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)