Well, what a great conference. Everything went really well. Good accommodation, good food - lots of friends, excellent speakers, a good venue and a very friendly atmosphere. It was great to meet all our friends from UK and Turku and our special attendee, Justine from Cameroon. The bonus this time was that the campus was not far away and there was more 'togetherness'. The hotels were very widespread in Turku and it was not so easy to meet except at the conference itself. Hampshire members had sewn bags to hold our conference information - they were much admired.
Who will forget those extra moments - Merja, our European President, wiping away a tear or two after the 'Song of Peace' as the conference closed. May, our World Vice-President, lost for words after the thanks from three more fluent members of the 23+ Eastern Europeans who were sponsored to attend. May then went to hug them all and Merja did too - a very human touch which surely brought a tear to other members. May playing the organ, piano and mouth organ added that extra bonus to the event. Perhaps not everyone heard the mouth organ - that was a bonus for the coach that went to Stonehenge (pictures above) and 'The Wallops'. (Super lunch there - thanks to the WI members and the Longstock Water Gardens were lovely). Then there were the Morris Men and many members who joined in the folk-dancing. Delicious food for the Gala Dinner and an excellent raffle. Variety all round!!!
On the opening day visitors included, Fay Mansell, NFWI chair, Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of the County and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Southampton, members of ACWW HQ and members from NFWI headquarters. We were entertained by a very talented 15year old playing the harp during the opening ceremony. In the evening the Lord Mayor hosted an excellent Civic Reception (see Civic Centre above). The evening here was dependant on members own personalities, some enjoyed 'networking' - some enjoyed looking at the Art and some enjoyed talking to the Mayors (about 8, I believe). I believe it was an ambition of some to talk to every single one - the (main Mayor wore his chain) but all the others said they had a bigger one at home but had to honour the presiding Mayor who gave a very amusing (if slightly risque speech - it seemed to shock a few Eastern Europeans!!!). It was a 'special' occasion. NB: did you sit on the five abreast coach - I understand that it was most 'interesting' for seat no. 3. I believe some ladies had a slight dent (severity of the dent was very dependant on individual padding) after that experience!!!
Our speakers were very good. We learnt a lot about organic farming on Tuesday and Helen's love of farming. We learnt that she is very fond of pigs as her slides showed us. An interesting comment in the final thank you from the Russian representative on Friday - she said she was interested to learn of the interest in organic farming here in the UK - in Russia 80% of farmers were organic - they couldn't afford chemicals. Rather put life into perspective, I thought. The afternoon was spent with recycling, Asta and Terhi from Finland had produced information from their country and then Janice and Ruth from NFWI spoke and completed their talk with the film 'No Jam' which is available on the NFWI website.
On Wednesday our very glamorous speaker Denise, from the Centre of Oceanography, gave an excellent talk, she told us of the future effects of Climate Change - so Al Gore was right (if a little over-dramatic). I think we will soon need to stockpile woollens and won't need to go so far for winter sports - although I think, at present we will just get more rain!!! Perhaps this will affect our children and grandchildren more, BUT we are at the mercy of the Gulf Stream. If that alters its route severe changes will follow - it was certainly a very thought provoking talk. Simplifying this - weather will be more extreme - if you get a lot of rain you'll get more, if it's very hot it will get hotter etc.
Our final day brought a talk about 'Madge Watts' and Bethan Williams gave us details of Madge's early life in Canada and the main reason she came to live in the UK. Evidently a book will be published in a year or two with the full story of Madge's life. I think our ACWW history tells us that when Madge died her epitaph said - 'It is not given to everyone to see the results of their labours in their lifetime - but when she died there were 350,000 members of WI and 5 million members of ACWW. An amazing achievement and a very dedicated woman. Final business ensued and the singing of the Song of Peace, Jerusalem and the National Anthem concluded the meeting.
After a tasty lunch - members departed - there were a few more hugs all round - more exchanges of addresses and emails and within a short time (literally for me in Somerset!!) we were home again. Many thanks Hampshire for a great week.
PS: The next conference should be in Eire - the flags were passed over on Friday - certainly a venue to look forward to in 2011. Therese and I volunteered to help - I wonder if that message will get through!!! I really admire those who take on this job - the workload must be immense.
PPS: South West Polo-shirts much admired - let me know if anyone wants one - they are for supporters not just ACWW Reps. Other groups are being planned in the Midlands, and E Anglia. There is sure to be another order before Hot Springs. Our supplier was Advertees from Cornwall.
PPS: Good News - Alison Burnett home from hospital - sore and tired but OK. Latest news: Alison has to start chemo but is very 'chipper' despite this and planning to attend meetings when she can. Fingers crossed for you and all our good wishes Alison.
