June 2011 - Women Welcome Women

Issue 71
Our Global Village
June 2011
Australia Celebrates 25 Years!
After many months of planning amongst our local members and
hostesses, Barbara McDonnell, Elsa Braun, Robyn Martin, Janene More,
Liane Heinke, Louise Nash, Margaret McCabe, Wanda Boyton, Susan
Walmsley, Annie Kane, Charmaine Clarke, many ideas were discussed
between us for this very special occasion and the BIG DAY arrived on
12 March 2011.
It was a warm and sunny day when our hostesses met the train at
Fassifern Station for our overseas and Australian members. Our BBQ
lunch was held at Blackalls Park on the west side of Lake Macquarie.
It was a GREAT way to meet and mix with our visitors and to get to know
them. After lunch it was off to the art gallery and Awaba house at
Booragull Aboriginal for "Summer/ Warm Place". Then on to the eastern
side of the lake to Warners Bay and a walk on the newer walkway which
juts out over the lake. That evening it was our Welcome Dinner at
Waratah Golf Club which overlooks the course, Cockle Creek and the
Watagan Mountains, with a lovely sunset. There was lots of chatter
amongst members. I gave all members a raffle ticket and the lucky
winning members Eunice Whitcombe, New Zealand and Lorna Hall,
Sydney, helped me cut our 1st Birthday Cake. After a relaxing meal with
good company it was an early night staying with our
hostesses.
On Sunday we
drove our guests to our member Liane
Heinke, for lunch. She has an Olive Farm at Pokolbin and
told us about the farm and what is involved with growing olives. After
lunch we went to Hunter Valley Gardens near Cessnock, what a lovely
area it is. Some members enjoyed the little train ride and commentary of
the gardens and it was a lovely afternoon, before heading home,
stopping for a meal along the way.
For the next day we had hired a coach to take us to Nelson Bay north of
Newcastle before our "Dolphin" watch cruise. We had a drive around
Port Stephens then aboard to see some pods of dolphins. Some of our
members went on the swimming net (which trails along the rear of the
boat) along with other passengers and, from the photos, it looks as if
they had a great time. There was an enjoyable lunch on board and then
our coach drove us to Birubi Point to the 30k stretch of pristine beach.
We were met by two coaches for another great trip along the beach and
Farewell Dinner at Newcastle Cruising
Yacht Club
Back Row: Louise Nash, Annie Kane,
Liane Heinke
Front Row: Susan Walmsley, Gloria Hodgs
on, Wanda Boyton, Barbara
McDonnell, Janene More, Robyn Martin
, Charmaine Clarke,
Elsa Braun, Margaret McCabe
sand dunes. Once again there were some brave members who climbed
the high dunes and "sandboarded" down - some even went back twice
for more! We had a "paddle" and were then shown how to look for
"pippys", a shell fish from which the flesh is cooked and eaten. Another
drive along the beach to "Tin City" shacks, which were lived in during
the depression. There are now only eleven still lived in and they can be
passed onto family but not added to or altered.
Another coach day, to Tocal Homestead, which is now part of C.B.
Alexander Agriculture College at Paterson, NSW. Tocal is Aboriginal
for "abundance". We had morning tea in the college dining room
before a guided tour of the old Tocal Homestead and the history of the
home and area. Then it was back to the college for a home cooked
bake dinner, after which we were driven to Morpeth Village, along the
Hunter River. Some of us took the horse and coach ride around the
town with Herman giving us some history and Julia the horse
seeming happy to do so. Some went for shopping and a coffee and
others went to the museum.
Our Farewell Dinner was at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and our
guest was an Australian poet, Bob Bush and it was a delight to hear
him recite his poems. During the evening it was time to give our
guests their farewell gift for our special birthday celebrations.
I also received a gift from members for the work I have done but, without
the input of all hostesses, this
Gathering would not have happened,
Message from 5W Chair,
so a BIG THANK YOU TO ALL.
Almuth Tharan
Without Frances Alexander's wonderful
on Page 2
vision in 1984 none of us would have
met. I hope our guests and members
5W Celebrating 100 Years of
went home with Happy Memories (not
International Womens' Day,
too many extra kilos) leaving their
see Page 3
friendships and footprints! Yes Women
Welcome Women World Wide does
Report on the Gathering in
WELCOME us in many parts of our
the Yorkshire Dales
world.. May we meet again at another
on Page 5
Gathering.
Gloria Hodgson.
Full list of future Gatherings
1st Member in Australia!
on Page 7
Is there a Local Group in
your Area?
Find out on Page 8
Members' and Office
Noticeboards enclosed
5W, 88 Easton Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1LT, UK
Tel/fax: +44 (0)1494 465441, www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk
Dear friends from all over the world,
A friend in need is a friend indeed – this English saying expresses an idea that is present all over the world, even if your
language puts it slightly differently. Over the last year we have seen more situations of need than usual. Apart from old
and new “man-made” problems, there has been an unusual number of natural disasters with or without a human
factor: floods in Pakistan, Australia and just at this moment on the Mississippi, fires in Russia, the earth quakes in New
Zealand and Japan, the latter including a horrible tsunami and followed by the severe accident in the atomic power
plant of Fukushima – just to name a few. All these left people in peril.
The 5W-office received numerous anxious enquiries about the safety of members in these regions – and offers to
help from members. Whenever a disaster happens in an area, where we have members, office and trustees get
asked to appeal to other members to donate for members in the area, too. Of course, we try to find out about the
well-being of our members in the disaster area, even though it is sometimes difficult to find out. And if you find out
about a members affected you may support her in any way you can.
