Bits and Bobs from Little Rock

Well we all arrived safely at the Airport only to find that the Airplane broke down so all those conference delegates flying home via Chicago ended up being re-booked and will all get home later than expected! Well how dare we complain - its not a Volcano!!

The Conference was wonderful for 'us first timers' - I learnt a great and now am very keen to set up a support group in our Federation as so many others seem to have them. I think a celebratory Lunch would be good if I can persuade one of my 'notable' neighbours to be a speaker! My husband enjoyed it too - I wouldn't like to speculate on what those spouses got up to on their tours!!

However it is about those less fortunate than ourselves - I have met someone here at the Airport from Cameroon - she has no water in her village!

On a salutary note for everyone - my Delegate Friend from Hampshire had pencils to give out (everyone here gave us pins) but they arrived late - so she gave them to an African Delegate who said 'thank you - now every child can have a pencil and not have to share one'. I think this brings home to people what ACWW is all about.

Thank you for all your positive comments about this blog - I hope it has helped those who were not able to be here - we missed you all.

26th Triennial Conference- Gala Dinner

The Gala evening was a great success with a pre gala evening with great entertainment from the Hot Springs National College. Champagne Cocktails or Fruit cup was served and everyone had dressed up - there was even a hat!

The Dinner was great with a poem read by one of the American Delegates to celebrate the success of the conference. We were entertained by an amazing Flute Ensemble, who's programme featured global unity.

We enjoyed a Chicken Wellington with seasonal vegetables followed by a chocolate mouse tulip.

Everyone was given an engraved glass plate and left the Conference feeling that it had been a great experience.

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!

26th Triennial - Outings

Today we did a tour of Hot Springs starting with the Hot Spring and visiting one of the Bath Houses to learn the history of Hot Springs from the time of the Native Americans to the present day. We then went to the Museum of Modern Art (not as good as MOMA in New York!) - but interesting local art.

Then it was to the winery where we tasted Arkansas wine - only small amounts though!

We then had lunch at what is the equivalent of our County Showgrounds with the Lunch prepared and served by the Arkansas Home Extension group - this was a large Hall and afterwards I asked my new friend who had been responsible for preparing and serving the meal how many members came to their regular meetings - 300!!! She is a great person and we have become fast friends.

Then it was off to the Garvan Woodland Gardens owned and managed now by the University of Arkansas. These were wonderful gardens and restored some faith for me - I had begun to think that Americans didn't Garden!

Afterwards I am sorry to say I was exhausted and fell asleep!

We missed the Interfaith Service this morning after which the results of the Elections were announced - it seems that we have a new World President from Scotland!!!!! Wonderful news as were all the other results - but more tomorrow!

26th Triennial - Day 4

Today we Europeans moved to the front of the Hall - we were at the back before so now we have a great view and can hear clearly! more UK people are arriving each day so we are growing in number!

Day 4 began with a welcome from the World President who was encouraged to see no empty seats which she was expecting after last nights evening when many delegates danced the night away! ( WP has a very dry sense of humour!)

Sadly we began with a minutes silence as the National President of Australia had to leave Conference as her husband had died suddenly.

Then it was the turn of those standing for election to speak for one minute in support of their candidacy. (see Circular 4 although many people did not remotely resemble their photographs)

From 10.30 the voting began and the Conference resuming at 2pm after lunch.

We queued to cast our votes - see photo!

Afternoon Session

Taking Edna Junkins advice in the afternoon the Board put on baseball caps and dark glasses - this was their incognito hats!

Then the Chairman of Committees gave their reports

First the Project Committee Chairman (Green book p 11&12) She highlighted the New Jerusalem Project in Peru which provided clean water for a community with a previous high level of child deformities caused by polluted water.

Then the Mongolian Green Streets Project and lastly the work in Sri Lanka.

Closing her report with Kofi Annan's words that clean water was a fundamental human right and asking delegates to remember that every 20 seconds a child dies because of polluted water. An astounding statistic was that 2.6 billion people lack access to sanitation.

ACWW is truly making a difference.

