Archbishop Mario Conti, Archbishop of Glasgow and President of St Margaret's Children and Family Care Society joined with the staff team and the Council of Management to join our Annual Gathering earlier in the year. The Archbishop concelebrated Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Cardonald. Although the weather was poor, the afternoon was a great success. We had a bouncy castle for the children, as well as those adventurous adults who were brave enough to risk having a go! For the younger children we had a lucky dip into the .Shredded Swamp. with the chance to win a teddy bear. There was a distinct party atmosphere in the church hall with bright decorations and helium balloons, and a real buzz as old friends and colleagues met up for a bit of a catch up and a gossip! With lots to eat and drink, the afternoon was a great success.

Our Annual Gathering is always a popular event on the calendar, and this year was no exception. The day always attracts many families who have adopted through St Margaret's. It is always a pleasure to meet up with those who have adopted and who are now parents, and to hear how adoption has changed their lives and how the new family has developed.

It is also a good opportunity for those applicants who are pursuing their application to be approved as adoptive parents to meet up with the wider family and association of St Margaret's.

We look forward to doing it all again next year!