We are a small group of Hampshire WI members, who have formed a separate company to run this conference.

It was a great pleasure to welcome Merja Siltanen, the new European Area President, to Hampshire recently to meet the team. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other and to reveal all the plans that have been made so far.

In the picture are l-r   Pat Marshall (HCFWI Federation Chairman), Kyrene Beames, Ann Mattingley (Chairman of Conference Committee), Sue Atrill.  Front row  l-r  Ros Cooper, Gillian Thomas and Merja Siltanen.

The aims are:-

• To enable as many European Member Societies as possible to be represented at the Conference.
• To seek sponsorship to enable smaller Societies to be able to send a delegate.
• To enable the European Area of ACWW to play its part in ACWW, to improve the lives of it's members, their families and the communities in which they live.

Hampshire County Federation of Women's Institutes has almost 7500 members in 204 WIs and there is a great amount of enthusiasm and support for ACWW in the Federation.

Hampshire WI members have been very active in raising money to help sponsor delegates from all across Europe. To apply delegates should refer directly to the Area President. Hampshire members have also been busy raising money to help with the costs of the conference and we are indebted to them for their continuing support.

Hampshire members have supported projects to help HIV/AIDS victims in Africa. The Water for All project was supported and members continue to knit and send jumpers and writing materials as gifts to the Children of Zimbabwe and Swaziland.

The Hampshire Federation offers women the best opportunity to make an impact in their communities and to take an interest in and influence local, national and world issues affecting their families and commmunities, and to learn new and traditional skills.

To contact us:

Phone 01962 852721

e mail acww@hampshirewi.org.uk

Company Secretary  Mrs Ros Cooper

Company Reg. No. 5668531