Early Bird Bookings for the European Area Conference

I, for one, need to get my skates on and send my final money over to Ireland!! I'm certainly hoping third time lucky and that I will actually get there - although son now living in New Zealand so won't be able to see him whilst there!! Banks should be open for business tomorrow - for those Euro cheques!! Most of the snow is gone but back roads are still very icy and we have lots of dull weather as it's very damp and foggy.

Ah well - 1st option failed - husband went to bank where they blinded him with science and requests for other numbers which, of course, he didn't know about - evidently - he's not going there again! Try again tomorrow!!

Minutes and info from HQ

Received an interesting parcel of : 1. Minutes, 2. PFF notice from Finance Committee encouraging all groups to give pennies (lowest coin) with a useful suggestion for donations for funds, also 3. UN Committee request for info. Also a request for a country to volunteer for the 2016 Triennial Meeting - certainly a large undertaking. 2013 the Triennial Meeting will be in Chennai, India run by the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.

Welcome to new ACWW Rep in Wiltshire

Welcome to Susan Jonas of Wiltshire Federation - we hope she will be able to attend what seems to have become the annual meeting of ACWW South West UK Reps. No date is set yet but we are perhaps looking at June/July 2011.

Query re: Dublin Conference - solved under Update

I am still awaiting confirmation of application for the Dublin Conference. I sent a euro cheque which my daughter-in-law tells me has been cashed but still no response from Dublin despite two emails. I wonder if other people have heard from them? I know Alison has but she is World Treasurer - you're bound to reply to her. Just worried that my cheque has gone astray!!

NB: have contacted Alison and hope she can sort it out for me!

UPDATE: I decided that I should really act over this myself - so rang them up and all was settled very swiftly. If you have any problems the number is: 0035316680002.

Reminder County Subscription to ACWW

Received invoice for next year - £95 - will forward to County.

Re: Prague

Eileen unable to go BUT luckily Alison took her ticket which kept the numbers OK for the group to visit. Eileen is in the process of making a claim for rebate of flight money - I wonder what excuse the insurers will come up with to avoid reimbursement!! The flight fee is actually not reimbursed by the aeroplane company unless you die when a reduced price flight is on offer to the remaining relative!! This is unbelievable - surely if they are told in plenty of time - they can sell the flight to someone else!! So be warned maybe insurance is a good idea after all!!

NB: Did get most of the money back for my flight - but had to pay for a letter cancelling flight to BMiBaby (£25) and a doctors note (£18) to achieve this!!

Further note: the Scottish Group were unable to go to Prague at the last minute due to snow closing Edinburgh airport - this year has not been good for travellers to some events has it?

News from Margate - World Food Day.

An incredible line-up of speakers joined the panel for a 'question-time 'forum' including:

Laura Vickery - The Cooperative, Int. Dev & Sustainability
Toby Quantrill - Fairtrade Foundation
Duncan Williamson - World Wildlife Fund
May Kidd, for ACWW, - ACWW - Women Feed the World.
Julian Oram - World Dev. Movement
Robert James - Thanet Earth
Laura Sandys - MP Thanet South
Peter Brinn - environmental consultant

for more details: http://www.thanetfairtradeinitiative.org.uk/

Pic. 1 - May's input was warmly received - as shown by on-stage photo.

Pic. 2 - Happy group from ACWWHQ and friends from the Southern Counties Group.

1st November - West Midlands Group Meeting

Should be really interesting - including news of USA. Alison hopefully will also bring Rose Rajbansee and Yolande. Unfortunately unable to attend - have a great day girls - will look forward to receiving minutes.

Latest Countrywoman arrived

Plenty to read - next years membership prices have risen for groups £95, £58, £32 from memory. Twisted ankle so can't run off to get it to check and its no good asking hubby - he'd never be able to 'see it'!! Fingers crossed everything sorts itself out for next w'end!

Updates

Hear meeting with NFWI Chair, Ruth Bond and NFWI ACWW Rep Joy Thomson went well - looking forward to hearing more of this. Margate event was much enjoyed I understand, tho' not as many people as hoped for - it is always difficult to get 'bums on seats' but such a shame - because I expect the debate was very interesting especially with May involved. Congrats to the organisers.

1st November - W Midlands Group Meeting

This meeting to take place at the Derbyshire HQ in Derby. Fingers crossed this year I can go as we have a family party 'up north' and it will be on our way home (well slight but worthwhile diversion!). Report to follow!

