Over 150 young Vincentians from all over the northern region met in the Balmoral Hotel, Belfast on Friday 24th October 2008 for this year's Youth Members' Meeting.   This was the fifth consecutive year young members had held their AGM and, as usual, the day was packed with ice-breakers, speakers, laughs and some serious thinking too.   Catching up with old acquaintances and making some new friends were the order of the day. After a bout of 'table-finding', soon it was down to business with regional youth president Michael Gormley and regional president Cormac Wilson welcoming all in their introductory speeches.

Young Vincentians at AGM click to enlarge

Fr Ray McCullough lead everyone with opening prayers and soon it was down to business. Ivan Croft from Corrymeela got the crowd well and truly limbered up with participants making up, among other things, a 150-strong human circle with some very amusing results. Sinead Quinn from the Volunteer Development Agency came to show us the work of the Millennium Youth Project, complete with a very unique version of 'May Way' at the end. (Simon Cowell has been contacted!!!) Various schools then gave presentations on the work they do within their schools and it was truly inspiring to listen and see the good works being undertaken on behalf of the Society.   Fr Ray McCullough Ivan Croft Human Circle Sinead Quinn - YDA Fortwilliam Girls Chris Gunn Audience St Columbanus Bangor Laugh Therapy Jacqui Ingram St Malachy Bessbrook     John McDonald from the regional office and Iris Corry from the Salvation Army then spoke on the Family Appeal, the yearly toy appeal organised by both charities. They spoke of the hard work involved and also of the benefits in helping over 12,000 children at Christmastime. After lunch, John returned to the stage to update all on the Society's unique web site and especially the Youth Forum where everyone was invited to log on, expand on today's activities and keep in touch not only with each other, but with the Society itself. Michael Gormley gave a very special vote of thanks to all the schools who attended, and for the excellent presentations. Finally, Jacqui Ingram then brought the day to a close with a 'psychology of laughter' workshop. Various forms of laughter filled the air and a great session was had by all. It was a tremendous day for all involved and the future of the Society is indeed in very good hands.... Linda Savage (Training & Development Committee)