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SVP 1833 members enjoy weekend away at Ozanam Centre, North Wales
14 SVP 1833 members from five University Conferences spent a weekend together during April 2008 at the SVP Ozanam Centre near Caernarfon in North Wales. Set in the beautiful Snowdonia countryside the centre is a great location for a weekend away and an ideal venue for the first SVP 1833 get-together.
Paul Lever (National Youth Development Officer) welcomed the members with Friday evening ice-breakers and everyone soon got to know each other.
On the Saturday morning members shared their experiences as they talked about their Vincentian activities in their own Conferences. Mike Worthington, SVP National President, introduced the members to the spirituality of St Vincent de Paul, while Austin Fagan, a former National President, shared his extensive knowledge of the life and work of our founder, Frederic Ozanam.
The SVP 1833 members enjoyed a relaxing break on Saturday afternoon as Steve Whitley, the Centre Manager, led the group on to the lower slopes of Mount Snowdon - the rain just holding off long enough to allow us to appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain.
The evening's entertainment in 'The Barn' was led by Paul Lever who managed to get everyone to do the actions for the song "The Fields of Athenry". Edward Sumner, president of Birmingham Universities SVP, mesmerised everyone with his magic tricks, Austin Fagan entertained the group with his famous dramatic monologues, while the Manchester University members provided a quiz.
Mary Abel led the evening reflection in line with the weekend's theme - "Who is my neighbour?" during which the group considered the Gospel incident of the healing at the pool of Bethesda where the paralysed man said "I have no-one..."
Francis Davis of the Von Hugel Institute and the International Young Leaders Network led their final session as he encouraged the members to think about their role as Christian leaders.
The weekend concluded with Mass celebrated by local priest, Fr Brian Jones.
The members departed, reluctant to leave but happy having formed new friendships during the stimulating and enjoyable weekend and looking forward to the next time!
Click here for feedback from the 1833 members and more photos from the weekend.
[4.6.08]