Doubt over Attendance of NFWI Rep to Hot Springs Conference

There is some doubt about our new NFWI ACWW Rep attending the Hot Springs Conference! WIs send so much money to ACWW WIPfF - I wonder if they will be impressed with this decision (so far) by the Public Affairs committee. No continuity for ACWW Reps from the UK - thank goodness that Groups have been formed and links made through these. I understand there will be a report made in WI Life - I wonder who will make that!!

Copy of ACWW History Book

A copy of the ACWW History Book has been sent to Federations for their Office bookcase! A very useful addition for members.

No decisions about travel made yet

Discussion underway regarding our travel plans. Three would prefer to travel from Bristol and so extra investigation required for the west of England group. Pleased to say that Jackie, Brenda and Eva are all sorted for their trip flying out of Gatwick. Well done Jackie for all the preparation work for that.

Proxy Voters wanted for Hot Springs

If your Federation are either Category One (5 votes), Category Two (2 votes), Category Three (1vote) and you are not attending the Triennial contact ACWW HQ for a proxy voter. Don't waste your votes - we send so much money to WIPfF to support ACWW we should make sure we get a say on new officers for the next three years.

Forms are with either your Federation OR your ACWW Rep - so make sure they get filled in and sent back and claim your right to vote!!

WIs who are members are often Category IVa and can be observer visitors but cannot vote - this mainly applies to Federations.

Fair Trade fortnight - ends 7th March

Received leaflets today - will incorporate in our day on Bridges - very relevant to ACWW projects - helping people in their villages get a better deal for their goods. I note that Fair Trade is just about the coffee / tea produced and also cotton at source. Spare a thought for the way this cotton has been made up - maybe the factories aren't 'fair'!!

Prince's RainForests Projects

Have you signed up - there will be a day at Denman next March - all Federations to nominate a candidate to attend.

5 members met in Bath

It was good to see everyone in Bath - I was amazed that they all travelled so far. Felt a bit guilty as I only 'popped' down the road really!! Alison going away to look up planes, hotels, time-shares etc. Jackie to visit Travel Bag etc to look up a way of combining agreed interests - Amish Quilts, Williamsburg etc. Eileen to email people (sounds about right!!). At least we are beginning to 'think' and plan to make the most of our trip to the USA once the conference is completed!!

Travel to Hot Springs

Hoping to travel with Alison, Therese and Jackie - Alison and I planning to meet for coffee/lunch in Bath soon to discuss. All ideas please to be forwarded ASAP. Actually seems as tho' more people are coming - should be good!!

15.11.09 - Good news Jackie and Brenda coming too - should be a jolly meeting!!

Penfriend Scheme

Since the advert in WI Life /July issue - 90 (45 pairs) ladies have been linked in countries as diverse as India, Africa, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Finland. Some countries are proving difficult to obtain despite emails/letters to their HQs - Switzerland have replied saying they will look for anyone interested - nil response, as yet. No reply at all received from Spain. The language is, of course, English and this could be a major stumbling block for some countries. In some cases it is just a question of patience. So to any ladies who are thinking of applying - my advice is - be flexible - we are doing our best' but can't link you if members in some other countries don't send in a request.

N Mendip Ladies at the Card Day

Ladies from N Mendip Group held a card day for ACWW Funds. It was much enjoyed by all with plenty of good natured bantering and each went home with 3 unusual Christmas Cards, and more money into our Project Fund after we'd paid all the expenses of the day!!

8th March 2010

Somerset news. Have booked Alison to talk about, 'Around the World with ACWW' incorporating her visit to the UN. It will fit in well on the day which will be held at Burrowbridge Hall, nr Taunton. MDGs to the forefront on this occasion.

Deposit sent for Hot Springs

Sent my deposit - at last - still in time for Early Bird - have you sent yours? General plan is that Jackie, Alison, Therese and I travel together may be more to add to that list!!! Should be fun - hope to fit in a bit of touring as well!!! I wonder what will be top of everyones list for 'to do's'!!!

Dates for your diary

Somerset events - WRW/ACWW - Monday, 8th March 2010 - Venue, Programme, yet to be decided but in the diary!!!
ACWW Reps day proposed (Taunton HQ) - Monday 28th June 2010.

Some pictures from the WRW course.

WRW 7-9th Oct at Denman

Well the course was challenging but very interesting. Millenium Development Goals were the order of the day and this is very relevant with Copenhagen in December. Pictures above are:
1. Elvis, Oxfam representive from Malawi - our guest speaker on Thursday who had come from the Conservative Party Conference.
2. Sue Watkins, Derbyshire, dressed as a poor woman collecting water (ACWW role) with Adam, the Oxfam facilitator.
3. The Group outside on the grass - Esme from Dorset in light mauve cardigan.

Time to pay our deposits

I hear that Valerie has paid her deposit. I must really do it this weekend.

Valerie Stevens from Dorset had a fascinating trip to Belarus and met Svetlana (who organised lots of outings for her) - she stayed 'en famille' - only the children could speak English. Can't wait to hear more about this trip.