But please understand that 5W is not a general international relief organisation. Collecting donations is no set
purpose of our organisation. There are experienced and recommended aid organisations in all regions of the world –
these organisations can help people in disaster areas in a much more effective way than we ever could.
We, the trustees of 5W, appreciate your compassion and willingness to help as much as members in or around disaster-striken areas do.
The message from Japanese members on this page is another proof of how even “only” moral support can ease pain and despair.
Yours,
Almuth Tharan
PS: I am writing this just after the board of trustees successfully held its annual meeting. Our organisation is doing well, I am happy to say, and we
discussed a lot of ideas – you will be able to read about all of this in the next newsletter in October.
With our gratitude from Japan
Dear 5W friends in affection,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful messages to my
bosom. Owing to your various encouragements, my
heart was crying with the sense of deep empathy. I’ve
no word to thank to you, but the life is always with you.
The following, local members in Chiba and around just
want to express their ‘special thanks’ to you . Now we
hope to meet you soon anywhere in Japan. With all
my love, Kayoco Tada in Chiba Pre.
Thank you for your concern. It’s nice of you to think of
us. We’ll let you know when things return to normal.
Anyway, thank you for your kind e-mails.
Setsuko Hosoya in Gunma Pre.
Thank you for your caring. We are well and safe. If
you have a chance to visit to Japan, you don’t worry
about radiation. We will welcome for your coming.
Michie Ito in Chiba Pre.
2011
rant on 24 April
an Italian restau
Michie
o,
Lunch meeting at
rik
Yu
o,
ak
Ay
,
Setsuko, Masako
miko, Kayoco
Nobuko, Mie, Ku
Thank you so much for your concern. We are keeping our spirits high and moving forward ! Yuriko Goto in Tokyo
Thank you for your expression of worry for Japanese. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan someday. Nobuko Nagai in Tokyo
Thank you for your kindly greetings. We are safe in this big disaster of the awful earthquake.
Mie Shimizu in Chiba Pre.
Thank you so much for your kindness from world wide. Kuniko Matsunaga in Saitama Pre.
‘ Arigato!’
Masako Imazu in Chiba Pre.
‘ Arigato.’
Ayako Takeda in Chiba Pre.
"WORLD PARTY", JAPAN
5W was invited to the first big international party as one of 12 groups in this city organised by KitaNagoya City International Association on 19 February. Hamako Ino and two new members, Kazuko
Kawai and Toyoko Yamada, worked with me at our display board with many lovely pictures showing
our activities for 25 years and Frances in mayor costume.
The party started with city mayor speech and then I gave a 5 minute presentation as an introduction
to 5W in front of many guests. All of us learned our 5W is still a unique international friendship
organisation and I really enjoyed mentioning our activities to the audiences. At the end of the party
we all sang "It's a small world" all together.
A few days later the big earthquake in NZ happened.
On 11 March east Japan was attacked by the huge earthquake and the most disastrous tsunami.
All 5W members in Japan were unhurt by the tsunami and the radiation effects from the nuclear
power plants in Fukushima, all of us live far from there. But I think we don't want to say we were
fortunate. Many members in Japan told me they received warm messages and concern from
members in other countries. We know how much you encouraged us!! I think all of us felt strongly
we are bound with other members' friendship and it is just a small world.
Noriko Aoki, 5W Trustee, Japan
-2-
Nine, Portsmouth Group, members met for lunch on Saturday 19th March the 100th anniversary of the first International Women’s Day 1911.
Our special thoughts were with the many members around the world who have been
affected by so many disasters that we hear about too often.
It was great to see some new faces – three joined 5W within the last year or so. Is
anyone interested in joining our mailing list? How about contacting members near
you to start your own local group? We are not very active but even though we only
get together once or twice a year (this time there were nine of the 20 contacted) it is
great fun and an opportunity to hear from others about their travels, visitors or just
contacts they have made. As one member at the table reminded us, 5W is a unique
organisation. Jacqui Downie, 5W Trustee and Local Group Organiser,
Hampshire, UK
A group of members from Marlow and the High Wycombe area met up at
Hildreth’s, a local garden centre, for a celebratory lunch in the cosy restaurant
there. The staff did us proud with a beautifully set table and a tasty meal. We
started with a toast to one hundred years of IWD, to 5W and to ourselves - well,
we hadn’t seen each other for some time! Frances could not join us but sent a
quiz for us to puzzle over, testing our knowledge of influential women who had
had connections with High Wycombe over the centuries, starting with Queen
Mathilda in the Middle Ages and coming right up to the present day with lady
mayors of High Wycombe. It was a revelation to us all. What a town! What
women! Must be something in the air! And 5W is like the cherry on the top.
Elizabeth Dean, High Wycombe
Port Macquarie, Australia Mid, North Coast Luncheon at Manbucca
Heads Island Golf Course. Mavis’ sister-in-law came along too and told us
of her childhood in the Phillipines and how difficult it was to learn Aussie
English when she came to live here. Glenyce and Coral also told us of their
trip to Canada - their first venture abroad! A very happy day, enjoyed by all.
