Thank you Andy Ormiston for inviting us to the lovely tranquil setting of Aroca Seiquer & Asociados based in Rocajuna area for the presentation and launch of the Torrevieja Outlook 2018 Calendar which shows some of the wonderful tourist attractions in the Costa Blanca.
This is the calendar's 13th year of publishing which is done to help to support a number of very worthwhile charities.
A number of calendars were donated to us to help to support the Reunite International Child Abduction Centre charity and can be purchased from us for a very small fee of €5 (+ postage if applicable). All of which can be paid directly to our JustGiving page
Our flights are booked for Reunite International Child Abduction Centre annual Walk at Stave Hill Ecology Park in London on Saturday 23rd September.
This walk is all about getting parents, families and supporters together. Any sponsorship / monies raised is a bonus. However, if you do wish to sponsor me to help them support parents and families affected by parental child abduction, you can do so on my Justgiving page
If you would like to join us there, please contact reunite on : +44 (0)116 2555 345 or reunite@dircon.co.uk and let them know you would like to support them so they can estimate numbers. Thanks guys xx
At the beginning of the month, it was announced that the government has decided to opt in to the
recast of the EU legislation known as the Brussels IIa regulation. The
regulation outlines procedures to be used in cross-border family issues
within the EU, such as the recognition of existing court orders and the
abduction of children between EU states, and is currently being used by
UK courts.
Reunite took part in the government’s consultation on
the recast of Brussels IIa, and whether the UK should opt in to further
discussions. They stated that the government shares their view that it
is important for the UK to be part of the recast, even with Brexit on
the horizon.
Reunite feel the impact of the proposed changes on families
within the EU, including the families or British nationals living in
other EU states, could be significant.
Reunite made a submission to the Justice Committee’s consultation on ‘the implications of Brexit for the justice system’ shortly following the announcement.
The EU’s Brussels IIa regulation is currently integrated into UK national law. Brussels IIa allows for orders in relation to parental
responsibility to be recognised from one EU Member State to another, and
adds extra obligations on Member States for the benefit of children in
inter-EU 1980 Hague abduction cases.
As a
result, leaving the EU and potentially losing this key piece of
legislation is going to have an impact on UK law and international
family cases, and this needs to be taken into consideration by Parliament
whatever happens next.
Reunite hopes that their submission will be beneficial to the consultation and
ultimately help to inform Parliament to make the best decisions for
families and abducted children.
On the 17th November, Reunite organised a parents get together in London. This was a great opportunity to have a chat and share experiences with
other parents and a few members of the reunite team over a drink and
some nibbles.
They organise these meetings every second month. If you would like to attend one of the future meetings, send an email to Mitta at reunite@dircon.co.uk who will send you further details.
Sadly, several new cases were reported during the month of November involving UK, Spain, Poland and Jamaica. Reunite aim provide ongoing advice and support to the parents who speak with them and work with them towards what will hopefully be a positive outcome
for their children.
If you are affected by Parental Child Abduction and need advice, please call the Reunite International Child Abduction Centre advice line - 0044 (0)116 2556 234.
Later in the month, Reunite hosted a seminar with the British Embassy in Seoul on the 1980 Hague
Convention, with the aim of informing local lawyers about child
abduction and how the 1980 Hague Convention works.
There were a number of speakers, who included the Hague Permanent Bureau,
Judge Kim and Professor Suk from Korea, the Korean Central Authority,
Justice Bennett from Australia, John Mellor of CAFCASS, Anne-Marie
Hutchinson and our Reunite's Alison Shalaby.
Reunite hope that this seminar has helped to increase knowledge and
confidence amongst professionals, in an effort to secure the best
possible outcomes for the children in 1980 Hague cases.
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Also, late in November, Reunite's Sam Chapman attended the Embassy Consular Conference, talking about the work of reunite with
FCO's Consular Director, Julia Longbottom, and London's consular
community.
Here in Spain, we would like to offer our huge appreciation to the Costa Blanca Tranquillity Lodge for their continued support for the Reunite International Child Abduction Centre Charity. Through their efforts, they have raised approximately £1,500 that will be used towards updating the centre offices.
We would also like to give our best wishes and support to Shani Ormiston, who has supported the charity for a number of years through events and cd sales.
Her latest release "You Gotta Let It Go" can be seen on YouTube
Contact onedaycloser.reunite@gmail.com or phone Michelle on 0034 651 574 682 to order your copy. All proceeds from the Calendars sold by us will be given to the Reunite International Child Abduction Centre charity via our JustGiving page
The theme for the 11th edition (2017) is "La Bella Lola who represents the women of the town; so this is dedicated to the women of Torrevieja who are involved in every aspect of our lives as citizens"
The presentation was well attended by various charities and media from the area which gave the opportunity to discuss each charity and make new contacts in the tranquil setting of the Aroca Sequier - abogados garden (sponsor) in the Rocajuna urbanisation.
3 worthy charities were selected by Currencies Direct and were each presented with a cheque for the total of €3,200
Thank you to everybody for you continued support. It is very much appreciated. x