SW UK Poloshirts

Note to all SW supporters - do you want extra polo shirts for Arkansas? Let me know please -we'd better start thinking about ordering this autumn. (When we've all paid our deposits, of course).

Somerset Acww Project

Our Project in Cameroon for the Unique School Initiative is progressing well - we have 77% of the money(updated early October) and hopefully members in Somerset will have events to raise money as will be celebrating the United Nations Day for Rural Women on October 15th. Somerset have undertaken to raise 100% of the money for this project which is installing a water supply to the local School and buying school books for the library.

Our Africa Day in June gave us (those who were able to attend) a more in depth view of Cameroon as fact sheets, recipes, a quiz etc told us more about the country. Our display board also showed pictures of the school. See pictures further down the blog.

New A5 folding leaflet is most useful

Congratulations to the designer of the new leaflet - ideal for adding to letters and circulating generally. It was circulated widely at our Somerset day on Africa (lovely bright top worn by a Somerset member). Have recently been adding a copy to my letters to Pen Friend Requests (easy to photocopy at home as well).

NB: for WI members - it fits easily into your WI Diary - just right to give one away or show to members to advertise ACWW.

New Resolutions for 2010 received July 2009

The first two Resolutions deal with constitutional changes both put in by the Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia. At first glance they seem practical.

Res 3 - Women need access to Credit
In view of the United Nations' first Millenium Development Goal calling for eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and to improve employment for women, be it resolved that the ACWW member societies call on their governments to make available access to credit for women. (European Area conference)

Res 4 - Stop use of Plastic Bags and Reduce use of Packaging
Be it resolved that all ACWW member societies urge their communities to stop the use of plastic bags and to reduce excess packaging. Consumers need to be informed and governments need to take action in order to promote a sustainable future. (European Area Conference)

Res 5 - Financial Management
Be it resolved that ACWW Member Societies encourage their members to: Ensure that women have sufficient knowledge about financial management in their households. Educate women to draw up a spending plan or budget to ensure financial security within the household.
(Southern Africa Area Conference)

Res 6 - Retention of arable land for Food Production.
Be it resolved that ACWW member societies urge their Governments to ensure that, with reports of a coming world food shortage and the search for alternatives to fossil fuels, sufficient quantities of arable land are retained for food production and not diverted to growing crops for bio-fuel production. (Rural Women New Zealand)

Res 7 - Pennies for Friendship
Be it resolved that paragraph 2 of Article VI of the Constitution shall be enforced forthwith, in so far as that paragraph refers to Societies making a donation annually to the Pennies for Friendship Fund (Fed of Women's Institutes Northern Ireland).

Recommendations

1: Tree Planting Project
Be it recommended that the Associated Country Women of the World urge all ACWW Member Societies worldwide (where possible) to plant trees as a contribution towards combating climate change. This could be an individual or group project. (Canadian Area Conference)

2. ACWW Board and Committee Members to hold ACWW Individual Membership
Be it recommended that it is a prerequisite for any candidate seeking office as a member of the Board of ACWW or a member of a Specified Committee to hold Individual membership of ACWW (Rural Women of New Zealand)

Preliminary comment surely Resolution 3 and 5 should work together!! Financial Management should work hand in hand with Access to Credit! Both sensible ideas.

Latest Countrywoman arrived

Four mentions for SW - Valerie from Dorset, Roma from Devon and two from Somerset. Binegar Ladies preparing soup (picture further down blog) and minor mention of ACWW Reps Day. Sue from Derbyshire also got a write up. Received forms from ACWW HQ: names of proposed officers, and resolutions and recommendations for perusal by committee's.

Just returned from 2 weeks in Ireland - hence gap in posting items!!

Rainforest SOS

Have YOU signed in on HRH's Rainforest SOS?

Penfriends

At latest count 35 applications for penfriends from WI Life - still awaiting paperwork and choices from 14 but work underway to link the four who are Ready to Roll (R2R). 7 completed links so far include the following countries, India, Australia, Romania, Finland, Kwa Zulu Natal.

Have promises from N Ireland, several places in Canada, and Finland to put adds in their magazines in September. Emailed lots of people who are actively looking for interested members. Originally sent request to WI Life in February - the delay in publishing until July copy has led to this minor overlap!!

Mili-band meeting - report

If you want to read a good report - Ruth Bond and a member, Celia Carter from Terriers Evening, Bucks have written excellent ones - to be found on NFWI site Public Affairs Blog - wish I'd gone now!

July 4th - combined rally at Kingsnorth

Wasn't booked to go as we have a party today BUT overslept anyway! The bus went at 8.00am and I didn't surface until 8.45am. Well I was up an hour in the night! So I went to Homebase and used my WI Life 15% off - excellent. Been busy since I got back sorting out letters/emails from the advert for ACWW penfriends - quite a large response. Emailed various contacts to let them know I have a growing list of ladies for their members! Occasionally this becomes a full-time post! Thank goodness for email where available - tho' my lovely ladies have all included a SAE. Hope everyone who went enjoyed the day.

