Covid19 - Updates from Manchester GMP

Following a committee meeting at the height of the Covid - 19 pandemic it was decided it was important as ever to connect with all the MCA members. These unprecedented times have brought us different Consular challenges so to connect, seek support and information from on another was more important than ever.

We decided to host a Zoom meeting and were honoured that Zac Fraser the Chief of Police for Manchester City Centre and Joanne Shaw from GMP Business Core unit could join us and give us updates on the Covid - 19 response from the police perspective as well as discuss the importance of connecting with all the various communities in the city during times of racial unrest on top of a global pandemic. We had a good discussion on how the Consular Association can act as a mediator between the official bodies of Manchester and its diverse communities. We do hope that this good cooperation and mutual respect will flourish in times ahead.

MCA hands over funds to Lord Mayor's Charity

The MCA was delighted to hand over a donation to the Lord Mayor’s of Salford Charity. Funds were raised during the Associations Annual Dinner at Gorton Monastery in November of last year. Honorary Consul of Iceland and Denmark and the current President of the MCA Agusta Thorarinsdottir kindly handed the donations on behalf of the MCA.

Icelandic Music at the MCA Annual Gala Dinner

Members and guests of the Manchester Consular Association enjoyed a wonderful evening at Gorton Monastery where colours and spirit of Iceland were celebrated with both wonderful music, provided by Impromptu Opera and delicious food, served to highest quality by the wonderful Monastery Team.

Remembrance Day 2019

As per tradition going back decades the MCA was represented at the Remembrance Day Service by laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square.

Manchester City Council - Outreach Team

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