I believe it is unusual, if not unique, to have popular entertainers adorning the cover of our Institute’s bi-monthly journal.
On this occasion, the tie-in is between the international performers “Secret Garden”, the National Concert Hall (NOH), and the Institute’s work in giving support to members or their dependants in difficult circumstances. A significant majority of us have maintained comparative good health and good fortune throughout our professional careers, but among our thousands of members, and their families, there are a brave number who are forced to cope, on sometimes a continuing basis, with ill health and misfortune.
The financial assistance which the Benevolent Association is able to give would not be possible without our members’ significant donations and our fundraising efforts. In 2004 we will distribute circa € 500K to members and dependants who have fallen on needy times. On fund raising this year the board and I are planning to break new ground. We are organising an evening of very special entertainment for members, their families, clients, and friends. It is hoped that with your support and the generosity of our sponsors, Anglo Irish Bank, we will raise the profile of our Association, and financial resources needed for our increasing level of grants.
"Secret Garden”, based in Norway, most of you may already know, and of their superb entertainment value. Personally I have attended one of their concerts at the N.C.H. It was an evening to remember.
They have over 3,000,000 albums sold, released in more than 80 countries. They won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995 with “Nocturne”, rather unusually as it was more of an instrumental piece than a song. And their name? Perhaps it is best to quote Rolf Lovland, their composer, arranger, and performer:
“Somewhere within us all there is a secret garden. A garden where we can seek refuge when times are rough, or retire to in joy or contemplation. For years I have visited my own secret garden in search of harmony or melody.
In 1994 I met an artist who through the soulful simplicity of her instrument gave my songs a voice. She is the famed Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry. Together we have tended the secret garden; the crop is yours for the picking. It is my sincere wish, that by uncovering some of our secrets, you will pay a visit to your own garden”.
Please come and share our evening at the
National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, on Thursday, January 13th 2005, and have a very enjoyable time. In the process, you help us to help your colleagues and their families.
John Greely,
Chairman, Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association.Accountancy Ireland, Vol 36, No 6, December 2004.