Jersey event on 5 JUNE

I note from WI Life (when the 2 copies came together! - as they did for others in my village - also in Chester and more besides I'm sure - good copy for the doctors/dentists/libraries!) that a WRW Event was held at the Durrell Wildlife Trust learning about the effects of climate change on women in Peru, Nepal and the Philippines - should have been interesting - I wonder if their was any ACWW input?

New NFWI ACWW Rep

Joy Thomson from Jersey is the new NFWI Rep, Janice is Vice Rep to help out with paperwork. Not so handy to nip into the office - still time will tell if this is a handicap!! Have emailed Joy and she is interested in being involved with the group and sharing information about Jersey and Guernsey as, of course, she is in the SW herself - a new interest for us all!

Penfriend Requests

Sent a letter to WI Life about penfriends (emailed it up in February/March - but they've printed it this issue!). Only snag I've not had my copy but had emails from Beds and Kent, phone-calls and even letters and still not seen what they put in (it is often amended - editors perogative!!). Oh well, no doubt I will get a copy sometime (I've emailed a query). One lady linked with Australia and plans for a Group link with a CWA in OZ next week. I can't understand some people moaning about WI Life and not even reading it - I'm moaning because I haven't had it delivered yet and it will have the AGM report and photos!! Have you looked on the NFWI site they have pictures on Flikr - some are quite good!

Spotlight Day

This day was a combined WRW/Oxfam/ ACWW/individual projects AWARENESS day. 1. ACWW table. 2. Members browse the Strode College stall - where they were selling jewellery and material for their project in Gambia. This was one of the stalls invited for the day by SCFWI. Others included Jackie Gregory with her jam and information about her projects in Gambia, Roger Stoakley with his book, 'My Warriors and I' and pictures, John Halls and the Miles Tea stall, Sue Slade with 2 Fairtrade stalls and Christine Button brought her photo cards for Norton Down Church Charity. Other stall holders included Sali Money, Nichola Henson, Veronica Goodenough, Corinne Bickle, Sheena and Judy with the crochet and Sandy Lister with her beads. There was a feel good factor about the day - even the frugal lunch didn't deter the goodwill and we all learnt a lot about Mali, Kenya, Gambia and the other countries whose artefacts were displayed on the stalls. Thank you to the speakers, stallholders, helpers and everyone who attended and made this a 'different' day in Somerset. Special thanks to our visitors from Dorset (Valerie & George), Devon (Mary and friends) and Surrey (Gwendoline) for their support. Oh!! the beads from Africa were much admired and the cloth was the front table 'frontpiece' - so the journey to London to fetch them was very worthwhile. We had fairtrade roses from Kenya as well!!! They were in a teapot - because of the talk by our tea-man BUT I forgot to say (as you do) - so if anyone noticed - that was the reason (also it was just the right size! and I don't make tea in a pot anymore - because I drink coffee)!!

Visit to ACWW HQ

Went up to visit on 19.06 - it was good to see Jan, Herminia, Ian, Chloe and Terry. I collected beads and throw brought over by Henrietta from S Africa earlier in the week. They are going to be really useful for our Africa Day displays. Special thanks to Jan for the lovely cup of coffee - really needed after my 'tourist trip' I went on the London Eye and visited Westminster Cathedral. I'd forgotten just how much there is to see - also saw the 'entertainers' on the embankment. All in all it was a most useful trip AND Ian gave me 60 older copies of the Countrywomen for Monday (goodness they felt light to start with but by the time I got to Hammersmith they weighed a ton!!!). Also got some new handbag size leaflets - excellent new view of projects - they will be much appreciated.

Tickets being delivered

Just heard that the tickets have gone out for Spotlight - its definitely going to happen now!!!

Lots of preparation going on for 22nd June

Lots of letters / emails etc re: the Spotlight on Africa Day. Am going up to fetch a few items from ACWW HQ next week. Henrietta is bringing a few things over from S Africa for me. Should be a fun day in London - might go on the London Eye. Anyone fancy meeting up?

An NFWI event enhanced by seeing some ACWW friends - an excellent AGM at The Albert Hall.

1. 3rd June - View of Windsor from bridge to Eton. 2. 4th June - Maureen Lipman guest speaker at The Albert Hall in the morning - she had a matinee performance in the afternoon very amusing!!! Short but sparky! (notice Janice in the background).

On the journey to London on 3rd June we had several hours in Windsor.
2. Saw Windsor from the wheel below. You get not one but 4 revolutions on the wheel for a £5.50 fee. Air conditioning, a commentary and wobbly seats are all included in this interesting 'ride'. 3. The wheel itself is in Windsor until November when it moves on to another city!! 4. View from 'the choir stalls east' before they said don't use your camera!!!

Spotlight on Africa - 22nd June

Well we have enough bookings so we're up and running - looking forward to seeing you all. Some tickets left -bring your husbands/friends and enjoy a 'different'day. Cost £6.50 for the day - includes your lunch BUT bring a normal size mug - you will need it!!! Countries covered are Mali, Gambia and Kenya - our Somerset project is in Cameroon (quiz and info pack for sale). Display tables are from Ghana ,Tanzania, Malawi - Fairtrade/craft/ displays/ items for sale - buy that unusual gift - extended lunch hour - 4 speakers - variety of topics - (10.30am - 4.00pm) - you'll know a lot more about Africa - ACWW, WRW, and Women & Climate Change when you leave!!!

