NIADIA - Meetings and AGM

Two of our committee are taking part in an ‘ADI challenge’ to raise funds for Marie ‘Curie Cancer Care’; this is in memory of a former NIADIA member, the late Margaret (Mags) Adair ADI who died in June 2009 aged 46, a victim of this cruel disease.

Thank you to all who donated and supported us.

David Johnston and Joe Weir raised almost £2500

www.justgiving.com/adi-lejog

The annual general meeting and conference of the above association was held, in the Royal Hotel Cookstown on Monday 1^st February 2010, Registration began at 10.30 with Vice Chair Joe Weir opening with a short welcome and talk on the Marie Curie ADI challenge at 11.00

Lisa Mann, Joe Weir; Brian McMinn; David Johnston, Sam McCord, David McClements, Mark Higgins and Pat Deehan.

Lisa Mann then gave her Chair’s address, which gave an insight to the workings of DINAC.

David McClements gave his Treasurers report, concentrating on raising finances. The three sources of income: Membership, Sponsorship and DIA new member commission were dwindling seriously and this was adversely affecting income. Balance sheets were passed around and some good news was given in that with careful spending we had made a profit, albeit a small one of £75 for the first time in many years,

Tom Burns brought to our attention the DVA’s decision to stop all associations from placing posters and leaflets in test centre waiting rooms after March this year, this will make recruitment even more difficult.

The election of officers then took place with Lisa declaring all offices vacant and Steve Garrod (DIA) taking over the Chair to conduct the election:

President – Pat Deehan, proposed by Valerie Kirkpatrick and seconded by Brian McMinn - accepted.

Chair - Lisa Mann, proposed by Joe Weir, seconded by Mark Higgins, - accepted.

Vice Chair – Joe Weir, proposed by Colin Hagan, seconded by Brian McMinn –accepted.

Treasurer – David McClements, proposed by Joe Weir, seconded by Mark Higgins - accepted.

David Johnston, proposed by Mark Higgins, seconded by Brian McMinn - accepted

Brian McMinn, proposed by Valerie Kirkpatrick, seconded by Lisa Mann - accepted

Sam McCord, proposed by Lisa Mann, seconded by Brian McMinn – accepted in absence.

Jack Forde then conducted an excellent workshop on basic First Aid, concentrating on dealing with a heart attack victim; this was well received by those in attendance, Jack kindly donated his expenses to the ADI Marie Curie challenge.

After a break for lunch Christine Cook and Brian Morrison from DVA arrived. Brian gave an interesting talk on subjects likely to affect the industry including: new ADI licences, the new motorcycle register and the EC third directive.

A short discussion followed a question from the floor regarding membership numbers and talk of friction. Lisa and Joe put minds at rest that the person concerned was wanted back into the membership. It was also suggested that moves should be made to contact the other functioning DINAC associations with a view to holding a joint annual conference, this could precede individual AGMs and would split the cost of a venue, prevent repetition for speakers and attract a greater number of delegates.

A collection taken in support of the ADI Marie Curie challenge raised a total of £90.00

In April Lisa Mann resigned as Chair, this was due to personal circumstances, she will remain on committee.

Joe Weir, the current Vice Chair was nominated and accepted the position of Chair and Brian McMinn was nominated and accepted the position of Vice Chair