26th ACWW Triennial Conference - Day 6

Announcements this morning included the information that Shutterfly web site will not be up and running for two weeks.

Then the meeting began with competition winners being announced. The results of the Elections were up on the screen - it seems like a Scottish take over but more information on the results will be in the Countywoman I am sure.

We then had a minutes silence for Isabela Jariega-Nowacka, the Polish MP who was killed in the recent Polish President's Air Crash - she was an active ACWW member.

A Resolution to destroy ballots was proposed, seconded and agreed.

The resolutions were then revisited

Resolution 7 - withdrawn

Urgency Resolution re Subscriptions - Carried

Recommendation 1- Tree Planting - carried

Recommendation 2 - Individual Membership - Carried

It was noted that 163 Quilt squares had been submitted and the expected total amount raised is £2023

There was then a presentation on the life of Madge Watts 'From Vancouver Island to the Isle of Anglesey'

This covered much of the research work that Linda Ambrose has been doing - she will publish a book on Madge Watts next year.

Then the closing ceremony began with the Summation of Conference.

The New Zealand delegate highlighted the significant things - the Volcano, the Hospitality of the USA Members and the five 'Fs' - Friendship, Fun, Fellowship, Food and Finance

She spoke about the many reports which showed that ACWW is on Track and ended with a tribute to the World President.

The World President than paid a hearty vote of thanks to the host society and the work they had done to organise such a successful Conference.

The Chairman of the Country Women's Council of the USA responded saying it had been a privilege to host the Conference and hoped everyone would go home to build a global network of friendship and love.

The Deputy World President gave a vote of thanks to the World President who was elected to her first office 30 years ago! She has an impressive record in ACWW but she is a loved and respected figure across the world and because of her the world is a better place.

The World President then gave her farewell address - she said she had taken the road less travelled, had spoken across the world and attended many Conferences and events but this Conference tops them all. Reflecting on the last 6 years she is looking forward to freedom. she owed a debt of gratitude to her wonderful Team - the ACWW Board 2007-2010, ending with 'Goodbye and thank you for listening'

The new World President then spoke telling all of us the Chinese proverb 'may you live in interesting times. Her address ended by saying that she had dreams and vision summed up by the song 'Id like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony'.

Next it was the presentation of the chain of office and badges to the incoming board members by the World President.

The closing address was given by the outgoing World President encouraging attendance at conferences, sharpening the focus and celebrating the achievements of ACWW - this was followed by the Song of Peace.

After which the Flags were taken out and the ~Platform party were escorted from the stage by Firemen again.

In the Afternoon the World President Chaired that last Council meeting - key events were the resolution to round up the 5% increase in subscriptions to the nearest Pound, which after much debate was agreed. and an amendment to by law 18 (postal Votes) - carried.

As Conference votes to abolish Council a new Constitution is needed and this will be produced and sent to organisations as soon as it is ready.

A bucket for small change was brought to the President - it contained $811 dollars! for PFF

UN Representatives were appointed.

There was no date for the next meeting of Council as council had been abolished.

The Area Meetings followed Chaired by the Chair of the Projects Committee - much of this was a repeat of the meeting last Thursday for the benefit of new arrivals. The Irish members promoted the next Area Conference in Dublin details of which will be in the next Country Woman.

The new Treasurer asked for anyone to email with Questions so that issues could be dealt with immediately.

Then we were all dispatched to get ready for the Gala Dinner!