Booking for Spotlight on Africa

If you are thinking of coming to Somersets' 'Spotlight on Africa' day please book ASAP - a decision will be made on 1st June whether to run or not - I would hate to have to ring everyone and cancel. Bookings have come from Surrey and Dorset - is anyone else considering coming?

Busy Week & News - Another group - Surrey area

Plenty to do after the meeting on the 18th - two WI meetings in our area and one 50+ miles away - minutes to write and circulate - penfriends to sort out - family birthday!! Gwendoline has booked to go the the 'Spotlight on Africa' day as has Valerie - just hope sufficient numbers - decision day on 1st June.

Glad to hear that another group has formed in the Surrey area - their 2nd meeting will be at ACWW HQ on 1st September - Congratulations to them.

Lovely pictures from Pahang on Hjh Shamsiah abd Latif's blog - check them out.

ACWW SW UK

8 members from 8 counties in ACWW SW Support Group met today in Taunton.
Two Gwent members joined them.

Our Speakers for the day were Alison Burnett (from Gwent) ACWW Finance Committee, Veronica Goodenough (from Somerset) and Hannah Durrant Oxfam (Bristol).

Minutes sent out by email on 20.05.09 and post 21.05.09. Comments awaited!!

Thank you to Jackie Gregory

Jackie has sent me some lovely tie-die wall hangings from Gambia. I will take them to the Events committee meeting on Monday and also show the ACWW Reps. We will display them at our 'Spotlight on Africa' day on 22 June, (hopefully we will get enough support from Somerset members to run this event). Jackie is booked in as one of our speakers.

Apologies

This picture came from the main ACWW site. Apologies to Hjh Shamsiah Abd Latif for not using her correct title. I was looking through the lovely photos - it is a very interesting site and came across this en route.
Many apologies.
Why not try the site (be wary of the attachments tho'). http://acwwseatfe.blogspot.com/

New Info

Congratulations to Valerie Stevens who has joined the list of ACWW Speakers. Jean Keenor from the Isle of Wight requested members to join the list of speakers (page 2). Louise Nichols asked for recipes for a cookery book to be produced for the next Triennial (I've sent her some recipes for Somerset Apple Cake). ACWW HQ -nominations are requested for Committee members and also reports for the Triennial Meeting. Financial statements have arrived just in time and will add to the interest of our meeting on 18th May.

9 county federations will be represented at the meeting for ACWW Reps and supporters to be held at Wilton Lodge on Monday 18th May. We have 3 speakers booked - Alison Burnett from Gwent will discuss ACWW Finance first, followed by Veronica Goodenough from Somerset who will tell us about life in villages in Ghana. We will follow this by an update on proposed events or successful events we have held in our particular counties. Roles of men and women in Sub-Saharan Africa with snippets from our Oxfam speaker Hannah's recent trip to Mali will fill the afternoon - we shall be able to discuss the link between ACWW and WRW and how they can compliment each other (or not!! - members views). Future plans for the group will be discussed before completion.

Report of Unique School Water / Text Book Project in Cameroon

Received report of Ursula Goh visiting this Somerset project. It was great to hear that all has gone well and to receive the report so soon after her visit. The Unique School were very efficient in using the money and actioning this project. This is a picture from another Unique School as I could not download the actual pictures from the report - but it gives an idea of the uniforms for the children. Somerset have 37% of our total at present.

New Countrywomen

Good write up of Ladies Day at Cheltenham. Pity they didn't use one of these pictures in WI Life instead of 2 pictures of horses. (Strangely enough we know what horses look like!!) Pleased that a letter from a Somerset member was included - Liz would be surprised about that!! I like the picture of the newly formed Midlands Group (they've had 2nd meeting since this report). Anphia's request for members to consider donating the price of a loaf rather than a penny for Pennies for Friendship and her article ' which was part of her speech' at the Concert Day was noted - she is quite right - but members do react slowly to these requests!!! Except, of course, N Ireland who are magnificent in their generosity - well done to them. Counties and societies with 6,000+ members take note!!!

Soup Lunch - done and dusted.

Well, all those worries for nothing. Binegar WI came up trumps as usual - got there earlyish to find Ruth W had been up and put out lots of tables and chairs in the main hall and got the chairs out for the afternoon Welcome club. 6 different soups, lovely home made bread and fantastic cakes were prepared by members. Good turn out of people and the B&B and raffle well supported. Everyone seemed to enjoy the lunch and stayed chatting for ages. Ashwick & Oakhill WI and Litton & Hinton Blewitt WI supported us and in total over £220 was taken - banked it straight away. Thanks to all who helped.