The Promotion and Publications Commitment Chairman was unable to be in Hot Springs so the report was read by a committee member - (p12/13)

Next came the Chairman of the Agricultural Committee(p9) who highlighted a project in Sierra Leone.

The Chairman of the UN Committee (p14) spoke next - they have produced papers on the Millennium Development Goals (I have copies)

Resolution 7: Pennies for Friendship - although carried there was great discontent about the lack of scrutiny of the voting process in view of this it will be brought back to Conference for another vote on Tuesday.

Throughout the Conference photographs have been put up on screens every day - these will be available at http://acwwusa2010.shutterfly.com/ but not until we all have returned home - so try this next weekend!

There was a discussion about those not contributing to pennies for friendship, followed by the presentation of 'money boxes' for everyone to use for collecting money (I have a number of these)

Workshop reports followed, and then a report on the Pen Friends Scheme with more People needed who were prepared to use languages other than English.

The meeting closed with the information that no one had come forward to host the 2016 Conference and those interested should contact the General Secretary

The USA Evening

Well what a fantastic time we all had! Around the room were farming demonstrations showing the rich and fertile land of Arkansas and the diversity of American Farming. We were all given a goody bag with loads of rice, nuts, mozzarella, soya candles, pop corn, peanuts and much else ( please come to Heathrow on Thursday am and bail Chris and I out - I am sure you are not allowed to bring food into the UK!

Many of you will notice in the photo a former World President milking a cow!

I just don't know how we will get the model farms home - they are lovely but very heavy!

I loved the shinny red beads with a matching lobster - I will be wearing them everywhere!(and so will Chris!) The band was truly Arkansas and altogether it was a great evening - I feel sorry telling you all about it when you were not here!!

26th Trienium Day Three

The meeting began with the singing of 'All over the World'

A new resolution was presented

Be it resolved that the membership[fees for Category 1, 11, 111 and 4a (Excluding 4b) will be increased by 5% for the next Triennium'

There will be a vote on this later in the Conference.

Resolution 3 Women need access to credit (see Circular 3) Carried

Guest Speaker Enda Junkins - a psychotherapist and a laughter therapist

'Laughter: The light Solution to Stress'

An excellent and very funny presentation which got us all laughing and participating begining with a group temper tantrum!

Enda used Hats to make us laugh - we loved the 'Crab hat for going sideways and the Scarlett O Hara for 'don't give a damn' days.

We then went to the workshops - everyone had a chance to attend each workshop.

Leadership - Up and Moving

Good exercises and ideas - but I don't think members in our Institute would appreciate being given a turnip for 'turning up'

Recycling, Resolution and Results

Nothing new here for the Brits although we were able to share ideas with other delegates over lunch - they didn't appreciate our fines for putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin or 'Spy Bins'

Laughter: The light Solution for Stress

This gave Enda Junkins the opportunity to go into more depth following her earlier presentation we played with hats and beach balls and learnt the positive effects of play and laughter.

Plenary

Finance report : Carried

Resolution 4 (see circular 3) Stop use of Plastic Bags and Reduce Packaging Carried as amended

Resolution 5 Financial Management Carried

Resolution 6 Retention of Arable Land for Food Production : Carried

The amendment was rejected following a vociferous debate!

26th Triennial Conference Day 2

The Deputy President (who had arrived despite the Volcano) was welcomed by the World President.

There was then a reminder about the voting arrangements for the Registered delegates from Europe - Conference Vote carried now to be enacted.

The Board was then introduced.

The World President then gave her Keynote Address, welcoming delegates and then recounting stories of her travels both enjoyable and dreadful. There were many sites across the world in Africa and many other places - often involving getting up at 4am and travelling in dreadful cars on unmade rocky and precipitous roads.It involved sharing rooms with rats and being offer red stream water to wash in complete with snakes despite this the visits were often inspiring. The World President has been given many gifts, goats, vegetables, live chickens etc. This has given her an in depth knowledge of women and communities and their needs and wants which are the same the world over. It also has shown her what poverty and deprivation really means, food shortages, no clean water or sanitation, illiteracy and no opportunities for learning. The World President highlighted issues of skills shortages, the Caste system,lack of loans,health and mortality, water borne diseases and issues affecting children and old people. ACWW provides much practical support and works against gender based discrimination - it has achieved much positive success and helped thousands of women, it can influence the UN.

