NI Presbyterian mutual society, Short of funds for withdrawal?

MamaMia_2

Evening All,
Looks like the petition is going well. But I fear that approx 1800 signatures does not seem like alot when there are 300,000 in PCI. So how can we get the word around about it? Any ideas?
I rang my local pci minister today and he will give out the petition website on Sunday - he has also contacted other pci ministers in the area who will do the same this Sunday. Could anyone reading this thread do the same - do not assume your church already knows about it!
What about contacting Good Morning Ulster/ Stevie Nolan - anyone have a contact? Even to just get the petition website read out a few times.

ballyblack

nolan@bbc.co.uk


http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nolan/storycapture/

Ballygal

Although joining this forum a few weeks ago this is my first post! After typing a long rant on a good few occasions, each time I lost my diatribe as I didn’t seem to be able to get any post uploaded so eventually I gave up. But it did me feel much better letting off steam!!

Now having typed this one using a Word doc I will have another go cutting and pasting! I’ll not go over all my original stuff but concentrate on my most recent involvement.

Yesterday afternoon I heard that the Carrickfergus Presbytery was having a meeting in Joymount Church last night about PMS so I went along. I had intended keeping quiet but couldn’t stop myself saying my piece about how annoyed I was! Unfortunately my contribution was not heard by our Moderator or anyone ther in an official capacity from PCI, as it was chaired by the local Presbytery.
Most people were very Presbyterian and very controlled, and were only there to find out how they should vote, with some others confused about the wording of the fifth resolution. Some were not happy how the PCI were dealing with individual cases of hardship, and how the PCI hardship funds were inadequate. People also mentioned the difficulties for older folk reading the proposals, given the official nature of the document and the size of the font.
However the Editor of the Pres Herald was there and said he would informally take back some of what was said to PCI and I now feel so much better at having my voice heard.
So I would suggest that people contact their minister and ask if and when a meeting in their own area has been organised. Then go and speak up!!
It was mentioned that because of the PCI’s constitution, decisions of the PCI can really only be taken by the General Assembly.
Could pressure then be put on PCI to have an extraordinary assembly meeting?
We were also told that we could email the moderator at [EMAIL="moderator@presbyterianireland.org"]moderator@presbyterianireland.org[/EMAIL]: or [EMAIL="clerk@presbyterianireland.org:Has"]clerk@presbyterianireland.org: [/EMAIL] Has anyone tried that at all?
So glad there is this forum!!

expat68

Ballygal, welcome and well done for perservering and sharing your thoughts.

By my reckoning there has been way over 10,000 visits to this forum in the last week. As there are around 30 regular contributors there is a massive number of people looking for information and watching the discussion. If all of these people sign the petition, send an e mail, tell a friend or do anything it will all help. The presbyterian way of silence and accepting your lot will not work here - sending an e mail is easy and while it may not achieve much on its own eventually public opinion will reach a tipping point. Lots of people are hoping those impacted will stay silent and that the problem will go away - dont let it happen.

Posting and sending e mails is also highly cathartic - unloading is a good thing.

expat68

The PCI are worried they'll have their manses reposessed - now theres some development land and buy to lets I'd like to get my hands on :rotfl:

MamaMia_2

Welcome Ballygal. Thanks for the info. Your are the 2nd post that I've read tonight which states it feels good to be doing something!

So even if you don't actively participate in this forum - if you are just a looker here is what you can do
1) Sign this petition: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Save-the-Mutuals/ (AND SEND A LINK TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK!)
2) Write or email your local MPs (all MP contact details can be found here
http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/members/membership07.htm)
3) Contact your minister and ask for the petition web address to be read out this Sunday morning.

Its also worth pointing out alot of investors caught up in this are elderly, so can you help such a person send an email, or set up a mail address so they can sign the petition? Its important that everyone gets a chance to make their voice heard!

Over and out for tonight.
PS To set up an email address , it is free, just go to yahoo.

goodbyepci

SAVAGE MAKES ECONOMY A PRIORITY


from the Banbridge Leader




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Published Date: 20 January 2009
By Staff reporter
UPPER Bann MLA George Savage has said he will endeavour to make the economy a major priority during 2009.
Speaking in his New Year's Message, the Ulster Unionist representative spoke of the economic challenges 2009 will bring.
"As we are all aware, the end of 2008 will be remembered for economic decline, financial hardship and the main thing everyone will remember will be the sad demise of Woolworths and a number of other companies currently going through administration," he continued.
"The most worrying aspect of the current financial crisis is that it appears that the Government is dealing with the issue, covering the capital we have invested within our banks – the reality is that it will be, you and I, the taxpayer, who will be left to pick up the pieces and foot the bill.
"On this particular issue, I am very mindful of those who have savings currently locked up within the Presbyterian Mutual Society. I have already written to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor on this issue and I look forward to their response with great interest," he said.
"Through my work at a local level as a Craigavon Councillor and as MLA for Upper Bann at Stormont, I will endeavour, through these avenues, to make the economy a major priority, to try to create investment and jobs in the area, focus on new industries in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors to try and reinvigorate the local economy and do what I can to enhance the quality of life for all of us.
"In conclusion, I believe that we have to look at the future with confidence and more importantly, have confidence in ourselves, and work together to solve the obstacles that stand in our path."

Ulster Unionists again, they seem to be doing a great job.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor have had a lot of letters.

goodbyepci

A link to an interesting blog by Seymour Major
A NI Conservative
http://seymourmajor.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/why-the-savers-with-the-presbyterian-mutual-society-should-be-compensated/

warmhands.coldheart

expat68 wrote: »

The PCI are worried they'll have their manses reposessed - now theres some development land and buy to lets I'd like to get my hands on :rotfl:

My parents church is in need of a Major re-vamp.. £100's of thousands as it's a listed building.. As the minister will not allow them to take Heritage Lottery money, I suggested to my parents, "tell him to sell the Manse & the acre or so it sits in, you'd get a few 100 thousand for that"
They were horified...:rotfl: :rotfl:

goodbyepci

Today's press cuttings

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/presbyterian-mutual-society-a-return-to-thrift-needed-14148996.html

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/presbyterian-ethos-on-lending-comes-under-scrutiny-14148999.html

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Almost-1800-sign-petition-calling.4895935.jp