The Deputy Governor and other Trustees visited Northern Ireland to engage with stakeholders on the development of the Society’s strategic framework and to better understand the NI context of reconciliation.
Highlights of the visit included:
- Workshops for High Sheriffs and other stakeholders – one concentrating on Shrievalty (led by Alderman & Sheriff Greg Jones), the other Reconciliation (led by the Deputy Governor)
- Attending Sunday morning service at St Columb’s Cathedral, where the DG read the lesson, and followed by
- Lunch with a wide ranging group of guests (Mayor of Derry; Bishop of Derry & Raphoe; MD of St Columb’s Park House; and several other Community Network, Funders and Forum representatives), some of whom had never participated in the Society’s events before and welcomed the opportunity to meet and discuss the importance of continued and improved collaboration across funders to meet the increasing needs of charities
- Guided tours of the Museum of Free Derry and the Siege Museum with David Douglas of Derrie Danders. Deputy Mayor, Alderman Darren Guy, also joined the delegation to talk through the history of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and the events of the Siege itself in 1689 and the ongoing impact of that period
- Meetings with Derry City & Strabane District Council covering City Growth Deal : Public Realm (an opportunity for officials to brief the Society’s Trustees on the projects arising from the City Deal programme which offered significant opportunity to improve the infrastructure of Derry City) and Irish Society Strategy (outlining draft framework including vision, mission and values as well as the proposed strategic themes, which was very well received)
- A meeting of the Local Advisory Committee where members considered applications for assistance, and grants totalling £13,250 (including £4,800 obo The Drapers’ Company) were awarded, followed by
- A tour of Ulster University’s Magee campus, including an update on the Post Grad medical school where the Society funds two scholarships and an overview of the work of INCORE, the University’s International Conflict Research Centre
- A meeting with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council to discuss the Society’s strategy and engagement with the Council, receive an update on the impact of the pause of the Growth Deal investment decision from HM Treasury and reinforce the importance of the Council’s relationship with the City of London Corporation
The Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry, The Reverend James Titley, also participated in the visit and his engagement with Dean of Londonderry, The Very Rev’d Raymond Stewart, had successfully reignited the relationship between SLJ and St Columb’s Cathedral. The Reverend will continue to progress exchange opportunities.
