Menu
20/03/2009
Moderator Visits Jail Inmates
Life behind bars was the order of service this week as the NI Presbyterian Moderator, the Reverend Donald Patton paid his first visit to Magilligan Prison.
Reverend Patton was accompanied by his wife Florence as well as the Co Londonderry prison's own Presbyterian Chaplain, Reverend George Simpson. Along with Norman Carkell from the group, the Prison Fellowship, they all spent a morning getting a comprehensive guided tour.
As they mingled with staff and inmates the visitors saw at first hand the Priz'n Press, an in-house printing plant as well as the newly opened Halward House, a special 60-bed unit which houses prisoners who are drug-free and within three years of release.
The visiting group were also given a verbal history of the prison by a member of staff.
The party then had lunch in the Boardroom, where they were joined by Magilligan's Governor Tom Woods and other governors, staff and resident chaplains.
Reverend Patton also visited the educational workshops including the metalwork and furniture sections which produce goods which are of commercial shop quality standard, including intricately ornate metal gates, fancy garden furniture and practical garden sheds.
He said afterwards that he was grateful for the opportunity to talk to staff and inmates and to personally witness the excellent work carried out in developing individual prisoner’s skills and often hidden and unsung talents.
"I have never been to Magilligan and it was truly a very insightful visit," said Reverend Patton.
"It was very interesting to have a perspective of prison life from both the prisoners and staff.
"I was also magnificently impressed with the artwork and design of brochures and leaflets which takes place in the aptly named Priz'n Press."
Governor Woods said it was a pleasure to welcome the Presbyterian Moderator to Magilligan: "I am grateful; for the Moderator for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us," he said.
(BMcC)
Reverend Patton was accompanied by his wife Florence as well as the Co Londonderry prison's own Presbyterian Chaplain, Reverend George Simpson. Along with Norman Carkell from the group, the Prison Fellowship, they all spent a morning getting a comprehensive guided tour.
As they mingled with staff and inmates the visitors saw at first hand the Priz'n Press, an in-house printing plant as well as the newly opened Halward House, a special 60-bed unit which houses prisoners who are drug-free and within three years of release.
The visiting group were also given a verbal history of the prison by a member of staff.
The party then had lunch in the Boardroom, where they were joined by Magilligan's Governor Tom Woods and other governors, staff and resident chaplains.
Reverend Patton also visited the educational workshops including the metalwork and furniture sections which produce goods which are of commercial shop quality standard, including intricately ornate metal gates, fancy garden furniture and practical garden sheds.
He said afterwards that he was grateful for the opportunity to talk to staff and inmates and to personally witness the excellent work carried out in developing individual prisoner’s skills and often hidden and unsung talents.
"I have never been to Magilligan and it was truly a very insightful visit," said Reverend Patton.
"It was very interesting to have a perspective of prison life from both the prisoners and staff.
"I was also magnificently impressed with the artwork and design of brochures and leaflets which takes place in the aptly named Priz'n Press."
Governor Woods said it was a pleasure to welcome the Presbyterian Moderator to Magilligan: "I am grateful; for the Moderator for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us," he said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
08 October 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.
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.
08 March 2024
NI Prison Service Achieves UK First With Online Booking System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the introduction of a new fully online visit booking system. Northern Ireland Prison Service has become the first in the UK to offer the option of online booking an in-person and virtual visits to any prison in NI.
NI Prison Service Achieves UK First With Online Booking System
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the introduction of a new fully online visit booking system. Northern Ireland Prison Service has become the first in the UK to offer the option of online booking an in-person and virtual visits to any prison in NI.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