Binegar WI - coffee morning - 20th October

Report to follow!! £103.50 sent to ACWW. Joined by a few members from Ashwick & Oakhill and Wincanton WIs. Thanks for support and donations everyone.

Saturday 16th October - Margate

Discovered more about this meeting - May to be present and on panel discussing Climate Change and Women Feed the World. All Exec to attend - wish I could go but have to be realistic - will have been out 4 days this week already!! On the day not out went to Binegar Drama Group and had a tooth out - so this week is oversubscribed anyway. I wish someone would video it.

Friday 15th October - May meets with Joy Thompson and Ruth Bond at NFWI HQ

ACWW P&P Committee

1st meeting of P&P Committee this triennium. Despite some trepidation (getting there on time/what's it going to be like/what are the other members like!) it was a really good positive meeting. Liked the mix of members. Many interesting items and lots of useful work done - can't wait to see the results of these suggestions - hope the Board will agree to them if only in principle.

Managed to collect small leaflets, bookmarks for our Autumn Council Meeting plus sample Greeting Cards - another good idea in principle.

Congrats to Libby

Was at Avon Fed Autumn Council Meeting. Libby had to do a report - congrats very interesting - the project in Bangladesh sounds good and with on-going potential which is great. Good to see you Libby.

Update on ACWW news!! Bits I know anyway!!

There was an event at Barnstable and one near Margate this month - hope they went well. Our WI are going to have a coffee morning on 20th October (a Wednesday) was chosen as the 15th - the actual UN International Day for Rural Women is a Friday and some members go into the market at the local 'town' and I've been volunteered for another meeting!

Whilst I was in Ireland I posted my form to attend the Irish Conference. Hope they get it OK - the post box seemed a bit 'out of the way' to me!! What shall I do - if it doesn't arrive as I gave my daughter-in-law the cash and she wrote me a 'euro' cheque!! Whoops and she's off to New Zealand 'til next summer!! Ah well, fingers crossed - again!! Also posted my money to Jackie for Prague. Heard from Valerie she is planning great things and wants Jackie as a speaker to talk about soap making and tie-dying Africa style - sounds really interesting. Valerie says that Dorset has a Cameroonian project involving these crafts.

WI Life rang

WI Life are going to do a spot on 'Somerset'. They rang to find out some info about ACWW in our county - I wonder what they'll write - told them lots BUT I expect it will be good if we get one line - at least it will be going out to all WI members.
(Bearing in mind the very tiny passage about May in the last issue - still it's all progress - even a tiny paragraph could prompt members to find out more).

Update: As I supposed very little printed - although the whole article was pruned by our chair. A very small article in total!!

/

May Kidds new notice from the ACWW website

May's new notice is so good - and it says what we aim for so well.

May's message below:

My name is May Kidd and I was recently elected World President of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). There are two things that mean the world to me. One is my family the other is the family of ACWW.

I have been actively involved in the wonderful work of ACWW for more than 20 years and have seen for myself how ACWW has transformed the lives of countless women and families worldwide.

We offer friendship and mutual support. We educate. We fund group projects on literacy, health education, nutrition, home economics, agriculture, income generation, water and sanitation, leadership and entrepreneurship. We fund individual scholarships, too, in social and community welfare.

Our consultative status with several of its agencies means we can represent our members at the United Nations.

With so many different aspects of the organisation, how can we briefly sum up what ACWW stands for? I have come to realise that all our work achieves the same end result. The fact is that, whether it is a project or a scholarship, or whether we are speaking out at UN committee or conference for the basic human rights all women and families deserve, the work of ACWW may be summed up in three words.

EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE

This, then, is my chosen theme for my term of office as ACWW World President 2010-2013. I pledge to do my utmost in these three years to empower women and families around the world, especially those who need it most. Wish me luck!

Now what about YOU?

You may already be a member, or not.
You may be a regular visitor or a first time visitor to the website.
You may never have heard of ACWW and found us by accident while browsing the web.

Whoever, you are, I do hope you enjoy reading about what we are doing in ACWW.

