The classroom will now be known as the Bailie Classroom in memory of the Battalion’s extremely popular padre, who passed away suddenly in 2022, and who dedicated much of his time to providing pastoral care to many of the cadets and adults.
The ceremony hosted by the Battalion's Commandant, Colonel Adrian Donaldson MBE OStJ VR DL and attended by family, VIP guests, and adult volunteers from across the Battalion, including the late Padre Bailie’s widow, Mrs Anne Bailie.
After a welcome speech from Colonel Donaldson, the Battalion’s Senior Chaplain, Padre Ken Crowe, assisted by Padre Keith Hibbert, conducted a short service of dedication, following which Mrs Anne Bailie unveiled a door plaque naming the room. Also unveiled was a photo of Padre Paul and a short citation, which read:
“Rev Dr William John Paul Bailie was appointed Chaplain to the Army Cadet Force in 2017 and joined the 1st (NI) Battalion, where throughout his short service as Padre he provided moral, spiritual and pastoral support to adults and cadets, while attending training weekends at our Cadet Training Centre and Annual Camp at Strensall, Altcar, Otterburn and Magilligan. In November 2022, Paul sadly passed away suddenly. This room has been dedicated in his memory, as a token of the esteem in which he was held by his colleagues and those who benefitted from his compassionate ministry with the 1st(NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force”
The Commandant, Col Adrian Donaldson said of Paul;
“Padre Paul Bailie was a very dedicated chaplain, a close personal friend and a highly respected colleague. His untimely death shocked many within the Battalion. It is an honour to join family and colleagues in dedicating this large classroom in his memory.”
“When entering the classroom, cadets and adults will hopefully be inspired and live up to the core values of the ACF - Selfless commitment, Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Loyalty, Respect for others and Adhering to the Law”.
-END-
Caption 1
L-R The Honorary Colonel, Mr David McCorkell KStJ, the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Colonel of 1st (NI) Bn ACF, Colonel Adrian Donaldson, MBE, OStJ, VR, DL and Mrs Anne Bailie admire the plaque "The Bailie Classroom" after the unveiling
Caption 2
Padre Paul Bailie's widow Anne Bailie in front of the newly dedicated Bailie Classroom
Caption 3
Bailie Classroom plaque unveiling by Mrs Anne Bailie looking on (L-R) the Battalion’s Honorary Colonel, Mr David McCorkell, KStJ Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, and 1st (NI) Bn ACF, Colonel Adrian Donaldson, MBE, OStJ, VR, DL
Caption 4
L-R Mrs Anne Bailie who was presented her late husband Padre Bailie’s Commissioning scroll by Colonel of 1st (NI) Bn ACF, Colonel Adrian Donaldson, MBE, OStJ, VR, DL
Caption 5
Photo of Padre Paul Bailie