Press Releases29 Jun 11

20th GFS World Council

The World Council of the Girls' Friendly Society is currently taking place in King's Hospital, Dublin until the 4th July considering the theme of Challenges and Change - A Time for new Thinking. Over two hundred members of GFS from eighteen different countries are gathering together to renew friendships, develop links between countries and choosing a new World Project to support.

The opening service was held in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh on Saturday 25th June where the speaker was The Most Reverend Alan Harper, OBE, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. 

The service was a very colourful event as representatives from each country wore their GFS uniform or traditional dress -- as pictured.

GFS in Armagh Diocese hosted the day in Armagh. The delegates were brought to four different places and the local branches organised lunch; there was a range of displays of the girls' work to enjoy and opportunities for the Irish GFS girls to meet and chat with the various delegates. After the service, Armagh Diocese hosted an opening banquet.

On Friday 1st July Rosemary Kempsell, the MU Worldwide President will speak to the delegates. Saturday 2nd July is International day with approx 1000 GFS members from Ireland expected to attend. This will be an opportunity for the wider community to see the work that is going on in GFS in other countries, sample some craft ideas from around the world and partake in a variety of entertainment activities. International day is from 12 to 4.30 and all are welcome.

Throughout the week as well as attending to our many business sessions our visiting GFS delegates will have an opportunity to experience a sample of Irish culture including visits to Glendalough and Powerscourt, traditional craft workshops, an Irish dancing demonstration and a traditional ceili.

The closing service will take place in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin on Sunday 3rd July, conducted by The Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin. The speaker will be the Rt Revd Kay Goldsworthy, Assistant Bishop of Perth Dioceses. At the closing service the new GFS World President will be commissioned - Glenys Payne, GFS Wales.

ENDS