "particularly worthy of praise".
He said: "This is not only saving tax payers money but also teaching the inmates new employable skills which will stand them in good stead on their release."
The visitors also saw Halward House, a 60-bed unit which houses prisoners who are drug-free and within three years of release.
The visit also included the educational workshops, where the metalwork and furniture sections are located.
Goods that are of commercial shop quality standard are produced there, such as intricately ornate metal gates, fancy garden furniture and practical garden sheds.
"It was enlightening to have a perspective of prison life from both the prisoners and staff outlooks," Reverend Carson continued.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to talk to staff and inmates and to witness the excellent work carried out in developing individual prisoner's skills and many varied talents.
Governor Woods said it was a great pleasure to welcome the Presbyterian Moderator to visit Magilligan's "forward thinking establishment" and said he was "delighted that the Reverend was able to see the fine work carried out in the various workshops", which he described as being of "high quality".
(CL/BMcC)
Reverend Dr Stafford Carson (pictured) visited Magilligan Prison for the first time yesterday where he met the Governor, Tom Woods and the Reverend George Simpson, who is the resident Presbyterian chaplain.
The senior clergymen also met Father Frank O'Hagan, the Roman Catholic chaplain.
Reverend Carson - who was with his wife on the visit - mingled with staff and inmates as the group received a comprehensive explanation of the prison history while they were touring its facilities.
They visited the Prix'n Press, an in-house Prison Service printing plant.
Reverend Carson commented that the Priz'n Press work was "particularly worthy of praise".
He said: "This is not only saving tax payers money but also teaching the inmates new employable skills which will stand them in good stead on their release."
The visitors also saw Halward House, a 60-bed unit which houses prisoners who are drug-free and within three years of release.
The visit also included the educational workshops, where the metalwork and furniture sections are located.
Goods that are of commercial shop quality standard are produced there, such as intricately ornate metal gates, fancy garden furniture and practical garden sheds.
"It was enlightening to have a perspective of prison life from both the prisoners and staff outlooks," Reverend Carson continued.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to talk to staff and inmates and to witness the excellent work carried out in developing individual prisoner's skills and many varied talents.
Governor Woods said it was a great pleasure to welcome the Presbyterian Moderator to visit Magilligan's "forward thinking establishment" and said he was "delighted that the Reverend was able to see the fine work carried out in the various workshops", which he described as being of "high quality".
(CL/BMcC)
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