A major boost this month to the Italian Garden appeal came thanks to the hard work and commitment of the Cecchini family in Troon. They organised a special fund raising night in Ayr Town Hall with the Mayor of Barga, Umberto Sereni and Archbishop Conti as guests. The night raised almost £10,000 for the appeal – the highest donation of its type so far including a £1500 donation from the Scottish Italian Community Fund. Thanks are due to all who helped, those who donated prizes, and who gave of their time and skills free of charge.
At the event the Mayor was presented with the Archdiocesan Medal by Archbishop Conti in recognition of his work to promote links with the Archdiocese.
Presentations were also made to mark Sindaco Sereni’s tireless work on behalf of the Lord Provost of Glasgow, the Consulate of Italy and the First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP.
The chance to build a cloister garden as outlined here comes but once in a lifetime. It falls to our generation to make this wonderful monument a reality. I urge you to consider the idea favourably and support us financially. You may wish to recall a dear one who has died on a “wall of names “, or perhaps put together with members of the family to make a more significant contribution. Details of how you can help are enclosed with this brochure. All donations will be gratefully accepted, and as you wish, acknowledged in a permanent way within the precincts. The monument itself will be a fitting and beautiful symbol of the great bonds of friendship between Scotland and Italy. Besides offering much needed facilities and gathering space for the Cathedral, the Cloister Garden will quickly become a much-loved oasis of tranquility amid the city bustle; a place to come alone or with friends, to reflect, to sit awhile and to remember. Please help me in this effort. Mario Conti – Archbishop of Glasgow
The appeal remains very much open. This month application has been made to a bank foundation in Lucca which we hope will boost the fund considerably. (article here)
To make a donation and, if you wish, to commemorate a loved one in the garden, please contact Cav Ronnie Convery at ronnie.convery@rcag.org.uk or visit their website here
Article source: CPI