The profile of ACWW is low and it can seem like a secret organisation but its achievement are great for Women Worldwide. ACWW can empower women to find a voice, however it needs to be through having a firm financial footing.

The World Presidents address was presented with much humour, sincerity and as she said was just an overview, I am sure the full text will be printed for others not able to be in Hot Springs.

Tea Followed with the opportunity to shop in the American Country Store and admire the collection of quilt squares brought by delegates from all over the world.

After Team the Area President's gave their reports - they are all in the green book which I will share with everyone when I get home.

Canada was first (p20) followed by South Africa (p17) Central and South Asia,(p18)

The Deputy World President gave her report - again its in the green book (p5) but she also that we are small scale funders - not big like many other organisations but a Little goes a long way and in her travels she has found that someone who cares is as important as funding. She also gave a wonderful ten point plan based on Noah's Ark

The Secretaries report came next (p7) - presented by a Welsh member because the Secretary had not made it through the Volcanic Ash!

Then it was lunch - a delicious Hot Soup - very welcome as there was a dreadful thunder storm out side with torrential rain!

In the afternoon we began with more Area Presidents reports

East, West and Central Africa (P15), and then the Finance report (p8) There was proposal to increase the Subcriptions but to be honest the Finance report was confusing and did not go down well - it will return on day 3..

Next was a presentation and video about the 27th Triennial Conference to be held in partnership with DMI (Daughters of Mary Immaculate) in Chennai, India in 2013 - it looks fascinating!

The Area Presidents continued their reports :-South East Asia and the Far east (p19), South Pacific (p23), USA - who got us all singing! (p25) Caribbean (P21) and of course Europe (p22)

As each Area President gave their reports the delegates from those areas went on the stage and stood behind them - this was a great way to see every ones costumes or corporate 'uniforms'

After Tea the New York UN rep told us about her work promoting the aspirations of women.

At then end of the day we returned to finance again - everyone was really tired by then!

However Resolution 1 & 2 were carried - see Circular 3

This is of course my own personal view from my notes - apologies if I get anything wrong. I hope you are all as disappointed as I was that my Husband did not find and equivalent to the Koh i Nor Diamond on the Diamond digging Spouses tour!

The Opening Ceremony was extremely moving - the official party entered the hall each escorted by a Hot Springs Firefighter in full formal dress uniform. The American Flags were brought into the Hall by a colour party of Veterans after which we all sang the National Anthem of the USA. The procession of Flags followed (they had only arrived in the boxes from London that afternoon) This was a very moving moment.

We were welcomed to the Conference by the Chairman of the Hostess Society who welcomed all sisters of the world. The USA Area President welcomed us saying her members came from North, South, East and West of the USA and told us about the Mississippi river being known as the father of waters and representing one of the largest rivers in the world which contributed to the expansion of the western frontier. Tammy Clampitt CVB - welcomed us to Hot Springs with a gift of an uncirculated quarter featuring Hot Springs which the National Mint had presented just a few days ago.

The World President responded and highlighted her first time in Arkansas when she met the Governor, Bill Clinton, who gave her a travellers certificate with the word that she must come back and bring others to Arkansas - tonight, she said, she had brought the world to Arkansas.

Her thanks were conveyed to the Conference organisers and the USA Area President and her members and to the 9 million members around the world in 46 countries. The world president then welcomed our special guest who was to open the Conference, Josie Fernades, Hot Springs National Park Superintendent.

This lady gave a very skilled and moving presentation which was very linked to ACWW's own goals and to the role of women. Josie talked about her post in the Women's rights Park in New York at Seneca Falls and the difficulties women had in setting up a convention in 1848 to press for women's right to own property and to vote - it took 72 years before this was achieved.

The Deputy World President (who had arrived just 15 minutes before ) gave the vote of thanks.

