The Balmoral Hotel in West Belfast was resplendent in the late summer sunshine as around 200 members from all over the northern region converged on our new venue for the Annual Members' Meeting on Friday 12th September 2008.   "Back to Reality" was the theme of the meeting and a very busy and inspirational programme was put together by the Training and Development team.   Linda Savage spoke on "Those we Visit" and reminded the audience that the Society offers not only material assistance but more importantly, friendship. She urged those present to show humanity towards others.

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Professor John Monaghan, a lecturer from Trinity College in Dublin and National Board member, gave an excellent talk on the Social Justice Policy, accompanied by a presentation which was clearly enjoyed by those present.   Our advocacy work must be based on real need and not our opinions   Address people's needs now   Provide reliable information on current and emerging problems A welcome comfort break was followed by group workshops and as usual much debate and discussion took place around the eighteen tables and the air was awash with ideas and thoughts. After lunch it was the turn of Donal Henry to give reports on Youth, Twinning and Prisons, three essential aspects of our Society today. Prof John Monaghan   Cormac Wilson Panel Fr Perry Gildea audience   Mackel Architects Nat HQ representatives group session Mairead Bushnell   Belfast & Glenravel Armagh & Ahoghill North Down Work Group Debaters click on any image to enlarge     DePaul Trust       www.svp.ie     Clare Lodge   Another lively round of Group Workshops preceded the DePaul Trust's Kerry Anthony who explained to all about the great work of their organisation which comes under the Vincentian "umbrella". She described how they offer over 1,000 homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and move toward an independent and positive future. ------ National President Mairead Bushnell gave clarity to today's theme "Back to Reality" by giving personal (and amusing) testimony to her experiences in Cork as a Vincentian. She encouraged all not to let go of the things that made us Vincentians. ------ Kilmegan area president PJ McClean gave a history of Clare Lodge holiday home in Newcastle and outlined the proposed future for the home with an ambitious plan to rebuild the site. Breathtaking new ideas and designs were shown to the assembled throng by Mackel & Doherty Architects. PJ asked members to look favourably on the proposal, to give it their support and, if necessary, some funding towards the goal.