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2008 report
Friday the 5th September was not the best days for travelling to Liverpool – rain, rain, rain. Having been welcomed, however by Mary Rose and Catherine we settled in and forgot the weather. We enjoyed our evening meal and caught up on twelve months news with friends.
Saturday’s weather was much kinder to us and some members went on the shopping outing to Sudley House, the former home of ship builder, Gorge Holt. The house is now a gallery of his wonderful art collection. When we returned it was time for Mass. Sadly the chapel was out of use after a fire destroyed the roof. Bishop Vincent Malone and Fr Chris concelebrated Mass in the Lecture Hall. In his homily Bishop Malone explained to us that St Paul said we all have a mother guide. Putting Our Lady to one side Bishop Malone said that St Julie and the Sisters with whom we have been in contact will have been our mother guardians.
After luncheon we gathered again in the lecture hall. Mary Rose welcomed us all and Fr Chris said the opening prayer. Members who came just for the day all arrived and we were a good crowd by this time. Before the AGM Mary Rose introduced Sister Mary Rose, SND, from Glasgow. Sister Mary gave a short history of the Glasgow clinic- a vision of Sister Mary Hilda, SND, in the 1930s. Sister, with the help of Sister Gail, SND and her projected images, told us the story of the very early days and then gave us an update on the work the sisters are involved with. An adolescent unit was opened in the 1950s and an extension building has been added. The latest project (the one we support) is PARENTS etc .a former shop, now a drop-in centre for parents. Here they can come in for a drop of coffee, meet other mothers and are able to chat with one of the Sisters about their children and their worries. It coast £7000 a year for rent and rates etc. Then there are many other things that are needed to keep the centre a meeting place. Sister Mary received the MBE earlier this year for her work. Sister was delighted with the cheque for £1800 Mary Rose presented to her from the Federation Charity donations.
The AGM went very smoothly with Kath Byron making sure we all kept to the order on the agenda!
With the remainder of the legacies of Jesse Hodges and Stephanie Novak, money has gone to Archives for payment towards the special coverings needed and to pay for a commemorative board with the names of Past Presidents inscribed on this. To
celebrate the eighty years of the Federation, a plaque has been put up in the chapel at Namur. During the weekend, visits to the archives were made and Mary Rose thanked Sister Jean Bunn, SND and Clare Walsh (Archivist) for organising that for us, with the help of Margaret Lawton.
During the meeting the President elect was introduced, Mary Lewis having been nominated by the newly formed Direct Members Association. Mary is herself a Direct Member and a past pupil of Leeds. Mary is no stranger to the Executive having previously served as Treasurer.
After the meeting we enjoyed a piece of the celebration cake made by Kath Byron and superbly iced by Doreen Lambert.
Then it is time for a little relaxation before going to the drinks reception and our conference Dinner at which our guests were Archbishop Patrick Kelly and Bishop Vincent Malone. Under our plates we found a bookmark for us to remember the federation’s eightieth birthday. After our meal, we were entertained by the Bentley Operatic Society who gave us a wonderful evening of Gilbert and Sullivan choruses, solos and duets – thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.
On Sunday after breakfast, we were given a talk by Sister Kathleen Ashurst, SND an ASYLUM LINK MERSEYSIDE (our other Federation Charity). Sister pointed out that asylum seekers came to save their lives, migrant workers came to make money. Liverpool is one place (Croydon the other) where asylum seekers are sent for their first six weeks. The government has withdrawn funding for teaching English until the asylum seekers have been here for six months. Fortunately in Liverpool they have Sister Teresa and Brother Eamon who come in to teach English. The centre has daily group visitors who bring clothes, furniture etc. The centre is a place of friendship for the asylum seekers who benefit from the visits. Sister told us some very sad stories. There is now a Destitutation Road Show which visits schools and parishes to get people aware of what is happening. Money is needed for rent, refreshments (coffee is always available), toiletries, clothes etc. The asylum seekers are issued with vouchers but these can only be used for food. After Sister’s moving talk Ann Astwood presented her a cheque for £1800. Sister said she was so grateful for all the support we have given.
