The SVP's Annual General Meeting heard speakers reflect on the need for change within the Society and the challenges this would have for the all those involved.   The one day event was held in the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast on Friday 9th October 2009 and was attended by almost 200 people.   After registration and coffee opening prayers were said by Fr Perry Gildea of the Vincentian Community and followed by an opening address by northern regional president Cormac Wilson.   Charities Commission NI   Our first guest speaker was Seamus Murray who gave an informative talk on the impact of the new Charities Legislation in NI.   In particular he spoke about the need to become registered with the Commission; how to get permission for public collections; the need to keep an up-to-date and accurate list of all our assets; the importance of getting Annual Reports in on time and accountability issues.     Seamus Murray - Charities Commission NI click to enlarge   This was followed by a questions and answers session where Seamus and a colleague took questions from the floor. Questions included the definition of a public collection; permit requirements and accountancy thresholds.     National SVP President Mairéad Bushnell gave an emotive speech on the "Changes and Challenges" facing everyone in the Society. She urged members to re-commit themselves to our founder's Christian ethos when identifying and helping people in need.   Mairead championed the role of young members and the vibrancy and enthusiasm they can bring to decision making.   She especially cautioned against being judgemental and reminded everyone that we should share our ideas and resources to ensure that every penny donated reaches those most in need without discrimination.     National President Mairéad Bushnell   Twinning with Ghana   Next up was the new NI Twinning Officer Peter McMahon who made an impassioned talk about the plight of our twinned cousins in Ghana and how every donation sent to Africa was being spent.     Peter McMahon regional Twinning officer   In Ghana, over £25k of your money has helped build a rice mill in Bauka; a mango plantation in Kordiabe and a Day Centre in Tema.   Half of all donations are placed in a special fund which in turn goes to help projects in other countries in Africa which are twinned with the 12 other regions in Ireland that are struggling to meet demand.		click to enlarge   an attentive audience at the Balmoral The Balmoral Hotel Blacks Road, Belfast Fr Perry , Eugene Magill & Pat McCann click to enlarge     Youth and the Future After a buffet lunch and comfort break Chris Quinn from St Anthony Queens University conference delivered a light-hearted and refreshing talk on his experiences working in the SVP.   Chris Quinn   with Margaret Gunn click to enlarge He talked about his time in St Patrick's College Youth conference and how they had surpassed all expectations during the annual hamper appeals and also of fond memories visiting the elderly in local nursing homes. Youth is the lifeblood of the Society and he urged senior conferences to welcome young members as there is a lot they have to offer. At Queen's he will be helping provide 'tutoring' to disadvantaged children referred by local conferences in the area and is looking forward to delivering this vital work in the future.   Newcastle Care Centre After group discussion and a coffee break Pat McCann took to the stage to deliver the ambitious plans for the rebuilding of Clare Lodge Holiday Home and replacing it with the 'Newcastle Care Centre' at a cost of around £2.5m.   New Rooms Pat McCann New Dining Room click to enlarge   The new multi-purpose centre will be opened all year round to a range of groups and the general public with state of the art rooms and facilities including a 120 seater conference centre, underground parking, business units and a cafe.   Pat unveiled fundraising plans which were in the pipeline such as a draw for tickets to the 2010 World Cup at £1 each - and appealed for the Society's help in raising the remainder through sponsoring a room, buy a brick and other novel fundraising events.
Cormac Wilson   Panel	Open Forum Next, regional president Cormac Wilson gave a short address and thanked all the previous speakers and contributors before the Open Forum session were members had the opportunity to ask the panel questions.   The was followed by prayers and a short break before Mass was celebrated by Bishop Anthony Farquhar who was assisted by Fr Perry Gildea at 5:30pm.
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