Members of Cookhill WI were pleased to welcome 2 speakers, Doreen and Val, this evening to speak about ACWW. Many members were unaware of ACWW so Val began her talk by telling members about the beginnings of ACWW – starting with what the initials stands for –“ Associated Country Women of the World”. Founded in 1915, first chairman Madge Watts, who was the Canadian woman who brought the WI to the UK. She formed well over 300 WIs. After returning to Canada, became the founder Chairman of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). ACWW is one of the largest international development organisations for rural women. ACWW believes that through cooperation and understanding members can be empowered to create opportunities for women to exercise more power, make better decisions, and to support educational opportunities for women and girls, and help eliminate gender discrimination. Every three years ACWW holds their Conference when members worldwide gather together to discuss past and future projects. Past projects included funding for the establishment of a water tap in a village in Africa so women could use clean water for all their needs. Funding farming projects, again on a small but vital scale so women could grow, feed their families and sell produce at the local market. In 2016, the Conference was held at Warwick University, Coventry so Doreen was delighted that she would be able to attend. Doreen had encouraged WIs in UK to contribute craft items for her to take to offer to other women from different parts of the world for them to take home as souvenirs. Doreen was overwhelmed by the numbers of items created by WI members which were enjoyed by recipients. Doreen reminded members that the “donations” each WI collects through the Pennies for Friendship scheme started as it was felt each member could donate the smallest coin at modest cost to provide the funds for these various projects. It is pleasing that members now are even more generous and give not only pennies but pound coins too. Doreen and Val were thanked for their presentation and we invited to join with members for a welcome cup of Cookhill WI meets the second Wednesday of each month 7.30pm at Cookhill Village Hall. New members very welcome.