Desiree Hodgson and Shirley Martin, Australia
Those Present - Mavis Ward, Georgette Allen, Glenys Wilkinson, Coral
Robbie, Louise Barr, Margaret Moon, Desiree Hodgson, Shirley
Martin, Jan Hackett, Ethel McLellan and a
couple of friends
Photo from left:
Cynthia Gryst, Isa
Jacqui Downie,
belle Cottenden
Terri Freeman,
,
Anne Dale,
Shrewbury, Mary
Goater, Eileen Ra Pat Taylor, Nina
nn (Phillips)
Adelaide 5W members met at Hazelwood Park on Sunday, March
6th to celebrate International Women's Day. Sibylle Tunstall from
Munich was here to celebrate with us as was Margit's friend June from
Johannesburg. Sue Ormsby had a Japanese student staying with her
and she kindly took the photograph for us. A special guest [up in a
nearby tree] was a koala. It kept a close eye on the chatter beneath it!
Cathy Young, Adelaide, Australia
At the picn
ic are Back
Row: Mario
Margit Pehr
ssoon, Helen n Favretto, Pat McElro
2nd Row: M
y, Joyce W
Gilgen, Sue
ar
est,
ga
Ormsby,
re
t Wer
Seated: June
(Johannesb fel, Audrey Weigh, Alan Faye Lush
ur
a
g)
Ze
,
rja
Ca
l-Mellor
th
Tunstall (M
unich), Roby y Young, Jacquie Pars
low, Sibylle
n Golding,
Judith Mor
In Front: Ja
ga
n
n Geddes
-3-
Ten of us met to tour the new Dali Art Gallery on 24 February.
A successful day and then some of us had lunch and a tour of wondertful Chihuly.
Left to right: Pauline McEwan, Jean Lynch, Jo Bellett, Mary Schultz and Eileen
Sugg.
The Kent Group then met again on 2 April to celebrate the Group’s 10th Birthday.
There were two Australian visitors, Doreen Vernon and Julienne Hendricks and
one from the USA - Susan Goldsworthy, a new member studying at Kent
University.
Pauline McEwan, Canterbury, UK
I’ve recently come back from
Trelow, Chubut province after a visit to some members living
there (Beatriz, Nelly and Lidia) and I want to show some photos of our
meeting in Patagonia. The weather was extraordinarily nice and the place
very interesting, but the most important thing was the wonderful experience
of living with two different members and enjoying good talks, long walks,
afternoons sitting by the sea and succulent lunches in restaurants or their
homes.
I was lucky
enough to visit
a sanctuary of
penguins and
went to see
dolphins
(toninas) of
the part of the
globe that are
black and
white, swimming and
playing in
the ocean. I
also went to
Gainman
with two members to
drink English tea. Many Welsh people went to live in
Patagonia and established farms there in 1865. I love to travel around the
world but also enjoy sharing time with Argentinian friends and this is only possible because of our
organisation.
Laura Garcia, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The large crazy blanket that I wake up to every day fills me with
nostalgia, excitement and inspiration. With nothing much to do during
freezing but glorious Alaskan winters, I was shown how to knit and
haven't stopped in three years! The yarn I collected from various
sources, little town stores, markets and gifts
from friends.The blanket tells the story of the
many road trip adventures I have had!
I've now been down every main road in Alaska
by car or train, luxuriated in the colours of Fall,
served ice cream at country fairs, felt the heat
of summer and seen the Fireweed turn from
flower to seed and foretell the onset of winter.
I've heard the wind whipping against the log
cabin roof, the frozen trees crack and split with
the weight of snow and ice, listened to the
chilling sound of howling huskies raring to race
off across the snow. Every inch of the blanket
represents an experience, emotion or just the joy
and freedom of being in Alaska and learning
about a very different way of life. In fact there are
now two blankets, neither yet completely finished.
Neither is the journey! The second blanket, also
begun in Alaska continues the story of my journey
from Fairbanks through Tok, down the Alcan
Highway (what an exciting drive in the winter that
was!) across the Yukon and Canada to Seattle.
From there I drove (still solo) all around the
western peninsula, down the west coast and
across to Bisbee, New Mexico, Alburqueque, and
on to Memphis where The Blues and Elvis's impact on music history was
a huge learning curve. Heading north across the prairies and Indian
territories, I couldn't believe the engineering feat and impact of the Crazy
In February, Marie
Gracey from
Mooloolaba, Australia
and I visited Tanzania
where we met 5W
member Frida Lauwo
in Arusha, who took us
to the office of Women
in Action for
Development where
we met Elizabeth, who
is one of the
organisers. WIA is a
non governmental
organisation
promoting
development of
women, including
AIDs awareness
and treatment.
They have a
house adjoining
the office where
Sandy Bell, Elizab
eth (WIA, Marie Gr
volunteers from
acey and Frida
Lauwo on the ve
randa of the WIA
around the world
Office
come to stay while
helping them in their work. Frida and
Elizabeth took us to the Unity School that is partly funded by WIA.
This is an English school with facilities for boarders and is very well
run by the Principal and teachers. We sat in class with Grade 2
children and Marie taught them a game to help them remember times
tables. We took gifts of pens, pencils, playing cards, hats and
numerous airline 'goodie bags' that were well received. Sandy Bell,
Lincolnshire, UK
Horse Monument on the landscape - in comparison Mount Rushmoor left
me cold. I headed up through the Dakotas and Montana mountains to
Yellowstone National Park where the earth literally boils and the
crystallised sulphur paints pools of many
colours. I continue to knit the blanket, stitching
it together as I go. It's full of knots, loops and
ribbons.The joining stitches represent the
rivers and lakes. Both blankets are very heavy
and I hope I never have to wash them!