Future events planned within the SW Group

Future Events planned so far within the group:
22 June, Somerset, ‘Spotlight on Africa’ – at Compton Dundon nr Street - bring a mug lunch £6.50 - 4 speakers booked: H. Durrant, Oxfam, WRW with roles of men and women in Sub-Saharan with examples from a recent visit to Mali, J Hall - Miles Tea (African plantations), J Gregory - Gambian Project 10 yrs+ and R Stoakley - 'Living with the Sanburi' in N Kenya . African 'market' stalls lunchtime with authentic African music. (have some volunteers to show 'Cameroonian crochet' (pic) - well they are practising!!) Displays of many crafts, beadwork, -Fairtrade, African pictures, books, materials, cards for sale. Unusual gift ideas.

28 September – Hampshire’s - ACWW - ‘Here – Now -The Future' £20.00 - lunch included. Speakers: M Cadzow, M Mackay, James Gibson from Tear Fund. At Golden Common near Winchester.
Gloucester had a very successful day at Cheltenham Races, Devon had a great International Day and have an ACWW Project day planned. Cornwall had an ACWW / Fairtrade Day. Valerie Stevens, Dorset, plans to visit Hungary in June she will be visiting a project Dorset are supporting there. I'm sure more news will be forthcoming from other counties soon and we should hear more at our day planned for ACWW supporters & Reps on 18th May at Wilton Lodge, Taunton.

Soup Lunch in Binegar Village Hall

Soup Lunch on Wed, 29th April (ACWW Day) in village hall. WI members making soup, bread, cakes. B&B and raffle, Projects CD, display boards paperwork etc Fingers crossed all goes well. Soup and cakes arriving - will need a lorry to get it all to the hall!!!

Somerset Roadshow

Held an 80th b'day draw at todays' roadshow - worked well - certainly Jenny from Milborne Port WI who won 1st prize of £40 was delighted. NB: £20 to ACWW and £20 to County from this draw too - so a 'real' change which some members said they enjoyed!!

Glos activities

29th April - Glos are holding a Campaign and Debate Day under the auspices of Women Reaching Women - hope they give a thought to ACWW Day during the proceedings - some reps think WRW/ACWW work well together. Hopefully we shall hear more if Eunice can attend the meeting on 18th May at Taunton for ACWW Reps and supporters. We are looking forward to hearing about the C&D Day it sounds good.

Further donations received for Cameroon Project

Just received further donation from Litton & Hinton Blewitt WI for our Cameroon Project - will post off tomorrow. Over £1,000 paid off thanks to Somerset WIs for their support.
20th April project total stands at 30% paid - hope for further funds after 29th April - ACWW Day

Spotlight on Africa - 22nd June

Traditional ACWW picture to show the basis of the day:

Join us for an entertaining day and learn about the lives of women in AFRICA. Cameroon, Mali, Gambia, Kenya to name but a few countries of this diverse continent. Experience a 'different' day - be inspired by talks, music, pictures, food and much, much more.

A lunchtime 'African Market' has been arranged, giving you the opportunity to view samples of African craft plus stalls to buy cards, photos, books, crafts, recipes, material, jewellery, etc - an ideal chance to buy that unusual gift whilst supporting many worthwhile charities. Fairtrade will also have a stall!! Tickets £6.50 to include lunch - please bring your own mug (1/2 pt). Apply by 1st June!!! There will, of course, be a raffle! This day incorporates both WRW, ACWW and other charities. We are also hoping to have info about the new WI project, Women and Climate Change which shows how to act on issues explored with WRW.

One of Somerset's completed ACWW projects in India

This is a picture of one of our successfully completed projects in India - lovely

'thank you' at the back.

RE: 2013 Conference

Received a letter from ACWW (sent to all ACWW Reps and member Groups) informing them that both the groups who had volunteered in Finland to hold the 2013 Conference had withdrawn. The request required by September 30th 2009 is for further volunteers.

Category One

We are pleased to announce that Somerset has become a Category One member of ACWW.

Info required?

Info required - let me know what is going on in your area - OR - better still add it on yourself!!! It is very simple to start a google account of your own - takes 5 seconds and then you will be able to add comments and items to this blog!!!

Blog from the East

(Please note I do not think it was the actual blog below that crashed my computer - it was one of the (gadgets) attachments to it that caused the problem). Since I re-loaded my computer I have been into it with no problems!!) It is good to read Shamsiah's news.

Why not check out this blog from Shamsiah Latif of Brunei? http://acwwseatfe.blogspot.com/
- more news about ACWW for us all. If a lot of area's had Blogs we could all keep up-to-date with news from all over the world.

NB: There are also lots of web sites on the ACWW main site that are certainly worth looking at as well.

29th April - ACWW Day - Somerset info

Somerset planning events locally - Binegar WI holding Soup lunch in the Memorial Hall 12-00 - 1.30pm. There will be a display and laptop running info'. If you want to attend - contact Eileen or Kath. Other events planned but mindful of carbon footprint not running large central event. There will be displays at two Roadshows planned in the county and a lucky 80th year draw!!