If you have a question regarding ACWW, if you'd like to help us in our work, or if you want to send a friendly message, I warmly invite you to contact me at ACWW Central Office, London, UK, on info@acww.org.uk I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in friendship
May Kidd MA JP
ACWW World President

Countrywoman arrived today

Lots of interesting news in the new issue - write-ups of the conference and the annual report. Lots of SW people on committees, Mary Andrews, Chris Trewick/ TCC, Ros Cooper/ Finance, Valerie Stevens, Roma Patten/ UN, Eileen Hurd - Publications & Promotions - pretty good representation for our area isn't it!! First meetings in London in October. The Exec Board have already met in July, I believe.

Pic. 1 at play in the garden, Pic 2 craft work inside - from our Somerset Project in Romania,.

New ACWW Dates

1. Are you going to the Christmas Advent Event in Prague. December 2nd to the 5th. Prague is the centre of the 'best' Christmas Markets in Europe (according to adverts!!) so it should be very spectacular and atmospheric and an opportunity to meet ACWW friends who perhaps were also unable to go to the USA because of 'dust'.

2. The European Area Conference is being held in Dublin next year from the 4-8th April 2011. The conference theme being 'European Year of the Volunteer". Register before 30th September for the Early Bird Fee of 540Euros. Dublin has a lovely zoo but you need trainers there's a lot of walking!! Or, catch the tourist bus around all the 'interesting places' in Dublin city - you can hop on and off wherever you like!!

ACWW Day at Wilton Lodge, Taunton, Somerset

Well, what can I say - I cannot thank the speakers enough - they were both magnificent giving us an insight into the very different worlds of Gambia (Jackie) and E. Europe (Valerie). Thank you both. Many thanks also to Colette for a delicious lunch and to everyone for coming along and joining in with the day. Your comments and participation were an added bonus - thank you for all joining in and confirming what a great organisation ACWW is.

Additional note - went to a lovel ACWW lunch on a lovely sunny Wednesday in East Chinnock. Member, Meg, hostess, provided a variety of delicious savouries from salads, quiches, cold meats and salmon terrine to steak and kidney pie (much enjoyed by the husbands!!). Lovely sweets followed - a wonderful event - thanks Meg - a collection was held on exit for our Somerset Project. E Chinnock WI to decide which of our two projects to support - I don't know result yet!! Decision: they decided to support both of our projects - thank you!!

Monday 28th June

Day planned for ACWW SW Reps and supporters at Wilton Lodge, Taunton. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Glos, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Jersey will be represented as well as some Somerset members.

Speakers are Jackie Gregory, W Midlands, and Valerie Stevens, Dorset who have both visited ACWW projects. Jackie has monitored her Group in Gambia and has visited many times. Valerie visited ACWW members in Hungary and Belarus last year. Joy Thomson, NFWI ACWW Rep representing Jersey is also coming along and will stay with Somerset Vice-Chair overnight in Somerset. (Jackie is staying with me).

Fingers crossed for a really good ACWW day. George (Valeries husband) has some slides from the Triennial meeting and we hope this will spark comments from the members present who were able to get to the USA despite the dust!!

New collection boxes

Ordered some collection boxes (new pattern) from ACWW HQ - can give them out at the ACWW reps day - as many will not have seen this new design before. (they were first shown at the Triennial and I have one in my conference bag). First night out for conference bag on Thursday - I shall take the Finnish one as well to 'colour' my ACWW talk!!

NFWI AGM at Cardiff 2nd June

An excellent and very intensive day - certainly the seats weren't that comfy!! A bit like being squashed in an uncomfortable aeroplane!! Inspiring nevertheless. (NB: ACWW mentioned twice briefly!) Delighted to meet WIA and ACWW friends. Therese brought my ACWW bag from the USA. Went for lunch with Gwent - nice meal BUT so slow in serving that we ended up late back but luckily just missed some of the business and no speakers!! Managed to introduce Colette to Joy (NFWI, ACWW Rep) who will arrived by train on Sunday aft (27th June). Thanks to Colette who will put Joy up and bring her to our Reps day.Therese and Margaret to join our ACWW Reps day. Only counties not heard from are: Cornwall and Wiltshire - will ring Wilts today and email Cornwall. (Later - both able to come - 22 booked so far).

A much better picture of 'Men Aloud' below - so do have a look at it.

Extra picture of 'the boys' from Gwendoline

Thanks Gwendoline for this close up of the boys at the conference - a great day wasn't it. Sorry we didn't see each other! Gwendoline was 6 rows from the front - hence the better picture - I was in the Gods!!

ACWW coffee morning at Stoke St Gregory

Thanks to Veronica for hosting this event and to Amelia the ACWW rep in Stoke St Gregory WI who worked together to run this event. Had a thank you card from May today - just right to put on the boards for tomorrow. Well the board was in the car - but hubby diagnosed the car as 'unwell' - so unable to go along.

However a good morning was had by all - weather still OK. Veronica and Amelia dressed up in African/Indian costumes to add an international theme. The money collected is to be shared between the two Somerset Projects. Evidently they were chatting by the gate at the end of the morning and they certainly shocked the postman - gave him quite a turn!! Hope we might get some photos later.

28th June - ACWW Reps day in Taunton

Numbers gradually building up. Joy Thomson, ACWW Rep Jersey/NFWI Rep is going to join us. Thanks to Colette who will put her up for the night. Jackie will stay with me and maybe more but we have to await who can travel.

Jackie and Valerie are our speakers - so we will learn about Jackie's latest trip to Gambia and Valeries trips to Hungary and Belarus. Thanks to George who will come along to show Valerie's pics plus some pics of the Conference which will engender discussion for us all.

Advent in Prague 2nd-5th December 2010

Can't believe we're looking at Christmas events already and its not June yet.

Jackie and the Midlands ACWW Support Group are arranging a trip if anyone is interested. It costs approx £170 which includes event/ 3 nights B&B in **** hotel in Prague, tour of city etc BUT Flights/Travel/other meals are not included. Reservations ASAP to Jackie Gregory 01564 742761.

Front Page NFWI News

Well - front page - acknowledgement!! Say no more - have had comments that facts aren't accurate already!

Well, Somerset send their cheques direct to ACWW anyway. Ones for PfF are dealt with in the office and I deal with project cheques. We both keep records - so no difference for us. However, many counties don't do this and are absorbing the cost of cheques - if everyone changes to the NFWI preferred scheme - it will transfer the charges to ACWW. Not easy is it - why don't charities get preferential treatment by the banks?

More photos from the conference.

Shame they're all in the wrong order - but I pick them up as available from Shutterfly - great isn't it? Didn't go BUT - they're certainly giving a bit of the atmosphere. Found Alison in Collage 1 below still looking for Therese at present.

Collage 1. Closing Ceremony

Collage 2. Entry of the Flags

Collage 3. Plenaries

Collage 4. USA evening (the evening was themed on the agriculture in Arkansas) The lady near the carriage bottom left (the one whose red tee is showing more) stayed in the same hotel as us in Turku.

These pictures show the variety and colour of costumes and events and how 'special' it is when you can attend and meet women from all over the world.

A Kaleidoscope of Pictures from the Conference

These are not in the order I intended but however - they are on the site!!

1. Voting.

2. . Country Store - local country crafts for sale to delegates.

3. Reception evening - note Ursula with the American firemen who were her escorts and May talking to the speaker for the evening

4. Craft classes - how to deal with stress via laughter.

5. Teatimes - everyone with the opportunity to mingle.

6. Evening meals

7. Craft competition

8. PfF collection, Cookery books being signed, Raffle.

Coffee morning - 7th May

Well - not a big turn out but 17 members turned up. 4 WIs represented: Binegar, Chewton Mendip, Witham Friary and Ashwick & Oakhill plus one husband & wife from Oakhill village.
At least we have a little more to add to our Romanian project.

Full list of new roles in ACWW

ACWW Board The 26th Triennial Conference of the Associated Country Women of the World closed in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, on April 28. Members of the organisation’s Board for the new triennium are:

EXECUTIVE:
World President, Mrs May Kidd
Deputy President, Mrs Anphia Grobler
Secretary, Mrs Jo Ellen Almond
Treasurer, Mrs Alison Burnet

COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN:
Projects: Mrs Margaret Mackay
Promotion & Publications: Mrs Alison Bayley,
United Nations: Ms Sharon Hatten

AREA PRESIDENTS:
Europe – Mrs Merja Siltanen
Canada – Mrs Margaret Yetman
Caribbean, Central & South America – Miss Rose Rajbansee
South Pacific – Mrs Ruth Shanks
Southern Africa – Dr Semane Bonolo Molotlegi
Africa East, West & Central – Mrs Emende Evelyn Nojang
USA – Mrs Beverly Earnhart
Asia South & Central – Sister Viji
Asia South & Far East – HRH Princess Azizah of Pehang

Congratulations to all appointees.

