Mary Townsend started the Girls' Friendly Society in 1875 with the encouragement of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The GFS offered care, friendship and support to young working women, protecting them from social exploitation and abuse. Our work is still in great demand - despite progress in many fields. Girls and young women still need our care and support. As one of the first charities set up to work with young women in England and Wales, GFS leads on experience.
Our foresight and innovation in meeting young women's needs has allowed the organisation to flourish and move forward to meet the demands and challenges of a changing society. The society now works as GFS Platform that demonstrates Christianity in action by providing a safe and secure environment where girls and young women can build on their self-esteem to gain personal confidence and move forward in today's society.
This year we celebrate 125 years since Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend founded the society in Ireland. The GFS is motivated by Christian and biblical principles of faith and service and works within individual parishes of the Church of Ireland. It encourages all its members to participate in the life and work of their branch, church, parish and local community. GFS members put God first, Friends second and Self last.GFS Day.
At this time we must recall a former Diocesan President, the late Mrs Daphne Graham, who served GFS in these Dioceses with distinction. Her husband, Dean Malcolm Graham passed away on 24th August 2003. He was a former GFS Diocesan Chaplin and until very recent times, presented the Graham Shield on GFS Day. The Graham Shield (see below) was in memory of his wife.
Their love of children was legendry and their support of GFS was immeasurable. We extend our deepest sympathy to their daughters Maureen Dowling and Brigid Walker and son Peter.
We also record, with much gratitude, the support always shown by Dean Ted and Mrs. Hilary Ardis and we wish them God Speed as they move to new pastures, Ted as rector of Donnybrook and Irishtown, Dublin 4.
Our heartiest congratulations to Mrs. Jean Beattie, Leader Killala Diocesan Branch, who has attained a 1st. Class Honours Degree in Heritage Studies. We are delighted that she will be continuing as Leader where her talents are very obvious. Four of our Leaders attended the All Ireland Training at Swords in Co. Dublin. This is an opportunity for them to meet Leaders from all over Ireland to exchange ideas and to share experiences. Branches meetings will be commencing in October and new members will be made very welcome.
Our annual GFS Day was held once again at St. Michael's School, Ballina on March 29th 2003. There was a full compliment of girls and Leaders as well as parents and grandparents. We were pleased to have our Bishop and his wife, Anita, with us; also the support of so many Rectors was very much appreciated.
All the competitions were on display and there were some worthy prizewinners. The ever-popular Mr. and Mrs. Loftus from Enniscrone, were the judges and their lively comments kept everyone interested.
The drama competition as usual was of a very high standard and it is always amazing how competently the girls cope in such limited space and in the short time frame. Kilmoremoy Branch retained the Graham Shield and Achonry Union received the Japanese Cross. It was a huge success and there was a great buzz about the place. The increase in numbers will have us scratching our heads in relation to a venue for next year. We are very grateful to Dean Ardis, Rector and the Principal of St. Michael's School, Mr. Derek Fair, for allowing us to use the school.
The Diocesan Service was held at Emlaghfad Church, Ballymote on Sunday, May 25th 2003. The Rector of that Parish, the Rev. Richard Dadswell, gave the address.
Diocesan Officers, Leaders and friends planned a social evening early in June. Later in that month the Diocesan Officers attended a training weekend in Dublin. The Bishop kindly suggested that the two Branches should organise an outing and attend the Fun Day at Bishop's House on Saturday, August 29th, 2003.
There was a well-filled church in Rathbarron for the Enrolment Service for GFS on Oct. 13th 2002. We welcomed Mrs. Betty Price, Mrs. Irene Goulden and Mrs. Josephine Barber as Leaders of GFS, with, involved in the President's Award, Lorna Goulden and Denise Hodgins.
Two of our Leaders, Mrs. Lena Gordon and Mrs. Jean Byers, Achonry Branch, decided to retire from active Branch work, but thankfully are remaining involved in the Society and will remain active at executive level - Lena as Diocesan Treasurer and Jean as Missionary Secretary. The GFS supports missionaries under the auspices of CMS in Kenya and India. We are fortunate to have secured the services of three enthusiastic women from Rathbarron Parish; Mrs. Betty Price, Mrs Josephine Barber and Mrs. Irene Goulden and the meetings will be held in either Rathbarron or Coolaney.
Mrs Jean Beattie and Mrs. Avril Shannon are meeting again at St. Michael's School, Ballina. If your child is three years or over she is eligible to join the Candidates and she may remain a member for the rest of her life. We wish everyone the best for another happy season in GFS. Annual GFS Day was held in St. Michael's School, Ballina on Saturday 29th March 2003.
Accommodation is available for a small number of girls at the GFS Hostel, 36 Upper Street, Dublin 4. To learn of vacancies currently available please contact Mildred Gilmore.
GFS Ireland is active in the Kilmoremoy (Ballina) and Achonry parishes of our United Dioceses. Enquiries to Mildred Gilmore Hon. Diocesan President or write to GFS Ireland, Oak House, 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, Tel.: +353 1-660 3754, Fax +353 1-660 3754.