ACWW Concert Day in London in Smith Square

Excellent concert at St John's, Smith Square - excellent clarinet (fancy he teaches at a school 6 miles from my house!!!) Whoops better look out for him playing in Wells Cathedral!!! Pianist great as well. Enjoyed lunch with lots of familiar faces. Anphia says she will collect items (beads, material, items etc) for our Somerset ' Spotlight on Africa' day 22 June - anyone else - contact me for details about the day. Collected more leaflets from Jan and gave in postings!!

Great to have a chat with old friends. Wonder how many will be coming to Arkansas? Couldn't see all the hands raised when Margaret Cadzow asked, 'who was attending'. Certain things stick in the mind, Anphia said: '£1 is not a lot over here but in S Africa it will buy 3 loaves!!!' also she suggested giving memberships as birthday presents for family or friends - good idea!!! Not sure of the response tho' from my girls!!

Sutton Poyntz Village WI 'held a 'Posh Frocks' Wine and Cheese Party

Valerie Stevens, ACWW supporter and WI President reports:
Fifty members and friends enjoyed a‘Musical Soirée’ in the Mission
Hall on 11th March and, in doing so, raised approximately £400 for
the project fund of Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).
Entertained by a flute trio led by Sandy Easton and a group of close
harmony singers from Upwey and sustained by a wonderful spread
of far more than wine and cheese, the evening provided an
opportunity to join with WI members from Wyke Regis, Overcombe,
and Preston-cum-Sutton Poyntz institutes. (sold another history book)

Cheltenham Ladies Day - Report from Janice Langley

Photo in the Parade ring - from the left, Margaret Clarke, Chair GFWI, Edward Gillespie, Cheltenham Racecourse,


Ursula Goh, World President ACWW, Anphia Grobler, World Treasurer and Ian McConchie General Secretary of ACWW.

The weather was very kind to us on Thursday 12th March at Cheltenham Ladies Day racemeeting. It was dry and reasonably warm and a great day - Alison (Bayley) and I were absolutely shattered by the end of the day and were pleased to have Ian (McConchie) there at the end of the day to carry the money to the banking station for us! We were also blessed with a group of magnificent helpers, better known as "bucket collecters"! who were strategically placed at the entrances and exit to the racecourse to relieve the punters of as much money as possible.

I think the ACWW World President enjoyed her day especially as she was taken to the Royal Box and was able to watch a race from there - got there before the Queen who went on Friday. She was also taken into the winners enclosure and met the lady trainer of the winning horse. I don't think I'm expressing myself very well but there should be a good write up and pictures in WI Life and The Countrywoman magazine.

PS: comment from Somerset - I'm glad the weather was good - it was foul on Mendip - drizzle rain and mist all day!! I left good weather in the Weymouth area that morning and feared the outcome at the racecourse but delighted to hear that the day went well and was dry too. Sorry I couldn't make it - it seems a great day - love the outfit Margaret!!

Musical Soiree in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset

Stayed with Valerie for this event. Thanks to George found her house very easily. Lovely little hall - very cosy - lots of friendly ladies. Three flautists played background music for the first part of the evening whilst much chatter ensued. Delicious supper. Then toasting followed by 'The Ladies of the Lawns' who were a most refreshing 'Barber shop' group of 5 young girls. A very 'different' evening was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Valerie and the ladies of Sutton Poyntz WI.

Cheltenham Ladies Day

Good luck to the ladies of Gloucester and ACWW collection team - hope the weather holds.

Dorset WIs at WAND Day

Esme and other members will be running a stall(s) at the WAND Day to be held at Sturminster Newton on 7th March. Could be interesting. WAND = Women Action Network Dorset - sponsored by the NHS, and Local Authorities - a social group for lonely women who have moved into villages. Glad to see Dorset are taking notice - these could be potential WI members especially when the funding runs out for WAND.

Posh Frocks

Just had a reminder and travel instructions for Valeries Posh Frocks event - not long now!!!

Cheltenham Ladies Day

Saw Eunice from Gloucester at Worcester today. Glos still looking for members to help with buckets to collect money for ACWW on 12th March at Cheltenham Ladies Day. You will be needed for probably several(1 1/2 - 2 ) hour stints (whatever the weather). During the gaps you can see the horses etc!! Take your husband, friends, whatever, - basic knowledge of ACWW useful but not essential. Get in touch with ACWW HQ if you can help.

ACWW and FairTrade Day in Cornwall

Roma and I went to Chy Noweth Cornwall HQ and took part in the day. Rachael, ACWW Rep in Cornwall had arranged everything - thanks for the lunch Rachael. I spoke am and Roma after lunch. The ladies loved Therese's poem about Finland - it is on the site a long way down!!! - every WI wanted a copy to take with them. We sold 2 history books and tried out Sue's collection idea which was relatively successful!!! A long way tho' over 3+ hours driving!!!

Latest WI Life

The date for collection of £22,500 for ACWW (Projects and Pennies for Friendship) from 2005 to Oct 2008 has been corrected albeit attached to a letter about a Somerset member who knitted over 200 Xmas puds (stuffed with chocolate) and sold them to make money to send to ACWW after hearing Ursula's story at Wincanton.