The World President then read the greetings to Conference from :-

• The 1st lady of Arkansas
• Malaysia
• Princess Astrid of Norway
• The Prime Minister of New Zealand
• The Governor of New South Wales(Australia)
• The Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland
• The President of Ireland Mary Macaleese
• The Prime Minister of Iceland who sent special greetings to those who were unable to travel because of the volcano.

Then Women from many rural organisations across the world presented their good wishes to Conference they were from the following countries :- Australia,Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway,Pakistan, South Korea, All the USA Societies and The Scottish Woman's Rural Institutes.

We then sang The Song of Peace..

Afterwards there was a reception with cakes and Cherry Aid - very American but very welcome! Altogether quite a wonderful evening.

Conference - Day One

This morning started with the Area Meetings - ours was chaired by the European Area Chairman and had just 16 people attending - 4 from England! We were welcomed and signed in with the words we are a small but powerful group and its quality not quantity that counts! It was announced that the conference programme will be changed around to allow for those people from Europe and the UK who may make it.

There were no papers for the meeting only the Chairman's rough copies as all the paperwork is stuck in Helsinki. As it was a small group everyone introduced themselves - the Irish contingent were keen to tell us about the next European Conference in Dublin which will be April 2011 - 4th to 8th at the Beaulie Hotel in Dublin - they have a web site at http://www.ica.ie/ but as this year is their Centenary they are very busy with that at present. The Theme will be the 'European Year of the Volunteer'

We then discussed the European resolutions making sure each had speaker to present them. The European total for Pennies for Friendship is 93K! There are 240 member associations in the European Area. The Area President than gave her report, a copy being given to everyone and she said how much she had enjoyed her time as President and had learnt a great deal.

We then adjourned for tea.

Next was the Council Meeting - the World President gave apologies from those not there explaining that some key figures will not make it especially from the UK.

We had one Minutes Silence for those members who had left us since the last Triennial Conference - these members were named.

Committee reports are in the Green Book - at an Airport somewhere - when they arrive delegates will be given one.

New member Societies across the world were named and welcomed into the ACWW Family.

We then had an emergency resolution to allow the election of officers to be conducted by electronic means during the time of the conference - this will be facilitated by the London Office and voting will now be on Sunday rather than Friday. Some grumbling about this but it was carried unanimously.

By-Law amendments came next - then it was lunch!

The stalls in the foyer were very interesting and provided lots of information on many projects and organisations

Treasurers Report

The Treasurer presented and excellent if difficult report thanking members of the Finance Committee for their work. The finance department was thanked and their photo's included in the presentation. However the focus at the end of the presentation was on the need for change with a number of proposals being suggested especially regarding 'restricted funds'. The UK gives 49% of all donations and we were thanked for this by delegates.

A copy of the Accounts is available and this can be shared with everyone on return.

The World President then made a 'good news announcement' - the boxes of papers had arrived

as these contain all the information and the Flags everyone was delighted. The meeting closed early before we return for the opening ceremony.

(On a personal note we were interviewed by two American TV Networks when we were in Little Rock about our feelings about being stranded in America by the Volcano - a Canadian delegate came up to me to say she had seen me on TV - we had not seen it at all - I hope everyone in America is now worried about my Tomarto plants and our dog!)

Our First Week in America

We arrived on the 13th and have been to visit Bill Clinton's Library before setting of with other Conference attenders (from Canada and Iceland) to Tennessee to visit Nashville and the Grand Ole Oprey, Memphis to visit B.B.Kings Club and of course Graceland which we all really enjoyed.

Today the 21st was Registration Day - we registered and received our conference bags - but guess what - they had not produced any Delegate packs for England as so many people are not here!
I have a copy of the Cookbook which has some super recipes and yes some from the UK. They are all anxious here as many of the staff were flying on Monday last and consequently did not arrive! Also much of the paper work, voting slips etc. are stuck at Heathrow!

I have met many people from across the world - but some people from Denmark had to take a bus to Norway and fly from there. It will be interesting to see how many people are at the E!urope Area meeting tomorrow!

More later