Working for ICCFR for over 30 years has been a rich and enriching experience, so to have such a festive evening arranged by friends and colleagues to mark the end of this era for me was a special honour. Sadly, ill health had prevented Simone from being there in person but she certainly was present in our speeches and thoughts. I was touched by the efforts that had gone into hosting and arranging the event in all its aspects, and that had brought so many friends and colleagues from around the world there that evening.

Some very moving speeches were highlights that marked the occasion as much as the laughter, the friendship and the spirit of global togetherness, as reflected in these photos.
The Commission presented me with some wonderful gifts which will be lasting mementos of my years at ICCFR.
As one who has been working for the organisation for more than half its existence, I was proud that three of the six Chairs with whom I have worked were present together with our Co-Chair of many years; those who could not attend had sent their good wishes, and this is to me the essence of the team-spirit which is at the heart of the life of ICCFR.

That this spirit and the friendship between colleagues across a world of geographical and cultural differences may continue to flourish is my hope for the future of the organisation – looking around that evening and indeed throughout the Helsinki conference, I am confident of it. That the number of people and organisations actively engaged in working together within ICCFR grows with every year, gives me a profound sense of satisfaction.
That the Commission continues to move forward as plans have already been made for work in the coming years, is in a sense the best leaving present which someone in my position can be given.

Gerlind Richards MBE
Helsinki, June 2008