Manchester Consular Association welcomed a Team from Manchester Council to their latest Business Meeting. It received information about their increasing challenge in dealing with the different aspects of homelessness. To learn more about their work please see the link below
Visit of the Ambassador for Germany in UK to Greater Manchester
Agusta Thorarinsdottir Honorary Consul for Iceland and Vice President of the MCA represented the association in a meeting organised by Andy Burnham the Mayor of Manchester.
The MCA was delighted to be invited to attend a lunch, organised by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham to welcome Dr. Peter Wittig Ambassador for Germany to Manchester. Along with other guests from local councils and within business we participated in constructive talks where Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed the cities commitment to international relations.
Manchester’s International Ambitions in a Time of Change
Friday 1st March at HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, 09.45 – 12.30
The British Foreign Policy Group is partnering with Manchester City Council, Northern Powerhouse Partnership and Manchester Metropolitan University to host ‘Manchester’s International Ambitions in a Time of Change‘.
The event will highlight Manchester and the region’s growing international reach and ambitions and place these within the wider shifts in the UK’s international position. Senior figures across Manchester’s local government, business, higher education and cultural sectors, as well as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office will engage with a wider audience of stakeholders from across the city and region on key issues regarding Manchester’s growing global links and profile, and how these relate to regional, as well as wider national initiatives to protect and promote the UK’s prosperity, security and influence.
The event will also see the launch of a new report – ‘Manchester: A Soft Power Entrepreneur’, which examines how and why the city has been uniquely successful in promoting a strong national and international identity and tying that to its ambitions to promote its trade, cultural engagement and wider soft power.
Order of Events
Registration – 09.45am
Welcome – Tom Cargill, The British Foreign Policy Group – 10.10am
Keynote address – Sir Richard Leese, Leader Manchester City Council – 10.15am
Interactive Panel Discussion - 10.30 – 11.30
Cllr Sue Murphy – Deputy Leader & International Lead Manchester City Council
Lewis Neal – Director of Economic Diplomacy FCO
Sir Howard Bernstein – Strategic Advisor, Deloitte
Prof Jenny Watling – Pro Vice Chancellor International, Manchester Metropolitan University – TBC
David Adam – Report co-author
Close and reception – 11.30am
For tickets please sign up via Eventbrite. If you would like further information about this event, please email Edward Elliott at: Edward.Elliott@bfpg.org.uk
MCA donates funds to the Lord Mayor's Charity
The MCA was delighted to hand over a donation to the Lord Mayor’s of Manchester Charity. Funds were raised during the Associations Annual Dinner at Gorton Monastery in November of last year. Honorary Consul of Belgium John Meeus kindly handed the donations on behalf of the MCA.
Austrian celebrations at MCA Annual Dinner
Members and guests of the Manchester Consular Association enjoyed a wonderful evening at Gorton Monastery where colours and spirit of Austria were celebrated on a year marking 100 years from birth of the nation. Current MCA president Harold Loeffler hosted the event were guests enjoyed Austrian inspired food, wine and fantastic Austrian music.
Belgium Soldier in Stockport
Our long serving member and treasurer Consul John Meeus attended a memorial service and unveiling of a headstone of the Belgium soldier Jean Francoise Vermulen who died in Stockport in 1914 after being transported from the frontline to the town’s hospital.
Attached you can see an ITV report from the unveiling of a new headstone at his grave for the first time.
Crimestoppers
The MCA welcomed Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager of the Charity Crimestoppers to it's business meeting, held at the Greater Manchester Chamber on the 6th of June. The meeting was very informative for the members as Gary discussed the role Crimestoppers have in keeping our communities safe and how they give members of the public the option of reporting crime anonymously. This has had great positive outcome in bringing criminals to justice and giving a safe channel for people to report criminal activity without the threat of repercussion. To find out more information www.crimestoppers-uk.org
National Day of Norway
The MCA had a wonderful evening celebrating the National Day of Norway at Cheetham School of Music on the 17th of May. Hosted by Alexandra Stewart the Honorary Consul of Norway guest, which of many were dressed in the National Costume of Norway, enjoyed wonderful music performed by the talented students of CSM as well as very elegant canapés and drinks.
Alexandra Stewart Honorary Consul of Norway and Chris Rostron Honorary Consul of Finland and the President of the MCA
The Cheetham School of Music provided excellent entertainment, performing pieces by the celebrated Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg