Oxford - Iceland/ACWW day - 25th November

I spent Thursday night at Denman - a delight - saw crafts prepared by members who had been stone carving - absolutely amazing results and some wonderful flower arranging.

Then on via Milletts (a must for me when going to Denman for crafts (10% discount) and they have a great food shop with lots of 'interesting, slightly different items') and then via Wantage to East Challows Hall for a superb talk about Iceland all arranged by the Oxford International Committee with their ACWW rep Mais Appleton. Susan Jonas, Wiltshire ACWW Rep was also able to attend so enjoyed a good chat with her. Very friendly members, good stall, lunch was lovely soup and homemade bread with fruit kebabs and a taste of waffles as a bonus (Yum). In the afternoon Mais updated members on Oxford ACWW projects and also had gathered some interesting information about Icelandic women's roles re: their groups. We finished early after the raffle and was delighted to get home by 3.50pm after horrendous rain on the motorway.

ACWW Facebook

Well worth a visit to the site. There's a good video from the Indian conference - lovely pictures of May in sari's. Good to see.

Lots of wonderful pictures have been added - what a colourful site this is now. We have had input from Tonga and India this autumn - it really is a very interesting site - what a good job Alison set it up!!

21st November 2011

ACWW early Christmas Meeting in Derby. Well didn't sleep too well - got to be up in time for the train!! Left home at 6.20am!! Then I had to wait at the station - train fine - got taxi arrived in plenty of time and enjoyed coffee on arrival. Saw Jackie, Sue and Derbyshire team plus tour of the office. Interesting news from all Federations, Walk the World, Triennial 2016, Triennial 2013 - picked up some new ideas. Sold most of my ACWW cards - last one will be a thank you to Derbyshire!! Congrats to W. Midlands on taking on the 2016 Triennial to be in August 2016 at Warwick University Campus - Jackie Gregory to be chair of the team, Ros Cooper secretary - they are setting up a special Bank Account for the Triennial and looking for sponsors at present.

Good butternut squash soup, roll and fruit for lunch with lots of chatter. Afternoon speaker from 'The National Forest' following up on the ACWW recommendation to plant more trees (NB: Woodland Trust/WI Plant a tree for the Jubilee). Doreen from Worcestershire and I got back to the station via several buses using our bus passes and even managed a walk around the Market Hall - it was satisfying and good to save the taxi money. Plenty to chat about over coffee before the train. Hubby waiting on the platform for me in Bristol - ready for me to drive home and cook some tea, - ah well I must have been missed!! (Actually it was foggy and he doesn't like driving in the fog - guess that's a trip I won't be repeating soon). I need him to drive me to Bristol to save parking costs. Home by 8.30pm.

Women Walk the World - repeat for info to new readers

Open to all please join in and arrange an event near your home!

Pass out the message about the 29th April 2012 - 10.00am - Women Walking the World for ACWW. Any kind of walk - to the well, collecting wood, around the park, in the country, around the lanes - whatever suits your area - but we can almost all achieve some kind of walk and benefit ACWW (giving publicity) improving our health and gaining Pennies (Coins) for Friendship. Maybe fit in coffee in the Village Hall as well!!

Have a relevant poem:

Sisters of the World, working for a better tomorrow,
But for many that tomorrow is still just a dream
It seem it's an impossible mountain to climb
So let's work together and make those dreams happen
One penny, one pound, one sister at a time

NB: Pennies for Friendship started in 1939 - the equivalent of a penny then - would be a loaf of bread in most countries today - that's certainly an interesting comparison!! Hence trying to update using COINS instead BUT Pennies is our traditional label and members recognise it BUT don't always think of the price comparison above. All coins contributed are always welcomed and put to good use.

Update re: Water for All Collections

Great news - Just sending off some more cheques - We've collected over £600 since we announced our new 'project'. Money for PfF has been coming in too - collected by the AGM.

Update: up to £650 now!!

Nov'Dec Countrywoman

Came today - good, interesting magazine. Good article on Wells WI. The layout seem different, thinner paper - but a good read - well done to all. Annual report included - really good.

Other ACWW events

22nd October - Long Sutton WI held an open evening with Paul Atterbury - they raffled a wonderful quilt and gave half the money to ACWW.

29th October - Somerset AGM - there will be an ACWW table - advertised 'Women Walk the World' and gave out lots of forms.

7th November - a Marketing meeting - but out went some more forms - and they'd not seen them before - so that was worthwhile - told them they could order some from HQ

21st November - Derbyshire Christmas Meeting - looking forward to meeting old friends - train goes at 7.30am - just reminded husband we need to leave home at 6.30am - hmm.... that was not received with great enthusiasm!!

25th November - Oxford running a day on Iceland am/ACWW pm - not heard yet whether its on - I cetainly hope so - I've booked a night at Denman!! Maybe they'll let me change the date if it's cancelled. Should be OK - have received my ticket (its tiny with no map ah well will have to look it up before I go!!) Hope Susan from Wiltshire might be coming as well.

Another parcel from Iceland and a letter

What a lovely surprise another parcel from Mjoll in Iceland. Mjoll is due a heart op this month - I have been looking out items to post to her - I will send them tomorrow.

Contents of my parcel - an Icelandic magazine with an article about Mjoll with pics of her friends and family - lovely. Also, towards the back pictures of ACWW members - so although it is in Icelandic - I still enjoyed looking through it.

Special bonus a lovely scarf which Mjoll has made for me, and a card with an Icelandic mitten pattern. I've copied out the card (English bits) and have lots of copies to take to our AGM and share with members.

My letter came today from a lady in N. Ireland that I got a penfriend for after the Dublin conference. She wrote to say how she is enjoying writing to her penfriend - a real treat - it's always special when someone takes the time to write or email thanks and good to know their link is going well.

Being a postman must be a lovely job - bringing happiness to so many people.

Publicity and Promotions Meeting 4th October

4th October - was at P&P in London today. Interesting meeting. Lovely bead bracelet brought from Africa for us by Magdie in ACWW colours as well and box of sweets from Alison. After the meeting Jenny and I had a look at Penfriend leaflet - she has incorporated some fresh ideas for it - plus it has been abbreviated - I think it 'makes more sense' now. The new office is lighter than I thought and the conference room is fine with kitchen facilities nearby. However, not easy when committees are present but that is only twice yearly - so no doubt staff will have patience and flexibility to cope with the added numbers for a few weeks.
From the left: Magdie - S Africa, Jenny (new editor of Countrywoman) Lyn - Nova Scotia, me - UK and Alison Bailey our chair from Scotland.

ACWW Lunch in Yeovil

Slight alteration to plans due to parking problems. Speaker + train booked - more news later!

Interesting craft venue with lots of local community involvement. Excellent vegetarian food, not good at portions for meat course. Margaret Mackay from Scotland gave an interesting talk about ACWW and water projects worldwide. Hope to get some of the info re: statistics from her. 60 mile round trip to station/cafe and home. Unfortunately, had to pay for parking £5 for me - a few had to leave early due to parking timings running out!!

Email Buddy from Australia / Parcel from Iceland

This picture is of Lotus Appel from Happy Valley CWA nr Adlaide - Lotus and I have been emailing each other for several years. My WI is linked with her CWA (through ACWW Penfriend Scheme).

At the European Conference I met a group of ladies from Iceland and sat next to Mjoll. Since then we've exchanged a few parcels (small items) and email/facebook messages. Recently she sent me this set of decorations she has made ready for a Red Cross Sale in October - they're very cute! Really lovely crochet work - all ready for Christmas - oh no - it's September today!! This year has really flown by - it's the first day of autumn!! Lovely weather today - but some evenings in August we had to put the heating on it was so cold!!

Reminder - ACWW Lunch - 4th October nr Yeovil

ACWW lunch planned on 4th October nr Yeovil. Margaret Mackay, Chair of Projects is our speaker. Not sure how numbers are going for this lunch - but there is a reminder in our next County News.

Cameroon Project total reaches 60%

Our Somerset Project reaches 60% thanks to generous donations from Wells, E. Chinnock, Ash Priors & Halse and Bishops Hull & District added to normal donations from several other groups. All donations are very welcome and am delighted that this water project is being well supported.

Good news for main ACWW Facebook web-site

140 members of the site now - just added two more - great news - especially for 'Women Walk the World'.

Update: 149 now 18.08.11 from all over the world - great link with members.

New Somerset project in Cameroon

Great news - thanks to the support of several WIs who have given generously - we have reached 49% of our total. This shows one of the WIs who had a 'Garden Party' theme for their WI meeting and a 'strawberry' competition. The strawberries look very tempting - even in the photo - Yum!! Not sure who won but they also had Pyms donated by one of the local pubs and a great evening as the photo of the energetic committe shows. Thanks for your support for our latest Somerset Project.

Women Walk the World - open to all please join in

Beginnning to pass out the message about the 29th April 2012 - 10.00am - Women Walking the World for ACWW. Any kind of walk - to the well, collecting wood, around the park, in the country, around the lanes - whatever suits your area - but we can almost all achieve some kind of walk and benefit ACWW (giving publicity) improving our health and gaining Pennies for Friendship.

Have a relevant poem:

Sisters of the World, working for a better tomorrow,
But for many that tomorrow is still just a dream
It seem it's an impossible mountain to climb
So let's work together and make those dreams happen
One penny, one pound, one sister at a time.

CWA Visit - ACWW link

Pic 1 - Margaret & Rex from Happy Valley Nr Adelaide waiting for their bus.
Pic 2. Glenys and Moira, of Binegar WI, discuss the bonnets for the exhibition in Hobart, Tasmania of women's bonnets in the style of the era in which they would have been transported. They have been trying to find out about the women - they were each given a name, ship and date when the women travelled.
Pic 3. Part of a craft display arranged by Glenys
with crafts from members of Binegar WI.

Margaret and her husband from Happy Valley near Adelaide, Australia, stayed in our village from Monday 'til Friday, they enjoyed visiting 'local' places, Shepton Mallet proved very cold but the travel information office was helpful - then in the afternoon Margaret and I visited an archive exhibition at Leigh on Mendip WI, we saw Doreen there - their displays were much admired. Margaret and I then had a quick walk in Mells (home of Little Jack Horner). After tea it was time for Binegar WI meeting - Margaret did a great talk about Australia.

Wells was successful on Wednesday with lunch in the Bishop's Palace and a walk around some of the highlights - I think they did find it tiring walking around! The market strawberries proved disappointing (did he switch the boxes when he put them in a plastic bag - they were gorgeous when we bought them - inedible when we got home!!) Thursday they both enjoyed a walk around the village in the morning (loved those narrow country lanes and the greenery of hedges and trees).

Interestingly Margaret s paternal great grandfather's surname was Bunting - he came from London!! (she said she always hated the rhyme Little Baby Bunting when she was small!!) Rang Alban the next day - he didn't know anything but said his family came from Norfolk, then Heathrow, then Hertford!! In the afternoon we all went to the junior school play 'Macbeth' it was much enjoyed. Friday was time for a visit to Kilmersdon (Jack & Jill's hill was followed by a quick tour of Holcombe (Ring a ring a roses).

After lunch a lazy DVD afternoon, finally, a long wait for the National Express Coach and they were off to Poole for the next stage of their European adventure.

CWA/WI Group LInk (from Penfriend Links)

My WI is looking forward to meeting a member of our link CWA from Adelaide area - she is staying with a member and we have altered our WI evening so that she can attend and meet more of us. We have some plays from the Drama Group, a couple of poems, a craft display AND it's members night so a great supper. Margaret is going to tell us about her cruise right around Australia - should be really interesting!!

Taunton Meeting - 7th July

Support Group ACWW South West had a really interesting meeting today at Somerset HQ in Taunton. Our super speakers: Roma and Valerie (members of the ACWW UN Committee) told us about their visit to the UN, in New York in February. Morag then described her life in Africa and membership of the East African Woman's League (similar to the WI) with some lovely pictures. Mary showed us a booklet about Chennai and thanks to George (with his laptop) Eileen introduced the new logo for Women Walk the World and a short powerpoint presentation which will be emailed to members. Colette supplied a lovely lunch and all agreed it was a worthwhile meeting. Members travelled from Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

Chennai info from: www.acwwindia2013.com

ACWW Supporters meeting - Taunton - 7th July

Gathering my list of attendees - all being well - we will have 3 from Devon 3 from Dorset, 3 from Somerset, 2 from Wilts, 1 from Cornwall, 1 from Hampshire and 1 from Avon with apologies from Gloucester, Gwent and Worcestershire.

Three speakers are Valerie from Dorset, Roma from Devon and Morag from Somerset. Should be really interesting as we hear titbits from the recent visits to the UN in New York, Dublin Conference and Morag will tell us about the East African Women's League. Plus news and ideas from recent events/ planned events in our respective counties. More about it tomorrow!!

ACWW lunch in Gwent

Was at an ACWW lunch held in Usk, Gwent - did a vague detour via Newport!! Should have looked at the map first - and then a slight detour of Usk. Lovely place - found the prison and the hall was opposite. Lovely Ham salad lunch/trifle with fruit salad afters - no it wasn't the food I went for!! Met lots of friends - it was good to catch up (the chair of Gwent {left of pic}has an invite to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace - very fancy envelope and invite). Saw - Alison B, Jo D, Therese C, Chris and Brenda, Valerie and George - probably more. Our vests knitted by Puriton WI have gone to a lovely lady who knits for the High Veldt in S. Africa / Mission Ships or Romania - all good causes - she will send to the first group shipping out - I'm sure Puriton will be pleased whichever good cause.

Jo Almond (in white) told us about her family in USA - the Triennial in Chennai and a recap on the 2010 Triennial in the USA. Alison B (right of pic) talked about membership - becoming an individual member, pennies for friendship, and for 2012 - Women Walk the World, (29th April) and Million members Challenge (15th October). Valerie Stevens from Dorset finished up with an inspiring 5+ mins of ACWW news from Europe and her UN visit - stirring stuff. Got stuck in traffic in Bristol - even tho' I took a different route - despite this - definitely worth the journey.

NB: Sad news Chris emailed to say Brenda's husband died a couple of days after the meeting.

Empire Day - Queen Victoria's Birthday - 24th May 2011

Excellent event for ACWW with Valerie Stevens from Dorset as our speaker. Members from as far afield as Yeovil, N Curry, Puriton, Wincanton and local WIs arrived at 2.00pm to a hall decked with bunting, miniature Union Jack flags for each table. Several quizzes were available - one on the life of Queen Victoria and one well known songs. Display boards for ACWW and various leaflets were also displayed and a fact sheet was sold for 10p to help the Queen Victoria quiz. There was also a raffle and a bring & buy stall.

Valerie then enthusiastically spoke of her trips to Hungary, Belarus and recently her trip to New York to the UN with the ACWW UN committee. A cream tea, scone, jam, cream, a chocolate bite-size cake and a strawberry dipped in chocolate was then served with welcome cuppa. This was very well received and plenty of chatter ensued. The afternoon ended with quiz answers and two prizes were won , and the raffle was drawn. Members were thank for coming along and then Binegar WI teamwork took over yet again and the hall was cleared.

We made £361.20 for our ACWW Somerset Ugandan Project and this is now nearly completed - which will be Somerset's 8th project since 2005. Many thanks fpr the support from Binegar WI members.

Good news - Craft evening for ACWW

Wells WI had a Craft evening - proceeds from ticket sales (£150) to ACWW - sent info to Editor - hoping it will be in time for next issue. This might be doubtful as the office is moving this w'end down to the 1st floor.

Pictures from the conference

1. May and friend
2. Poster from 'An Grienan'
3. Georgeta, & Afrodita from Romania, with Nolene (S. Ireland) in the middle.
4. Magdolna (Hungary) and Valerie (Dorset)
5. Moilk (Iceland) Eileen (Somerset) Therese (Wales) Mary (N Ireland)

6. Our 97 year old birthday girl.

Dublin Conference

Well - had a grand time courtesy of ICA in Dublin. Good hotel - excellent food and service. Our first day after registration was spent in the city on our own 'tour' seeing the Book of Kells with a tour of Trinity College, walking over Halfpenny Bridge and seeing the Abbey Theatre. Once the Conference started we had very interesting speakers including Mary McAleese, President of Ireland on Tuesday and the Deputy Mayor and Bryan Hanrahan, Director of Gorta (excellent film clips and great web-site) on Wednesday plus two resolutions.

Tuesday - We had an 'entertainment' evening some home-spun and a choir from Dublin and a male professional singer (lovely voice). To conclude various 'volunteer' members sang and the N Ireland choir was lovely also the lady who sang the poignant 'lament'. Moira and her cohorts did a trick 'relaxation' which was amusing (well it amused us - I'm not sure everyone realised what was happening!). Later a few of us had a drink with 'May' playing the piano and a chat to the N. Irish choir. The next night (Wednesday) we had an 'Irish' evening, singing, band, and young girl dancers with very sparkly costumes (evidently this is the fashion now including black curly wigs and sun-tan make up). They were very light on their feet and danced 'River Dance' style dances - such catchy rhythms. Then many people joined in some dancing later in the evening - which was fun- certainly I enjoyed watching them.

Thursday - Visit to 'An Grienan' a real success - loved the 'atmosphere' - and the scones - they were a life saver as 'lunch' followed at 4.00pm courtesy of McIlhennies of Attboy (we did visit the Battle of the Boyne in between). Quite a few of us were tempted to think of a return visit to 'An Grienan' for a course. In the evening we had the Gala dinner - lots of different dishes - but all delicious - we were lucky and had at least 4 Icelanders on our table - so lots of interesting chatter and laughter. Presentations were made, goodbyes said - ooh there was a birthday cake for a lady of 97 who had been to every conference since 1959 - amazing. The PfF table had taken over 3,500 euros. ICA presented a handsome cheque for ACWW from their members

After packing - Therese and I had a day in Dublin before our flight home - a leisurely walk through the Temple Bar area, Christchurch tour - where they have a 'cat and a rat mummified in a glass case'. Evidently they were found when the organ pipes were cleaned - BUT - we heard a very funny story about them. A guide was telling another group that the cat is original but the mummified rat was stolen about 20 years ago and so the rat is an artificial replica!! Now, own up who in Dublin has the mummified rat?

Many thanks to ICA for an excellent and varied conference.

Not long until Conference

Flight and room booked - fingers crossed no snags for this event. 3rd time lucky, I hope this is not tempting fate!!

Booked a room from 3rd April

Heard re: extra night room booking - it's all organised - will learn more tomorrow. Many thanks to ICA for this extra help.

Wed, 9th March

Was at P&P meeting. Was glad to get a later train after a bad night with toothache. Got a taxi over to arrive 'in time' for the meeting. Last time on Floor 3 - the move takes place over the Easter w'end. Fingers crossed for all the work required for that to take effect.

Meeting fairly lengthy but a lot covered. Last meeting for John, our secretary - it will be sad that he won't be with us. We seem to be inheriting a lot of young men to help in the office! Took up some cookies for the office. When May was out shopping she kindly got me some Nurofen BUT Chloe gave me one of her tablets which remarkably cleared the pain after an hour or so and I was able to take May's on the way home. Stayed for a cup of coffee and then walked back to Waterloo - a long wait for 18.20 train - will try to book an earlier one next time. A good day tho' - will be at the dentist tomorrow!!

International Day - 8th March

All went well with this day - African Initiative, Tree Aid, Tearfund/Created speakers followed by Indian culture - how to wear a sari and cookery dem after lunch. I add these pictures mostly to amuse Gwendoline who I know reads this blog occasionally!!

I know you'll say - practising for Chennai!! Our speaker looked really lovely - very slim as well. I'll bet she thought I'll dress up this lumpy lady and I will look better than ever!! Ha Ha!! No I'm sure that wasn't the idea - it was because I did all the emailing and booking her to speak. I have to report however, it was very comfortable to wear and I was even tempted to buy one BUT all the best ones had gone by the time I got to the display.

Now this is the last WRW event - I can now concentrate on my ACWW - how lovely!

Flights booked

Have booked flights for Therese and I - just need to let Dublin ICA know times - if I can find the form - hey ho - filed it away on the computer! Just need to find it .......................

UN Committee

I believe they are in New York at present - what an experience. Valerie will be able to tell us about it at the Empire Day Cream tea.

Alison is also in the USA on a tour for ACWW I think!! All these people who travel - I think going to London on the train is an adventure these days. Son OK Aukland not affected by earthquake.

P&P - 9th March

Luckily Alison has delayed start of this meeting. I have a full day at an International Women's Day meeting on 8th March and not sure my leg will cope well with a journey to London next day - ah well I can always get a taxi from Waterloo! It will be a joy to concentrate on ACWW after my busy planning for the IWD day. Hope that we may have an extra penfriend co-ordinator but it has to be agreed by the exec board. I remember they had to approve me when I volunteered.

It will be the last meeting on the 3rd floor - I think the move will be good - less of a fire risk and less stairs to climb - I always think I'll never get there - it just shows how unfit I am!!

Back to the meeting Lynne will be on Skype, Magdie can't come as she has an ACWW project to oversee, so there will just be two Alisons, John, me and maybe Anphia. Will be able to pick up some stationery.

Updates 02.02.2011

ICA have emailed me - good news. Programme looks good - not booked flight yet!!

Latest Countrywomen magazines came.

Booked tickets for P&P - picked them up in Castle Cary - saved driving to Templecombe.

Seeing Alison Burnett next Monday in Bath. Well, that would have been good but we were fated not to meet. Luckily Therese travelled with Alison so they could chat. Alison started out at 9.45am - train delayed ......................... when it eventually came it broke down outside of Bath and they got to Bath at 1.45pm. Of course we'd planned to meet just after 10.30am - so after staggering around Bath for a couple of hours I went home - mobile phone in car rang when I got back but I lost the messages. When I got home hubby said Alison rang - her train was delayed - what a disaster - still I did a bit of shopping in Bath between sessions checking the restaurant - I think the assistants thought I was weird keep going in looking for Alison!!

Booked Valerie to speak at 'ACWW Empire Day' cream tea to be held in Binegar Village Hall.
Empire Day = 24th May = anniversary of Queen Victoria's Birthday.

Emailed to see if May Kidd could visit Somerset in October but too busy - Ian suggested I emailed Margaret McKay re talk on Water Projects. Need to put to BOT - depends on cost of flight - will ask Alison. Looking for hotel/pub near a lake - no joy yet!! Booked pub (Halfway House) it has a fishing lake - for water theme - hope it's OK - will check before event. Margaret will be in London so she can come down by train so Budget accepted. Just hope members will support it.

Retirement from ACWW office

Heard from May Kidd that three members of staff are due to retire this Spring (letters to all committee members and Board) Email to May. Later heard from Jan (she also wrote with signed letter to the same group) she said that they didn't all want to retire - a very unfortunate situation. Wrote to all three with thanks for their help and wishing them well - I said I could not comment about the situation as I'd only just heard about it, it is very awkward. Herminia is leaving on 4th Feb - she has dealt with almost all the Projects I've taken for Somerset in fact 'Projects are Herminia,' although Juliette is also very helpful - I just seem to have dealt with Herminia most. John is the Editor for the Countrywomen (Jan-March issue now at the printers) and is the P&P secretary - what a shame he has been so helpful. Jan has worked for the TCC and did sterling work during the dust problem for the USA conference and of course many conferences over her 19 years with ACWW plus sending out stationery as requested. I shall be very sorry to see them go - but I was certainly glad to retire myself - so do hope they will be happy in their retirement and have a hobby to fill their time.

Hurrah sent my money to Dublin today

First Happy New Year - I can't believe we're in another year - where did 2010 go!! January update - at last - pouring with rain - went to the bank and sent 'World Payment' (£9) with remains of money for Dublin Conference. Yes, I know it's a bit late BUT am hoping it will still be OK - am still dependant on hubby driving so it was first opportunity. Had to ring Chloe in the office and she sorted out the the IBAN code there was a 1 which should have been an I - all went smoothly after that. Thank you Chloe.

Next stop Post Office to renew passport - well - was in there at least 50 mins and eventually sent off for passport (£8.17) plus, of course, the extortionate fee of £77.50. Ah well, if it comes for another 10 years that should sort out my travelling bug!! Not that I've been anywhere but Ireland for several years only twice last year May and September - and that's the least I've been over for years - thanks to a minor op!! Anyway at least (fingers crossed) that's the main problems sorted - just a flight to book and I'm not doing that yet - let me know if you see any offers!!