Variety International Convention 2009

With The Good Wishes of Mary McAleese, The President of Ireland, a 16 strong Irish delegation were delighted to travelled to London to attend this year’s International Convention., hosted by Great Britain, Tent 36 In London, to enrich our fundraising events for Children in need in Ireland.

Variety Great Britain gave us a real Irish Welcome and we were delighted to be there to celebrate their 60th Anniversary giving through Variety Club of Great Britain which started off with a fantastic party bash on the Saturday night. What a night of good food, singing and welcome.
The Convention committee consisted of Tony Hatch (Chair), John Ratcliff CBE, Marsha Rae Ratcliff and Julia Morley – who was unanimously elected as Variety International President, taking over from Grahame Mapp. We wish Julia every success in her role as Variety International President this year and hope she can make a visit here in her Presidential Year.

The meetings, talks, presentations and open forums were extremely informative and helpful and we took away some excellent fundraising ideas and a renewed sense of pride in our children’s charity. One thing that was really clear from attending these meetings and workshops is that Variety International is committed to making our charity the biggest and most dynamic children’s charity in the world.
The highlight for Tent 41 was being a recipient of the prestigious Sunshine Coach Award and Kevin Wall, Chief Barker, was delighted to accept it on behalf of the Crew, members and all our sponsors and supporters who have worked hard for many years to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in Ireland.

Another great moment was Kay Crofton’s Citation Award, it is well deserved and we are delighted for Kay who has worked tirelessly for the Variety Club of Ireland for many years. Congratulations Kay.

Apart from the business part of the convention there was an excellent programme of entertainment throughout the few days including a Thames River Cruise where dinner, hosted by Gary Bethwick City Cruises, dancing and entertainment had everyone in great spirits; a special lunch for children where the convention delegates donned aprons and chef’s hats and served over 200 wonderful children in the ballroom. The exquisite evening in the Guild Hall in the presence of their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent was the highlight of this memorable convention. This event was the culmination of a wonderful Variety International Convention which was expertly organised by the Great Britain Tent 36 and thoroughly enjoyed by Variety delegates from around the world.


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