29th April - ACWW Day

The letters ACWW were covered in coins for ACWW Day - unfortunately we couldn't print them any bigger which did restrict our collection!! If you're doing this use bigger letters.

More news

Latest I've heard, Anphia - Deputy World President. Jo Almondis - secretary, Alison Burnett - World Treasurer. So we have a change although May and Anphia had different roles in the previous Board. This triennium will bring a change for us all as a new constitution is in the process of being written as well. Good luck to all new appointees.

Pictures from USA

Here is a picture of Merja (European Area Chairman), May, new (World President) and Kay (the writer of the blog from the USA that we've all been reading). Thanks Kay - we love the blog!

Latest news from USA

May Kidd from Scotland is the new World President. Congratulations to May. Waiting to hear the other results when we look at the blog tomorrow morning. May is wearing the cream jacket. This was taken when we celebrated the UN International Day for Rural Women on the 15th October 2007 in Somerset.

See item on 23rd April for the blog address - again many thanks to Kay who writes news each night after very busy days. We are all really thrilled to get this info!!

Also many thanks to Ursula Goh for the marvellous job she has done, visiting so many parts of the world as a very able World President for the past 6 years. Ursula is standing between May in cream and Rose Rajbansee in red.

Gwendoline 'in cream' had the idea of taking red roses for St Georges Day when we went the the USA BUT the volcanic dust stopped that - so here she shares with her library ladies. Thanks to Gwendoline for sharing Kay's blog - it's all over the world now - have had emails from Estonia, Africa, Romania and of course, UK - all delighted to share Kays daily news bulletin from the USA. (It's on the ACWW site and NFWI sites on Facebook as well!!).

Great news from the Hot Springs conference

At the European area meeting there were just 16 people - only 4 from England. Another update today about the opening ceremony - its certainly the next best thing to being there!! More UK folk are flying out today and tomorrow - so it will be great when they arrive. Some who are left at home have had their e/voting opportunity - but - I believe some are still waiting!!

Follow news about the conference at: http://hotspringsapril2010.blogspot.com/

Volcanic Ash from Iceland

Flights delayed in UK and Europe. ACWW members attending USA conference keeping fingers crossed they arrive in time for the conference 21-28 April in Hot Springs.
Sunday: still no window in the Ash - wonder how many from Europe WILL get there!!

New Projects for Somerset

Bulamu Water Project in Uganda - to provide safe and clean water to the people (pop 969) and improve hygienic and sanitation conditions for the families.
Romania - Literacy and Activity Scheme -stimulating cognitive development of the children and improving literacy of their mothers.
It will be good to think of E Europe and Africa and helping families in these areas.

Pic 1. Ashaninka people waiting at the rivers edge to greet travellers.

Pic 2. one of the only ways in - by boat down the R. Ene.

This is a WI project working to promote awareness of the vulnerability of rainforests and their importance in the world and also combining with working to save an area of the Rainforest in Peru which is being sponsored by Taylors of Harrogate who in turn are working with the Rainforest Foundation UK. The people are called the Ashaninka, the older members speak Spanish (from the missionaries) and the young Arawak.

Rainforest Conference

Saw quite a few ACWW friends at the conference including Jackie and some WRW friends too. Generally, an excellent event - but some repetition the last afternoon. Roads busy, especially in Bath - glad to get home.

9th March ACWW Pre-conference day

After a lengthy journey (A303 shut at Mere) I took a taxi across to NFWI HQ. Arrived late to a stunned room as Joy told members that NFWI intended to abstain for Resolution 3. Reason: no mandate. Ros (Hampshire) intends to go home and write a Resolution ready for the next European conference to stop this happening again.

The rest of the resolutions were reasonable BUT another abstain for Res 6 (I think) by this time I was feeling brain dead. It's a very claustrophobic meeting room in the basement of the building. I think there must have been about 25 ladies there and it felt very full!! I must say NFWI lost its glamour yesterday - it's quite a pokey building.

We had a sandwich and fruit stick lunch (all very tasty) and then back for Margaret Cadzow to take us through Resolutions 1 & 2 - all OK. Then Margaret told us about the programme and facilities at the conference. I must say this was bittersweet for me - oh dear - it really hit home that I wasn't going. I will only get a % of my money back as it has been used already to run the conference!!