Devon's International Day

Went to this event on Wednesday past - luckily a pleasant day and good driving conditions. Longdown Hall was easy to find and I was lucky enough to be adopted by Halberton WI and spent a very pleasant day sitting with them. Our first speaker was a priest who had a wonderful collection of Native American beadwork and artwork - he had been fascinated by Indians since he was a child. Very few of us had considered that beadwork only started after beads had been brought to American by Europeans. The very first pieces contained Venetian glass and turn of the the 20th century had Czechslovakian glass - it was fascinating!!

We broke early for lunch due to a faulty projector and congratulations to the Catering Committee who were extremely efficient and had prepared soup, sandwiches and sweets. An excellent choice of soups and sweets we were spoilt. Margaret Mackay started the afternoon and gave an interesting talk as Chair of Projects and members were able to see slides on her laptop afterwards. She was followed by a lady (I can't remember her name) who actually lived close by and had worked for the UN for many years. She gave us an insight into her workload and the very difficult war-torn areas she had visited as head of the UN civilian section of the Peace Corps. She had worked in some very scary places including Rwanda, Iraq, Cyprus to name but a few. She was so competent within her job that it was quite awesome listening to her!!!

An excellent day Mary many thanks to you for organising it and for finding me a place to attend. It was good to see Roma and other members wearing their ACWW SW sweatshirts!!!

Ticket for ACWW Classical Concert in London

Received my ticket for the classical concert in London today - have you got yours? Have booked my coach ticket too - just have to get up early to catch it!!!

Another night of heavy snow

More snow - wellie tops now!!! Not had as much for about 28 years in our village!!

Thick snow

We've had quite a lot of snow today - not as much as in the east BUT enough to cancel a meeting tonight. This will give me a bit of time to look at the penfriends emails!!!

Thanks to all emails received from Europe

From ACWW Penfriend Co-ordinator: I will try to find you penfriends as soon as I get requests from the countries you are interested in.

Request from Janice Langley, Vice Chairman of Promotions Committee

Volunteers are needed to collect money for ACWW on 12th March at Cheltenham Ladies Day. You will be needed for probably several
(1 1/2 - 2 ) hour stints (whatever the weather). During the gaps you can see the horses etc!! Take your husband, friends, whatever, - basic knowledge of ACWW useful but not essential. Let Jan Hugill at ACWW HQ know if you can help on this very important day - you will have seen the article about it in the latest Countrywoman.

New Countrywoman - January 2009

Well ACWW SW are well represented There is an article on our Wincanton day in Somerset - the UN International Day for Rural Women. (Somerset Chair, Somerset ACWW Rep, Dato Ursula Goh, World President, Anphia Grobler World Treasurer and Maria Zagorska from Bulgaria) There is also another article about starting groups. Lovely picture of the first group to start in UK - Wales in their red polos with the red dragon - shame the write up above indicated it would be a picture of the ACWW SW - sorry Christine - they seemed to have missed your picture out!!! My picture of the Wales Group (taken with my own camera in Finland) has been wiped from the blog strangely enough as have quite a few others (perhaps I'm running out of space!! On the right of this blog there is a picture of some of the ACWW SW group at the European Area Conference, There was was a good write up of the conference run by Hampshire which was a very friendly time and so well run by them.

Gloucester had an excellent write up in anticipation of their great day at Cheltenham Race Course in March. Wouldn't it be fun if one of the royals was in attendance!!! It is their patch really with the Cotswolds so close!!!

Minutes of Midland Support Group

The minutes of the above have been received and circulated. Very useful information contained. Welcome to another support group.

Devon and Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

Devon's project is for Dalit women in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. These women are landless and unskilled, relying on seasonal labour to support their families. They have already formed self-help groups to explore ways to improve their situation. The project aims to provide training and necessary equipment and assist links to sell their products locally to obtain a sustainable source of income and educate their children. MDG3

WI Life report of 15th October on UN International Day for Rural Women

Well frankly WHEN I found the write up - it was hardly worth reading - it bore very little resemblance to the day I attended OR to the report I wrote and sent to the editor!! ACWW was hardly given any space. When you read it - when you find it - let me know what you think!!! I'll give you a clue - it's pale green, on the left, near the front, next to an article about Wales.

After the day I had so many letters from WI members from the many counties who attended saying how much they had enjoyed meeting all the committee members from ACWW HQ including the World President, Vice-World President and World Treasurer (in total 8 committee members from ACWW attended- which made the day special - well I thought so). The letters emphasised how friendly everyone was and how interesting the speakers were. I suppose when space is precious some articles are shortened (so drastically they sometimes lose their meaning!!) - that, of course, is the role of an editor!!

I do wonder what is required to get a write up that is (short) accurate and interesting! AND the awful thing to me, as ACWW Rep, is that the record of the money we have collected since 2005 - £22,500, was reported as having been collected since 1995 - thus belittling our members efforts and our County's efforts. I feel quite indignant on their behalf!!!! (Sunday - I've calmed down a bit - hence a few alterations - also I know I write too much!!!) We did complain and they have promised to adjust the dates - watch out for the March issue!!!

