BBS Regional Meeting Northern Ireland

A big thank you to Lesley Anne Starrett - Trustee and main contact for the Society in Northern Ireland for making our stay so enjoyable and making us very welcome in Belfast.

The Brittle Bone Society Staff member Karen Whyte - Support Worker and new CEO Patricia Osborne headed out to Belfast on Friday 4th December to meet up with members in Northern Ireland. It was an excellent weekend even although it rained on us quite relentlessly. We didnt let the rain put a dampner on things. We had an amazing turnout of members old and new, and all ages who came to say hello and enjoy a lovely Christmas get together.

Patricia said she was pleased to get out to the NI branch and promised this would be the first of many visits to our friends across the water. It's just a 30 minute plane ride to Belfast and we stayed at the beautiful La Mon Hotel in Casltreagh. The location was superb and access didnt seem to be a problem, however some bemused members said their satnav went a bit haywire and for some reason a few of them ended up outside a local Rugby Club, determined to make it in time for a sumptious lunch and a visit from Santa - am pleased to report all attendees made it on time.

Patricia got the chance to speak to many members about a vast range of subjects, and was emphasising the need to re-energise the communication routes between all our various branches throughout the UK. There were welcome pledges of reviving meetings and great ideas for fundraisers. The BBS staff brought over a popup stand (proudly proclaiming our NEW BBS logo) and asked that NI members ensure that we make sure we get out and about and try our best to organise more events.

Karen was on hand with updates on fact sheets and there was a lot of work done.  Patricia promised to send out newsletters and updates and some special deliveries of Gold Lapel Badges to members' who hadnt seen them and wanted to get hold of them and they are in the post as we speak.

Patricia hopes that many of the new contacts made on the visit will get in touch as promised and we look forward to getting over there again very soon.