ABS Council to meet in Cardiff

I’m so pleased that ABS chose Cardiff for their June AGM venue this year.

It is wonderful to welcome all Council to the Land of Song - Cardiff Singer of the World Competition is world famous. Cardiff of course is also home to Welsh Rugby - witness the recent victories at the Millennium Stadium in the Six Nations Cup – an old stamping ground for my husband who refereed for the Welsh Rugby Union for over 23 years.

Cardiff grew up on the business of coal delivery to industry from the deep seams in the valley hinterlands - altogether a rich heritage indeed.

And I’m blessed to be part of the rich heritage that is the Architects Benevolent Society. I’ve been a Council member and Regional representative (along with Brian Lingard, past President, who serves North Wales) for over 20 years and throughout that time have hugely admired the personalities and hard work that goes to make up the ABS and its tireless committees who give of their time voluntarily.

As a Regional Representative I take calls or letters/e-mails in confidence from potential beneficiaries or their concerned relatives and friends and pass them on to our trained Welfare Officers for an immediate call and as early a visit as possible.

I’ve lost count of the numbers of times that people in difficult circumstances have told of their great relief when the astute and potent ABS walks through their door and shoulders the pain and the worry of their situation. Suddenly they are not alone. They are under the wing of the heritage that is the ABS as it continues to strive for excellence in service to its beneficiaries, in its own business set up and in its public face.

Croeso i Cymru!

Stella Saunders – June 2008