However, to be fair the rest of the magazine is interesting - just the Somerset ACWW International event was inaccurate and very dull (several of us sent pictures - evidently no space!!!). The article about Barbara from Croscombe WI in Somerset and her summer house - sounds lovely - I was at their WI recently and they said they were having a report in February and it made good reading. Well it didn't actually say what a good WI they are and how active they are and what a good President they have, but it was interesting and obviously she is very active otherwise the report wouldn't have occurred. Congratulations to Croscombe and to Barbara and to Ellie. By the way, did you know that WI Life don't mention to the Federations that they are visiting various WIs within their county - so if you've got a story just write direct to WI Life - mind it seems a bit strange that they don't even email a message to the Federation - at least afterwards as a courtesy!! I suppose that is moving with the times - it is a members magazine and these 'private' visits to WIs shows this aspect clearly.

International Day in Devon

Mary Andrews from Devon said that at the Devon Federation International Day on 18th February they have Margaret Mackay talking about the ACWW Projects Committee, then a Priest who knows a lot about the Traditions & Culture of the Indians from North America, who will be bringing examples of their Beadwork. After lunch they have a lady who has served with the UN for many years ending up being one of the Chief Officers in the UN Peacekeeping Department. It sounds a really good day. On Sunday 8th March Devon are also involved with a group of women in Exeter celebrating International Women’s Day. Devon seems to be really busy!!!

Somerset and Cameroon

Our new project is in Cameroon dealing with supplying A. a water system which will improve general health for all the villagers and B. care programmes for underprivileged children including buying extra text books for each classroom hoping to eliminate gender disparities in primary education. MDG2, MDG4. Difficult to classify - I know Somerset are very keen on water projects.

Avon and Bangladesh

Avon have taken on a project approved by ACWW in October they've gone for one in Bangladesh, teaching girls their rights and useful skills. MDG3 Hoping to complete this year.

Developments

Just received my copy of the above mag produced by DFID. There are good articles on all Millenium Development Goals (making them seem very clear) - most useful for ACWW info. This is a free mag. get your copy by emailing http://www.developments.org.uk/ This is issue 44 - if you want another one about MDGs, request issue 40 which also deals with them.

Reminder about the Concert on March 19th

Hi everyone, I hope you are all booking your tickets.

22nd June - Africa

We (Somerset) are planning a day with the theme of 'Africa' in June. Programme being planned at end of Jan mtg. Hope this will be of interest to some of you - the hall is booked. It is in Compton Dundon nr Street (good shopping village) and Somerton (ancient capital of Wessex). So pop it in your diaries - should be a good day.

Eve 6/7th Jan 09

Temperature of -10 recorded in my village - we think it was one of our WI members husbands who recorded this and it was noted on the local TV!!. Just checked it wasn't - so who is the mystery weather recorder in our village?

Has anyone booked to go to the ACWW Classical Concert in London on 19th March? Somerset have sent leaflets out to each WI and there is a reminder in February County News.

Violence against Women /Trafficking of Women Survey

This is the link to the NFWI survey regarding Violence against Women in the community - info required especially in rural areas. The more replies that are received the more accurate the survey will be. Why not take a few minutes to complete on line. I found some of the choices difficult - it is still a 'taboo' subject within the local community - many of us are unaware of this violence apart from newspaper reports!!

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=%2boN6N%2fdbHbhJ0gVoWqN4vA%3d%3d

If you want to know more about the 'End Violence Against Women' campaign or the Map of Gaps why not email k.webb@nfwi.org.uk who can send you information.

This will include the following: NFWI as a member of EVAW (End Violence Against Women) campaigning coalition is supporting the Map of Gaps II report a joint publication by EWAW and the Equality of Human Rights Commission EHRC which will be launched on 30th January. This will show graphically the postcode lottery affecting women who need to access support services following rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other forms of violence. Hard to believe this in 2009 - a very hidden aspect of life in Britain NOW.
Why not complete the rural research survey at:

http://tiny.cc/8lxlF a Bristol University/ NFWI Survey.

Donation for Somerset Project

Had a phone call today from a WI member in our Group. She had attended the Wincanton day. She was so inspired by Ursula's talk - especially about the trucks (wheelbarrows) having suffered with a damaged wheelbarrow herself. She said she could really feel for these ladies in Sub-Saharan Africa and that she had been busy collecting money for ACWW and has now decided to donate it to the Somerset ACWW Project.

Her idea was to knit Christmas puddings (enclose a Ferrero Roche choc) and sell them at market stalls - she is going to send me the pattern. These puds proved very popular and she has already given someone in another WI the pattern with the proviso that any profit they make should go to ACWW. It was so good that the day was appreciated in this way and that this lady actually went home and made over 200 of these puds to sell for ACWW. She said she felt inspired to help. Well done Liz and many thanks.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year - welcome to a very frosty 2009. Picture 1. Misty Mendips & frozen trees.

Picture 2. is from Canada with sunshine - snow always looks better with a bit of sun!!!