St John Ambulance (NI) participate in the JOIN SWAP programme

SJA (NI) Welcome SJA Germany volunteers taking part in the SWAP programme.

The 12th of July in Northern Ireland has always had a certain buzz about it for many reasons, but the buzz in SJA (NI) was the fact that we were hosting the St John Ambulance SWAP participants who had come to Northern Ireland.

Our three visitors got to experience a wide variety of life in St John Ambulance Northern Ireland; they worked alongside the then Eastern Area Team in 'the field' (Shawsbridge) at Belfast's 12th of July Parades. Our Board of Trustee member, Norman Walker (Lead Volunteer) came along to the Belfast site to meet and greet the guests.

On the 13th July our visitors got to experience another of SJA (NI)'s largest duties of the year - Scarva Parade and re-enactment. The Sham Fight Pageant is a symbolic re-enactment of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne between King William and King James and their armies. This traditional celebration is one of the centre pieces of the day attracting huge crowds. The German volunteers were hosted by our Banbridge Ambulance Unit and our Board of Trustees Chairman (Christopher Murdock) went along to meet and greet the visitors – pictured at the top.

Volunteers - If you would like to participate in the St John Ambulance SWAP programme, please speak to your Line Manager for more information.