On the road trip, I slept in the car or camped
under the stars. Buffalo, elk and eagles, sea
lions and many birds and flowers decorated
the journey of 13,000 miles. My thanks to the
two lovely 5W members who gave me a bed
and wonderful hospitality. If the lady I met at
the campsite north of Yellowstone, where we
shared a camping space and slept in the car
because of the bears, has joined 5W please get in touch!
This summer, I shall again be heading off to
the USA for another road trip. I hope to get
up to Prudhoe Bay up the Dalton Highway the ice truckers road. After that, will head
on south to the Carolinas and Georgia. If
any one wants to join in at any stage,
contact me. Next year, I shall be driving
London to Sydney/New Zealand and have
a spare seat if anyone wants to join in for
any part of the journey, or the London to Cape Town trip the following
year. Its going to be quite a ride!! If anyone is looking for peaceful, river
side accommodation near Marlow, for the summer @ B&B rates, just ask!
Corinna Whitfield, UK [email protected]
-4-
Getting Together with 5W!
Yorkshire Dales, UK - January 2011
After being a member of 5W for ten years, earlier this year I spent three days at
The Mill in West Burton at the first winter Gathering. There I met Frances
Alexander and Pauline McEwan and heard about how 5W was started and
developed over the years. Now I really feel that I am a full member of this
wonderful organisation.
There were five members in all during the three days I spent relaxing, sewing,
walking and talking and I think I can speak for everyone who went to the
Gathering when I say a good time was had by all! We walked up the valley
through the fields, around the village, being invited in to look around the
church, had a warm welcome when we had lunch at the local pub and
enjoyed coffee in the village shop when Frances needed to go online. The
accommodation was warm and comfortable, set by the river with the sound
of the water cascading down nearby. The food was good too, I didn’t cook!
I say that I was at the First Winter Gathering as I hope that it will become an
annual event and do hope that many more members will come along in the
future. It was a great way to get through the dark winter days.
Anne Ramsden, UK
Frances
A
lexander
,
Sheelagh Pauline McEwan
,
Dobson
and Sue Anne Ramsden,
Coventry
My husband John and I spent a few days in Yorkshire at the wonderful holiday home belonging to Hilda Matthews in West Burton.
The setting was superb - an old mill fantastically rebuilt and refurbished to a very high standard, next to a gushing waterfall. We were lucky to have four
days of glorious sunshine, blue skies, cold outside but very warm and cosy inside. I was lucky enough to see Pat Beasley from Cornwall again after
twelve years and meet three new friends from Yorkshire and Leicestershire. Thank you Hilda and Frances for giving us the opportunity to join you both.
Pauline McEwan, Canterbury, UK
Reflecting on my first experience of a 5W Gathering, first I must say that I have been thoroughly enthused by it and believe that 5W will be an ongoing
interest in my life. I hope to meet many more members and be part of future Gatherings in this country and possibly elsewhere. I really enjoyed
meeting the other 5W members at The Mill and hearing about their experiences. It has helped me to see the possibilities of being a member. The Mill
was a beautiful venue for the Gathering and we were fortunate with the weather. The scenery was quite stunning and I keep looking at my photos and
thinking, was I really there? There is something for everyone in 5W and something that everyone can contribute. It is up to us to discover those
somethings! Sheelagh Dobson, UK
It was good to meet a few fellow travellers for the first time. I had a lovely day out and we managed to get home before dark, with the car making one of
those very expensive sounding noises under the bonnet, something to do with the wrong mix of oil and diesel. The irony was that Frances and I had
just been discussing world oil shortages and the virtues of low carbon travel, but my journey from North Yorkshire to the Dales must surely have been
one of the most carbon rich trips of the year! Oh well, it was worth it. Penny Pringle, UK
My First
Experience of
Japan!
In January, twenty
three members
convened at my
home to view a
slide show and to
hear all the
highlights of my
recent, exciting,
solo trip to Japan.
It all began with a
friendship formed
with Shizuko
Hayashi from
Tokyo at an
Australian
Gathering in
2004, who
subsequently
visited me. Over
many months I
made careful
Pollmeyer in Tokyo
et
rgr
Ma
and
hi
Shizuko Hayas
preparations to
pay a return visit during the autumn
foliage-viewing season, last November. Not only was my four week stay
blessed with fine weather, but I was overwhelmed by the warmth of my
reception on arrival in Tokyo.
Welcomed as a family member in their homes, throughout my onward
journey I enjoyed generous 5W hospitality and also occasionally stayed in
comfortable hotels as I travelled by car, train, Shinkansen (the bullet train),
bus and underground rail to Karuizawa, Yokohama, Chiba, Nagoya,
Kyoto and Nara. My hostesses introduced me to the delights of
Japanese cuisine, which is both healthy and delicious; I have gradually
begun to master the use of chopsticks!
-5-
Everywhere on my travels I was continuously impressed by the courtesy,
dress and friendly demeanour of everyone who went out of their way to
be extra welcoming and helpful. Cleanliness prevailed in the streets and
there was no sign of graffiti, litter or antisocial behaviour, such as pushing
and shoving or using mobiles in public.