It was good to meet everyone again - thanks for the hug Gwendoline!! It was hard not to shed a tear - shall have to ask Therese to get me a cookbook, order a disc of photos and a conference bag of goodies if they are available!! Got home just after 9.30pm.

Paperwork arrives from HQ

Official Credentials Form arrives - will try to get it signed on Monday. Various other paperwork as well for the Triennial. It's very hard not to be going!!

Further email circulated re: Proxy Voting

Roma rang re: sending about a further email - which I did - some response and votes identified. Going to London on Tuesday 9th (coach booked) for NFWI pre-conference ACWW meeting. Although I am unable to go now - Joy has said I can still go to cascade info to members. Coach goes at 8.30am from Wincanton!!

Adventures planned for after the conference
Heard from penfriend in Africa - they are planning trip to New Orleans after conference followed by Caribbean Cruise. Further news Sharon and Roma are off on an extensive journey by car - sounds fascinating. Lotus also planning lots of lovely adventures - what a shame I won't see everyone! Alison and Therese are staying longer in Hot Springs exploring the local area.

News from Africa

Had a good talk at our WI re: Norton Down Africa Fund - wonderful pictures from Africa. This is also a Charity set up by a church about 4 miles away and working well - they now support 3 nursery schools in Kenya. Christine took this picture in the Kampalla slums. Aren't the children gorgeous. I'm sure many ACWW members have visited and helped in sites like this, in fact Anna from Africa sent some lovely pictures which I show WIs when I go around of scenes like this. Saw a sign for a local UNIQUE school but based in Kimbala in one of her slides. Somerset's recently completed project in Cameroon was based at a UNIQUE school and it was fascinating to see that there are many schools with this name helping the many orphans in poorer areas. Christine is booked in to talk at our 'Bridges' day on IWD on the 8th March.

Thanks for all good wishes

Thanks to everyone who has emailed - good to have your support. Could be a long wait as local hos. very much behind due to Norvo Virus closing many wards. One of our WI members has had her op cancelled 3 times because of this!!

Contacted South West Group and HQ

Polo shirts came for Mary and I - logo slightly different - bigger with green stitching around design, white background and black writing - not exactly like the previous ones - but nice. Probably what I asked for originally!! NB: Glad to say Therese happy to act as Proxy Voter - waiting to hear from HQ - they have meetings this week - so I guess it will be next week before this is ratified.

Sad news for me

Have had to pull out of conference - will email HQ tomorrow. Have op due in April (according to hospital) believe it when I see it!! Getting insurance for the flight almost impossible / very expensive - husband not prepared to foot the bill and take the risk. He feels he would be worried over my health if I was away - kind thought - but 'gutted' that I can't go.

Polo shirts

New polo shirts arrived today.

Malawi

Ruth and Emily have arrived. Ruth's Blog is very interesting (MDG5). Ruths' blog lends itself to a publicity drive - it tells us instantly about conditions on the ground. Comments are also on 'Twitter' and an easy way to the blog is via the NFWI website, click on Campaigns and the blog is on the right hand side.

Many ACWW members have travelled in similar areas - experienced similar meetings BUT - the blog and the link with Oxfam and Mumsnett will gain such a lot of coverage and publicity. ACWW need to get onto this wave length to gain new members who can appreciate the work that is done and has been done for MANY YEARS and highlight the projects that are being supported by the members that we have in many Federations and for WI members through our PfF funds

A very interesting talk in Gwent

Today, I went over to Gwent for a coffee morning held for ACWW. Valerie spoke about her trips to Hungary and Belarus. It was fascinating - we could have listened for much longer. It was good to see Alison (coping well with her leg well wrapped and supported) and Therese, Jo and several familiar faces. Great to have an ACWW meeting again.

Malawi trip for NFWI members

Ruth Bond (NFWI Chair) and Emily Boost (WRW Project Manager) are visiting Malawi with Oxfam and the Mumsnett co-founder to get an insight into MDG5 Maternal Health and the inherent problems. WRW soon to issue MDG bookmarks.

