Long term Society of St Vincent de Paul volunteer John Barley has recently retired as Secretary to the Society’s Birmingham Central Council.

John had been Secretary for seven years and was responsible for the administrative affairs of the Council.

In addition, John led the team of volunteers that organised the annual Festival Mass and guest speaker arrangements for all SVP volunteers throughout the Birmingham Archdiocese.

Paying tribute to John, Clare O’Brien the President of the Birmingham Central Council said at John’s last Council meeting on 20th March: “John has been a very hard working secretary and has provided a great deal of help and support to all the members, myself included, which has been much appreciated.

"He has also worked very hard behind the scenes each year to ensure that the Festival Mass and speaker arrangements have run smoothly.

"Although John will be leaving the Council we are extremely pleased he will continue his voluntary endeavours for the Society as a member of the St Mary’s Conference in Brierley Hill.”

Pictured before the statue of St Vincent de Paul are John Barley retiring Secretary of the SVP Birmingham Central Council and President of the Council, Clare O’Brien, at John’s last meeting on 20th March 2019.