Throughout the countryside, the changing autumnal leaf colours of
mountain ash, maple and ivy all crowded together, made a heartwarming
spectacle; their dramatic tones reaching a crescendo of brilliant yellows
and crimsons. I had the good luck to witness majestic Mount Fuji without
any cloud cover and felt uplifted by the peaceful gardens, temples and
shrines. Later, I was taken by my hostess to see elaborate customized
kimonos being assembled. I luxuriated in the Onsen or hot spring baths
and the warmth of the toilet seats was both unexpected and appreciated.
In addition to my introduction to what seemed an entirely new world, I
undertook a comparative study of care-home provision for the elderly in
both Germany and Japan. In Narita I had been asked to speak on
environmental and social issues in Germany to an assembled 5W group
as well. On occasion I tentatively tried out a few Japanese phrases which
I had learnt and this both surprised and pleased my hostesses.
I am still reeling from the excitement of it all! In June, I hope to welcome
several of my Japanese friends here in Germany. Meanwhile I am
searching out ingredients and experimenting with Japanese cookery, as
well as planning my next trip. Margret Pollmeyer, Germany
In Memory
Ruth Kaljee, Western Australia
1921 - 2010
Ruth travelled and met 5W members well into her 80s. A precious 5W
member and an entertaining storyteller, we are richer for her 5W
participation.
Elinor Warkentin, 5W Trustee, Canada
Happy experience while I was hosting
two UK 5W members! During the past
seven plus years since my long term
friend Elisabeth Cannegieter, now
residing in Sydney, Australia introduced
me to 5W, I have been delighted to
welcome many members to be my
guests in my Takapuna Beach home in
Auckland New Zealand. Two recent
English Members, Wendy Jones and
Jessica De Michel who visited with me for
four days in March 2011 had an
experience with a very happy outcome.
I was taking them on a day visit to the East
Coast Bays beaches in Auckland.
Unfortunately, Wendy inadvertently left her
day pack containing her important
documents and cash on a park bench on
Mairangi Bay beach while photographing
the magnificent islands of the Rangitoto
Channel and Hauraku Gulf Islands. It was
not until the end of the day, after we had
been invited to play petanque at Browns Bay
Beach, that Wendy realised she had lost her
day pack. I left my card with the Petanque
players and they agreed to telephone their
players who had left
the beach earlier in the hope that one had inadvertently picked up
Wendy's bag.
We discussed the other places where Wendy
might have left her bag and I drove them back
to Mairangi Bay Beach. I was delighted to find
a hand written note stapled to the park bench
where we had sat earlier in the day. It read:
"To the English lady who left something here,
it is in the Surf Club now and will be taken to
the Police Station this evening." Not signed
and no telephone contact.
I encouraged Wendy to accompany me to
the Surf Club building and two young
Volunteer Life Savers advised us to go to
the top level of their Club House. A young
Surf Life Saver listened to me as I
explained the purpose of our visit. She
went away and returned within minutes
with a "Report sheet" and Wendy's Day
Pack. Wendy was so relieved and
overwhelmed to have been able to
retrieve her bag containing valuable
documents.
The next day I encouraged Wendy and
Jessica to accompany me to the local
newspaper office on the hope that they would
publish the a report of the incident. A reporter took notes on the event
and a photograph, which appeared in The North Shore Times. A
reminder of just how honest, caring and safe New Zealand people are.
Fay Hobday, New Zealand
I’m still working on my Bucket List while I’m fit and able - starting
September 2010, I had a wonderful 2 months in USA and Canada,
spending 3 days with my sometimes travel partner, Anne Backus, before
the US Gathering. Then Christina Zoeller from Toronto and I had a
fabulous time on a cruise from LA through the Panama Canal to Miami.
A great travel companion, great shows, great food! Jacqui Parslow from
Adelaide joined me in Miami to explore for four days, a real coincidence
that we were to be there at the same time. Then I flew up to Toronto,
where Christina was a wonderful host to me and took me to Niagara Falls.
I hope we can travel together again some time in the future.
My “Brush Up Your French” internet teacher, Denise Bureau in Montreal
hosted me and invited other members to a lovely dinner to meet me.
They were delightful and so welcoming. While Denise was preparing
dinner, I was lucky to have Sylvie Fortin and her friend from Lille, France
to show me around Montreal. Kay Nelson in Minneapolis hosted me and
she also invited members to meet me for lunch and some had driven long
distances to be there. Then to Traverse City, Michigan where Cynthia
Russell and Fran Teeter co-hosted me, as Cynthia had read on Facebook
that I would be in the area, so invited me to visit. I was hosted by Mary
and Bob Schultze at Union, Michigan. Mary collected me from the
Chicago airport and I enjoyed visiting the Chicago Irish Day with her
before the lovely drive to her beautiful lakeside home, where I loved the
kayaking. With her sister, Jeanne Clark, I had a great time ten-pin
bowling and enjoyed swimming laps in her pool, albeit a very ‘high-up’ one
- her driving around Chicago was a thrill! I had a wonderful lunch with
Flora Breidenbach and her husband, Herbert, who also gave me a guided
tour of the Ernest Hemingway house. Then on to Mickey Nuncio, one of
our newest members, who was delighted to have me as her first
experience of hosting and is now looking forward to hosting more.
My last host in America was Marilyn Jamora. She and her husband,
Frank, were wonderful hosts and I was delighted to spend time with her
98 year old mother - hard to believe, as she is more like an 80 year old.
Once again, more sightseeing of the lovely Chicago area.
5W is wonderful - I had already met fourteen of the above members
before in Estonia, Alaska, High Wycombe, New Mexico and New Zealand.
I then flew from Chicago to Nice, France to my son’s apartment
overlooking the harbour at Villefranche-sur-Mer for 6 days and I was able
to host Maureen Dennis from Taplow, near High Wycombe, as she had
hosted me for 3 days in 2008 when I was there for the 25th Anniversary
Celebration Lunch and High Wycombe Gathering. So, yes, 5W is an
amazing group - so far Alf and I have enjoyed hosting forty members, but
I have been hosted by 50, some with Alf and some on my own, so I still
have a bit of catching up to do! At this stage we still don’t know when we
will stop all the travelling? We will fly over to Australia in April to mind
three little dogs, then from May to August we fly to the Big Island, Hawaii
to mind three cats. Back to Australia to mind a cute little dog - so we are
booked up at least until 26 September.
Norma Crawford-Meads, New Zealand
Another good year with 5W is over. I don't do a lot of travelling, but meet
quite a few people here and just can't help thinking how interesting our
members are - people I would never come to meet otherwise. People who
have talent, enthusiasm, empathy, who care and do! One of the first things
that impressed me about 5W - they are people who don't sit at home
hoping something will happen, they make it happen.
Liisa Huhtala-Halme, Finland
l
wel
ses or
r,
s
e
l
e
l
t
d
e
s
trav ial ho ounce s
a 5Wpotent nann panion
s
u om
A
up
e to
c
writ er turn elling
o
t
av
er , nev
r
t
b
em
ce
te d
rem advan expec
in th un
wi
dacott
June En
na Routk
and Mari
In September 2010, a friend and I were fortunate enough to enjoy
a cruise on Russian rivers, from St Petersberg to Moscow. On
one of our afternoons in Moscow we met with Marina Routkovskaya,
who was kind enough to take us to tour Tolstoy's house. We were
indeed fortunate to have Marina to translate for us from the guides in
the house, ensuring that we learnt so much more than just looking.
It was a lovely afternoon and great to meet Marina and learn of life
in Moscow - thank you Marina.
June Endacott, Australia
ovskaya
- 6-
Gatherings
With any enquiry about a Gathering, send an SAE or 2 International Reply Coupons (IRCs) from your post office
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Monday 23rd-Saturday 28th April 2012
Cologne (Germany):
Thursday 16 - 21 June 2011
A small group of Dutch 5W members are organising a Gathering in
Amsterdam. During the 5 days we will be making guided coach trips in
Amsterdam and in the rest of the country to: the Flowergarden Keukenhof,
A week in World Heritage town Cologne! We
Den Haag, Delft, Marken, Volendam & the Windmills of the Zaanse
offer a stay with much time for relaxing, talking
and a flexible and optional program of half day tours Schans. Accommodation 5 nights in a 4 star hotel in Amsterdam (Hotel
in and out of town. We welcome a group of 10 women in Cologne. You can Artemis). Price: 700 euro for a shared double room, 990 euro for a single
room. Included: accommodation, all breakfasts and dinners, some
either stay at the home of 5W members for free or in a hotel on your own
costs if you want. Leisure time in the morning, guided tours in our company lunches, canal cruise, coaches, guide and entrance fees. For enquiries
and bookings please contact: Magda Dwarkasing at:
in the afternoon, e.g. cathedral, ship tour on the river Rhine, museums,
[email protected], she will send you more information about the
singing and local attractions. Evenings are meeting with 5W women
programme, a booking form and information about the method of payment.
including familiar dinners at home, visits to cultural events etc. The
Farewell dinner and possibly one night in the hotel (limited capacity) can
gathering is themed: Take your time with us in Cologne. If interested,
be booked separately for Dutch, Belgian and German 5W members, who
contact mail to: [email protected].
do not participate in the complete programme. The costs will be
Please contact Annette Nold, Nußbaumerstr 76, 50823 Köln, Germany,
communicated at a later stage.
email [email protected]
Chicago, 31 May - 10 June 2012
Hidden Gems of Andalucia
17-22 September 2011
A small Gathering (maximum 13 people) touring the lesser known
attractions of Andalucia. Staying at a typical Spanish cortijo, joining in the
local fiesta, visiting the historic town of Antequera and the unique rock
formations of El Torcal,the Andalucian Lake District and the caves of
Ardales, plus other notable sites. The gathering will start and end in Malaga
City but sadly is unsuitable for members who have problems with mobility.
The cost is €300 and includes travel by private coach, b&b accommodation
in twinbedded rooms at the Cortijo La Nava and some other meals.
For further information contact: Maggie Stevenson
email address: [email protected] or Christine Watson
email address: [email protected]
A HISTORY OF 5W!
New and Improved! 11 days of Art, Amish and Architecture plus music
festivals, ethnic dining and evening with families. See the Bean! See the
Spire! If interested, contact Mary Schultze at [email protected]
Tentative cost $1200-1500 depending on lodging.
Flanders Fields, Ypres (Belgium) :
10 - 15 September 2012
Ria Monten and Jennie Vanlerberghe are organising a gathering in Ypres
in memorial of the 1st World War. Program: visit Ypres (Flanders Fields
museum, ramparts, city walk, Menin Gate + Last Post) and the
surrounding area: Tyne Cot cemetery in Passendale, Diksmuide
(trenches), Langmark (German cemetery) etc. + visit the Somme area in
France. Accommodation in a hotel in the historical Market Place in Ypres.