ACWW did it first in Finland 2007 - I did send the WRW office a bookmark early last year to show what ACWW had produced at the last Triennial Conference. In fact we issued them to all attendees at our Somerset 'UN International Day for Rural Women' in Oct. 2008 and our 'Spotlight on Africa' day last June '09. All thanks to the fact that I was emailed the design. We also had them printed for a day that Roma did in Devon. I will search my email files to see if I still have the design and if so can email to anyone who wants it.

Newsetter from European Area President

Received newsletter today. A European Fund has been started to help E European women to attend Hot Springs.

Death of daughter

Heard some very sad news today, Dato Ursula Goh's daughter has died. How very hard to hear of the death of your child - I have sent a card on behalf of Somerset Federation. ACWW will forward any cards sent to the family.

Response from NFWI

To ACWW supporters - I thought you might be interested in the reply I received from an email I sent to NFWI last night (in theory to Ruth Bond - but answered on her behalf!!)

PS: I have to admit on reading what I wrote - I realise that not all my comments were answered (or even good English) BUT still it is a response!! As usual I have an idea - type it out - and engage my BRAIN later!!

From: Marianne Sladowsky To: "eileen.hurd@btinternet.com" Sent: Tuesday, 19 January, 2010 9:41:02

Subject: ACWW Dear Eileen, Thanks for your email on ACWW.While it is true that the Board decided not to send an official rep to the conference, they have nominated a member who is going to vote on behalf of the NFWI. This official vote, along with the presence of a number of other members at the event, means that the WI will have a strong presence.

As you mention, we are holding a pre-conference event at the NFWI offices, where we will hear from ACWW spokespeople and have sessions on the resolutions being debated. We will certainly let all members know about this event in WI life and we will also get the member who will vote for the WI to write an article about her experiences afterwards.I hope you can understand that for financial reasons, it was felt that it would not be sensible to send a delegate to the event. It would have cost us about two thousand pounds, which they felt was money better spent on printing campaign leaflets and holding events for all members.I hope that makes the situation a little clearer. We are well aware of how important ACWW is to members and will do all we can to publicise the conference to all members.

Best wishes,Marianne

Marianne Sladowsky
Head of Public Affairs
National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI)
104 New Kings Road,
London SW6 4LYT: 020 7371 9300 ext 21007980 449 145
www.theWI.org.uk

eileen.hurd@btinternet.com PostCode: BA3 4TY WI Name: Binegar Comments:

Dear Ruth - from recent correspondence with Joy Thomson, NFWI ACWW Rep, I understand that NFWI are not sending a representative to the ACWW conference in the USA this April. We were discussing this at our BOT meeting today and I was told that DFID have given sponsorship to a national union because they have a good network system and could cascade what they have learnt to members. Could the WI apply for a grant to send all ACWW Reps to future ACWW Triennial or European Meetings - our national network is countrywide, information could easily be cascaded to our local WIs and this would improve international links, which we advertise on the website but are sadly only supporting through members who have subsidised their own travel to the USA and previous Triennials.

I appreciate that it is a little late for the event this year - but in future years it could be a very worthwhile project and through the Reps who go out giving talks in their own counties genuine links could be made with women worldwide.WI members work hard at fund-raising for many ACWW projects it seems very sad that their hardwork and dedication is not recognised through occasional articles in WI Life. Will the Pre-conference meeting to be held at NFWI in March receive any publicity - what will members countrywide think when they learn that NFWI will not be represented in Hot Springs!!

(personal opinion)

March 9th 2010

NFWI are holding a Pre-ACWW Triennial Conference workshop on Tuesday, 9th March 2010. It will take place at the NFWI's London Office commencing at 11am and concluding at 3pm. A light lunch and coffee/tea will be available during the day.

There will be presentations and information on the Resolutions that will be discussed at the ACWW Triennial Conference and ACWW speaker(s). It will be a good chance to meet fellow delegates attending the Hot Springs Conference.

I emailed Joy Thomson today and she has confirmed that NFWI are not sending a delegate and this will be an opportunity to ensure that any votes can be sent with delegates who are attending.

Snow cancels some events.

All seem to be affected by recent snow and more forecast - events being cancelled due to road conditions!! Lovely sunshine today - blue skies, sun and crisp snow - beautiful.

Happy New Year

Had snow overnight and woke to a pretty garden. Our little Xmas tree by the children's log cabin!! How sweet!! We all have snow and our Irish family have old snow and lots of ice - so we're having a colder year so far!!