December 01, 2005

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Spanish Visit

REPORT ABOUT VISIT TO SPANISH YMCA

Myself and Anita Seabridge attended the 25th anniversary of the Spanish YMCA’s in Madrid on the 1st – 3rd December 2005. We were invited because we have a good international link programme with them – I attended as I created the initial partnership whilst Anita attended in her capacity as international volunteer co-ordinator.

On the day that we arrived, we had a get together meeting in which we met all of the other people representing international YMCA’s that also have partnerships with Madrid. We were welcomed by Juan Simones, the general secretary of the YMCA of Spain. We were also welcomed by Angel Ballesteros, the director of international volunteering for Spain. These are the people with whom we have direct contact with when communicating with Spanish YMCA’s. We then met Jose Corrales, who is the president of YMCA Spain. The evening was an informal gathering where we all talked about our own YMCA, as well as the YMCA movement as a whole. There were many countries represented, such as Mexico, Malta, African nations, France, Italy, Ukraine plus many more, as well as numerous people from different parts of the USA. There were lengthy conversations with Johan Eltvik, the general secretary of the European YMCA alliance and Bartholomew Sahaha, the general secretary of the World Alliance of YMCA’s.

On the Friday, we were invited to the anniversary celebrations in the Palacio de Congresso de Madrid, where we listened to people talking about the Spanish movement. The main guest speaker was HRH Felipe de Borbon, the prince of Spain and the heir to the throne. We presented the prince with flowers and a gift, which included Romford YMCA’s annual report. There were also many government officials and VIP’s at this occasion. After the speeches, we were able to meet other VIP guests. The general secretary of the world alliance introduced me to the British ambassador to Spain, Stephen Wright. We talked at length about Romford YMCA, and about how government policies affect the running of the YMCA, charities and childcare. We then had a six course meal, with all the dignitaries present. Romford YMCA were individually mentioned in the speech for their partnership work and ongoing support, which meant that I had to stand and acknowledge this.

We made some really useful connectives, and hope to use these to further develop Romford YMCA’s international work. We made, in particular, a very good connection with Bartholomew Sahaha, who invited us to his residence in Geneva. We also invited him to visit Romford YMCA when he is in the UK next.

Overall, this was a very useful visit as well as an enjoyable one.

Alison Fordham,

Childcare Manager.

Posted by Webmaster at 05:57 PM

Hello from our Chief Executive

15 years ago I began my employment here as a youth worker, now as Chief Executive I can say in all honesty that it is the people, the environment, the challenges of the work and the energy within this place that have moulded me into the person I am today.

There is a unique atmosphere here at Romford YMCA, It is a life force, the heart and soul of which draws thousands of people through our doors every year. For many our Christian faith is at the centre of what drives us, for others it is the unique atmosphere and friendship to be found at the YMCA

And now, In this our centenary year I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to be part of our celebrations, to reflect with us on the achievements and events of the last 100 years and also to share our vision and our plans for the future.

There is a great deal happening throughout this year which we hope will inspire and encourage you look a littler deeper and to become further involved in the work and mission of the YMCA.

Thank you for all you bring to the YMCA community, and we look forward to sharing a great year together, the year of our centenary

Dave Ball
Chief Executive

Posted by Webmaster at 11:42 AM

Sunday night is Music night and afternoon!!

Sunday 4th December 05

Sunday night is Music night and afternoon!!

Romford YMCA staged two events on the above date commencing with a Christmas Concert featuring the Romford YMCA Operatics Society and the Romford Salvation Army Band.

As well as the usual carols sung by over 300 guests , there were special Christmas musical items and marches from the Salvation Army band , including a trombone solo and one of the band singing a song about God’s love at this Christmas time.
The Salvation Army leader Trevor Fisher conducted his last concert as he was handing over his baton after 5 years of loyal service with the band.

The Operatic Society entertained us with a selection of Christmas songs and also a medley of songs from their forthcoming musical presentation of South Pacific to be performed at the Queen’s Theatre in June / July next year
This event finished at 5.00 pm and by 7.00pm the hall had been transferred into a dance hall including a dance floor and a 17 piece big band and over 125 people in attendance.

Many favourite songs were played including a number of Glen Miller tunes which made his band a world wide success.
In the interval there were solo items from “Y’s” Company, (members of the Operatic society) and the audience had to guess from which musical the song had been taken from.
The whole day was a great success and a tribute to the hard work of a great number of staff in all departments.

The proceeds of the event, estimated to be well in excess of £1,000, goes towards the support of the International work carried out here at Romford YMCA.

Mr Ron Gale the chairman of the International Committee stated that over the past year that 30 international young people, of all ages, from 14 countries, had visited and worked at Romford YMCA and future visitors were already being planned.

Posted by Webmaster at 04:45 PM