Price: approx. 580 Euro: included : accommodation, all meals, coaches,
guides and entries. Max. 25 participants. If you would like to see a specific
cemetery, please let us know and we'll include it in our program. Was
your (great)-(grand)father (or other relatives) during WW1 (1914 - 1918) in
Ypres or surroundings?
Please tell us your story. We'll then make a booklet of all the stories.
Contact: Ria Monten: email: [email protected]
(PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)
A 5W Exhibition will be held
at the museum in High Wycombe
from 23 July to 4 October 2011.
This will also feature the launch of the Women's Walk Trail
- a walk created by Frances Alexander for the 1989 High
Wycombe Gathering.
As part of our exhibition, we plan to include
digital recordings from members,
'voicing' their experiences with 5W.
Sydney, Australia - October 2012
Local members are planning a gathering to visit Sydney attraction,
including Blue Mountains and Canberra. Show of interest please to Coral
Walsh, Trustee in Australia, [email protected]
Get-Togethers
Walking England! Would you like to walk across England? For a few
days – or all the way? At the moment, we're thinking around September or
October 2011. You don't need to be an athlete (we're not!). And we plan
to hire a daily luggage service to carry the heavy stuff. We'd like to hear
from anyone interested in the idea. (And anyone who has any tips).
Email us with your details to find out more, or write to Sandy Fitts
([email protected]) and Meg Basset
5W Message Groups
There is an email group run by members for members. If anyone is interest- ([email protected]). Postal address: Sandy Fitts, 36 King
ed in joining the group, please contact one of the organisers - Marie Gracey Street, North Fitzroy, (Melbourne), Victoria 3068, Australia
[email protected], Jacqui Knight
[email protected], Rita Lane-Smith [email protected] or
Turku, Finland - The European Capital of Culture 2011
Kay Smith [email protected]
A get-together at the beginning of July. Please contact Liisa Kujala
Josiane Vossen has also set up a 5W Facebook page. If you would like to
liisa.kujala@luukku,com , Outi Hallamaa, [email protected], or
join, simply type 5w women welcome women in the Facebook searchbar, Liisa Huhtala-Halme [email protected]
the 5W group will come up and you need to press 'Join Group'. You will
then receive a message from Josiane asking for your membership number
and country under which you are listed.
A group of 5W ladies are travelling from Adelaide to Darwin
Any 5W member can start up their own email group - just let the office know
with a travel company camping 7-21 September 2011. Approx
if you choose to do this and we will include details in the newsletter.
$1800 AUD. If interested in joining us, please contact Eunice Whitcombe,
Please note that 5W Trustees and Office are in no way responsible for the
New Zealand, [email protected] or truelytribal.com.au
running, organisation or content of these groups.
-7-
Local Groups
Arranged by local members for local members and visitors!
Meet for coffee...Visit places of interest...Make new friends...Phone around...Start a Group
Argentinian Groups, Buenos Aires Meet alternate months - details from
Japan: Tokai Group (Aichi, Mie, Shizuoka and Gifu) Contact Kumiko
any member there. Chubut - contact Nelly Maria Jesús Ellena, email:
Annaka, [email protected]
[email protected]
Australia: Adelaide Group welcome local members and visitors. Contact
Cathy Young, tel: 08 8261 4253, email: [email protected] or
Jacqueline Parslow, tel: 08 8331 9345, email: [email protected]
Australia:Canberra Group Get togethers Feb, May, Aug, Nov.Contact
Betty Olsen, 15/3 Shepherdson Place, Isaacs, ACT 2607, Australia, tel:
(0)2 62901711, email: [email protected]
Australia: Darwin Contact Jackie Das Gupta, tel: 08 8985 2650,
email: [email protected]
Australia: Lake Macquarie Contact Gloria Hodgson, 8/166 Main Road,
Speers Point, Lake Macquarie, NSW 2284, Australia,
tel: 02 49 508648, email: [email protected]
Australia: Port Macquarie Contact Shirley Martin (02) 6559 5200,
[email protected] or Desirée Hodgson (02) 6582 2863,
[email protected]
Australia: SE Queensland Group, Lunch & Mtg 11.45 pm The Women's
College, Univ of Queensland 2nd Sat Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec;
Book Group 2nd Sat of odd months 12.30 pm bring-a-plate lunch/book
discussion; Coffee/Lunch/activity: 4th Sat odd months . Meet between
11.00-11.30am Treasury Casino, Brisbane’s CBD (no backpacks allowed).
No need to RSVP. If you plan to visit SEQld (Brisbane, Gold Coast,
Sunshine Coast), arrange to meet local members, contact Marion Jones,
+61(0)7 33554432, [email protected] (address from the 5W List).
Australia: Sydney Members meet monthly for various outings. Visitors
welcome. Coral Walsh (02) 9528 4096, [email protected] or
Grace Bendall (02) 9363 9025, [email protected]
Australia: Tasmania Pls contact Janene Hancock, 10 Heather Road,
Risdon
Vale,
Hobart,
Tas
7016,
tel/fax
03
62436757,,
[email protected]
Australia: Victoria Please contact Ruth Fleming, 60 Cummins Rd, East
Brighton, VIC 3187, tel: (0)3 9576 5731, [email protected] or
Margaret Fleming, 23 Hakatere St, Northcote, VIC 3070, tel: 613
94810221, [email protected]
Australia: Western Australia Meet four times a year. Please contact
Anne Begg, 153 Whitfield Street, Bassendean, Perth, WA 6054, tel: 08
9279 9784, [email protected]. See website for upcoming dates
http://www.glaezer.de/5winwa/5WinWA.html
Belgian Group Meets regularly 2 or 3 times a year. Details from Ria
Monten, rue d’Ardevoor 55, B-1357 Hélécine, tel/fax: (00)19-655839,
email: [email protected]
Japan: Chiba Group (Hara-Tance) Meets 2nd or 3rd Friday of even
months with lunch at Secrets by the Seashore. Love to see you any time.
