Downpatrick Chapter

Mission | Goals | Chapter History & Details | Officers | Honorary | News
Young Ambassadors | Photos


Mission
To build positive and on-going relationships between Saint Patrick’s Country and the rest of the World. To promote the cultures of Northern Ireland and the reconciliation work which is going on through the Saint Patrick Centre and other organisations. Through education, action and celebration, Friends of St. Patrick – Downpatrick will take forward and nurture Patrick’s legacy both in Ireland and beyond the island.

Goals
• Support the Saint Patrick Centre and charitable organizations within our community, through volunteer and fundraising efforts.

• Learn actively about the different cultures and history of Northern Ireland through visits, talks and demonstration. This should be delivered through personal updates from the Director, speakers representing the traditions and cultures of the northern part of Ireland and, when called upon, Young Ambassadors.

• Offer support for continuing links between the Saint Patrick Centre and its Chapters through initiatives like the Friends of Saint Patrick Young Ambassadors Program which will annually send young people to Saint Patrick’s Country in Northern Ireland to experience the cultures and traditions of the region and the reconciliation work of the Saint Patrick Centre and other organizations.

• Promote the Friends of Saint Patrick at Festivals and other suitable events.

• Aim to have meetings at least quarterly and provide a forum for speakers and musical performance.

• Partner with other local organizations working for a positive future in Northern Ireland.

• Support the cross community education programs conducted in Northern Ireland by the Saint Patrick Centre.

Chapter History/Details
The Friends of Saint Patrick organisation was founded in 2006 by Dr Tim Campbell, Board Members of the Saint Patrick Centre and members of the local community in Mid Down who supported the work of the Centre. The group originally met to organise concerts and help develop the Friends Magazine. Their role has grown to become a fully fledged and incorporated body with a growing volunteer base which has raised over £12,000 over the last year for local charities which continue the spirit of Saint Patrick and his message of reconciliation abroad. Members look forward to meeting Friends from other Chapters and from around the World and making them feel welcome and involved in Saint Patrick’s Country.

Officers
Liz McMorris, Chapter President: breaks@swanldg.force9.co.uk
Dennis Cahill, Secretary
Raymond Crea, Treasurer: rcreabcourt@yahoo.com
Noreen Napier, Events Officer

Honorary
Eddie McGrady MP, Sir Patrick Cormack MP, Norman Stewart.

News
Fund raising for Chad Child Refugees

Following tragic events in Chad last winter, when millions of people from this region of Africa became refugees, Noreen Napier and a number of our Friends organised a variety concert to raise money for the children caught up in this conflict. The Friends with the help of local man Harvey Bicker approached the Irish army, who have just moved into the region as part of a major peace keeping force, to report back on what was most needed on the ground. The army have agreed to do this, and for the first time ever, will directly crate and transport what is needed for the children directly to where support is needed most as part of their efforts in the country. The Friends raised £6,700 (c.$13,000).

Friends Help Raise Funds for Leukemia Research

The Centre was used by local lady Bridget Owens at the end of March to hold a vintage fashion show in aid of Leukemia Research and the ward 10 Haematology Unit at the City Hospital in Belfast. The event raised over £1500 (c.$3,000).

Friends Help Downpatrick Romanian Orphan Appeal

Petals and Pots in Market Street, Downpatrick gave generously of their time, talent, flowers and containers freely to help raise money for the Downpatrick Romanian Orphan Appeal from which will raise funds for a new orphanage in Romania. The flower arrangements were superb and the auction at the event raised £450. A big thank you is due to the sponsors of the prizes for the ballot which also raised £231. The needlework exhibition by Liz McMorris also proved very popular with the audience and the entire event raised £1285 for the Downpatrick Romanian Appeal.

Young Ambassadors
The Chapter will welcome the Young Ambassadors on the 14th July with a Barbeque and reception. They will help coordinate the Young Ambassador Program and will provide a night to the Grand Opera House in Belfast as part of their stay. All of our volunteers are looking forward to the Program.

Photos