During the weekend Ann Astwood, our Appeals Secretary, had set up the Bring and Buy stalls and raffle tickets were on sale. So after Sister’s talk we had coffee and the raffle (with some good prizes) was drawn.
Bishop Malone then arrived to concelebrate Mass with Fr.Chris and a well known Liverpool group, Mount Anderson and Tongues of Fire, came to play for the hymns, said St Matthew and his community knew that God was with them. Despite the troubles going on around us if we have eyes of faith we too can experience His presence day in and day out.
After Mass it was time for luncheon and farewells. Thanks to the Executive and their helpers we had a most enjoyable weekend and look forward to meeting up again next year at a new venue in Hertfordshire.
Jose Sear
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30544773@N07
Notre Dame Association of Direct Members
MINUTES of a meeting held in Liverpool Hope University on Saturday, 6th , September, 2008.
PRESENT: Jose Sear (Convenor-Secretary), Pauline Clayden, Mary Lewis, Pat Mallon, Pat Monaghan, Hilary Haddleton, Frances Vernals, Catherine Byrne, Sheila Fuller, Joan Duggan, Margaret Lawton.
- Jose reminded members that since November, 2008 when we were recognised by the Executive Board, we now form an official Association affiliated to the Federation.
- A draft of the Association’s Constitution was tabled and unanimously accepted.
A paper outlining the role of Convenor-Secretary was tabled and unanimously accepted.
A proposed timetable for the election of the Convenor-Secretary was tabled and accepted with the amendment of the period for return of ballot papers from a fortnight to 28 days.
- It was agreed that all three papers should be sent out, with the Minutes, in the Autumn posting to all members.
- A current list of members will be sent to all members with the Autumn posting and will be updated each year.
- A Gift-Aid form will also be included in the Autumn posting for donations to the Federation charities.
- The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Margaret for her work on the Constitution and especially to Jose for her work as Convenor-Secretary.
NOTRE DAME ASSOCIATION OF DIRECT MEMBERS
CONSTITUTION
- The Association of Direct Members includes all those who wish to maintain a link with the British Federation of Notre Dame Associations and through that, with the work of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
- The Association meets once a year during the Annual Meeting of the Federation.
- The business of the Association is conducted by a Convenor-Secretary, elected prior to each Triennial Convention of the Federation by members, in a postal ballot, for a period of three years.
- The Convenor-Secretary will: (a) represent the Association on the Executive Board of the Federation and at the Council Meeting. (b) collect from members the annual subscription payable to the Federation Treasurer (BFNDA). (c) send out to Members all communications, reports etcetera at regular times during the year.
- Members of the Association are entitled to attend meetings of the local groups of Direct Members or of any other Association
- The Association can, via the Convenor-Secretary, nominate any one of its members for the position of President, Treasurer, Conference Secretary and Appeals Secretary on the Executive Board of the Federation.
This Constitution was unanimously ACCEPTED at a formal meeting of Direct Members on 6th September 2008.
DRAFT
NOTRE DAME ASSOCIATION OF DIRECT MEMBERS
ROLE OF CONVENOR-SECRETARY.
- Maintains up-to-date list of members with their details.
- Collects annual subscriptions and any donations to the Charity. Forwards them to the Federation Treasurer.
- Chairs the Annual Meeting of Direct Members: compiles the agenda and co-opts a minute taker.
- Following the Federation AGM writes a brief report collates this with the report of the Direct Members Meeting and the ‘St Julie News’, then sends it to all Members.
- Sends out two more mailings to members with Federation news, notice of events Etcetera at Easter and in June.
- Writes an account of the Association for ‘St Julie News’ each year.
- Attend Federation Executive meetings, the Triennial Council Meeting and the Federation Annual General Meeting.
- Arranges for Mass to be offered in (i) November for deceased members and (ii) in May for St Julie’s Day from members’ intentions.
- Sends sympathy cards to family of deceased members and congratulation cards etcetera (as required).
- Sends out information about the Association on request.
To download Report as word doc click here
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