Contact Kayoco Tada on [email protected] or Sasami Yamada
on [email protected]
Kenya Kisumu Lake Region: Meets 4th Sunday of each month at 2pm
at Kenyatta Sports Ground. Contact Gladys Ogembo, P O Box 498440103, Kondele, Kisumu, Kenya, mob 0733 901 772
Sweden: Helsingborg Group Contact Jill Hilford, [email protected]
Sweden: Stockholm Group Meet four times a year, once every season.
For
details
contact
Sonja
Holmedal,
tel:
8511
72300,
[email protected]. Visitors always welcome.
Switzerland: Basel Region
Please contact Ursula Fink email
[email protected] or Doris Pletscher, Burggartenstr 34, 4133 Pratteln,
tel/fax 061 811 1751.
Scottish Group: Meets first Saturday of most months, for lunch plus a
visit to an exhibition, garden or somewhere else to enjoy. Members living
in or visiting Scotland are always very welcome. Contact Jean Thompson,
0131 447 4622 [email protected]
UK, Cambridge Group: Contact Vicky Russell, PO Box 225, Cambridge
CB3 9RB, tel: 0776 5413461 or email [email protected]
UK, Devon Group: Please contact Pat Beasley on 01626-870676 or
email: [email protected]
UK, East Midlands Group: Would anyone like to volunteer to take over
as organiser of this Group? Pls let the office know.
UK, Kent Group: Contact Pauline McEwan 01227 452349,
email [email protected]
UK, London Group: Meets 1st Sunday of months of January, March,
May, July, September, November.. Contact Gerda Baron, London NW2
5QU, Tel: 020 8459 3608 or Maureen Jackson, London N14 4SY
email [email protected]
UK, North East England Group: Contact Ruth Colclough, tel: 0779 539
2941, email: [email protected]
UK,
Portsmouth
Group:
Contact:
[email protected], tel 02392 798366.
Jacqui
Downie,
Canada: Greater Toronto Area Group Meet twice a year, in Spring and
Fall.
Date and location vary.
Contact Mary Buie
[email protected], 416-240-8989
UK, Surrey Group: Meet twice yearly, if you would like to be added to
mailing list if you live in or near Surrey, please contact
[email protected] or [email protected] or call
Sheila on 020 8942 8828
Canada: Vancouver Group Monthly coffee Get-Together upstairs at the
Blue Parrot, a coffee shop on Granville Island in market area, 4th Sunday
of every month at 11.00am. Contact Elinor Warkentin 604-683-0898
[email protected]
UK, Welsh Border Group: Are you interested in joining our Group?
Meetings to include various activities and country walks, sharing meals
and making new friends. Please contact Jane Hider 01694 723468,
[email protected]
Finland: Contact Liisa Huhtala-Halme, Kluuvintie 11, FIN-02180 Espoo,
Finland, tel: (09) 524225, email: [email protected]
Germany: Bremen Group meets regularly 2nd Saturday of each month
- and enjoy visitors. Please contact: Christine Dalley,
email: [email protected]
Germany: Frankfurt Group Meet last Saturday afternoon of each month.
Contact Brigitte Clasen tel: 06151 21004, [email protected] or Joyce
Szameitat tel: 06054 6924, [email protected]
Germany: Kassel Group Meet every 3 months at a member’s home.You
are welcome to join us. Contact Brigitte Kroeger, Emil-von-Behring Str 26,
34576 Homberg, tel: 05681 71751, [email protected]
Germany: Munich Group Meets every 3 months at Eine-Welt-Haus in
80336 München, Schwanthaler Str 80.
Please contact:[email protected] or [email protected]
Germany: Stuttgart Group Meets regularly 1st Sat each month at
restaurant Trollinger or for various outings. Details: Bärbel Ott, D70565,0711 9074305 or Anne Ross, 0711 362498, [email protected]
Hungary: Budapest Group Contact Maria Novak, tel: 1 3414 660,
[email protected]
UK, Wessex Group:
[email protected]
Contact
Jo
Sherrell,
01202
460739,
UK, West Midlands/Staffordshire Contact Helen Sant for details of our
next meeting, [email protected], 01926 470406
UK, Yorkshire/Lancashire group Are you interested in joining our new
Group? We have the beginnings of a group, meeting in the Todmorden
area and would welcome ideas,opinions and especially you if you want
to make new friends and join in discussions and activities.
Please contact Sue Coventry email [email protected]
USA: Boston Group Members meet each month for social activities.
New local members and visitors, please contact
Kim Giovacco, [email protected] or 774 269 6558 for details.
USA: Sacramento Valley & Sierra Foothills Contact Jane Thomson
[email protected]
USA: Midwest/Great Lakes Group contact Mary Schultze at
[email protected]
USA: Minnesota Group Love to have visitors, contact Mary Roberts,
218 765 3305
-8-