Click here to see the 2012 AGM and AGM Dinner Gallery of photos
Ninety members of BFWG met on Friday 13th July at Wymondham College, Norfolk to conduct the 102nd Annual General Meeting and Conference.
On Friday evening after dinner they heard a lively and amusing presentation from Catherine Reynolds, Director of Communications at John Innes.
On Saturday after a business session the illustrated Keynote Address was given by Professor Anna Robinson-Pant , the Professor of Education and Director of the Centre for Applied Research in Education at the University of East Anglia. She spoke on the theme:

' EMPOWERING WOMEN: IS EDUCATION THE KEY?'

Robinson-pant
She talked about her experiences of working with women and girls in rural Nepal for about ten years where she worked as a teacher educator, educational planner and researcher with various aid agencies, including Voluntary Service Overseas and ActionAid. Her study of women's literacy and development in Nepal entitled 'WHY EAT GREEN CUCUMBER AT THE TIME OF DYING?' which explored the link between women's literacy and development (2001 Unesco Institute for Education) won the UNESCO International Award for Literacy Research. Since coming to UEA she has conducted action-oriented research in the local area, including projects with international students and with teachers and children in Norfolk Primary Schools.

After lunch another business session was held where several new officers were elected. After tea Workshop Sessions were conducted on International Matters, Financial Matters and --in the computer suite--'IT for the Timid' was a practical 'hands-on' session to help members with their computer and internet skills.

The Conference Dinner was held at the historic Great Hospital in the centre of Norwich. Baroness Gillian Shephard was the Guest of Honour and she responded to the Toast to the Guests given by President Jenny Morley. She then proposed the Toast to the British Federation of Women Graduates. Members and guests ate an excellent three course meal with wine and thoroughly enjoyed the convivial atmosphere and Lady Shephard's amusing speech. In her reply on behalf of the Federation the President reminded Members that their motto 'let us perfect the art of friendship' was about friendship with a purpose, over half a million pounds having been given away by BFWG to help girls and women with education b during the years 2009 and 2010.

 2012 marks ONE HUNDERED YEARS OF AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO WOMEN by the Federation.

On Sunday the Annual Meetings of the BFWG Charitable Foundation, trading as FfWG,was  followed by that of the BFWG Scholarship Fund Trustees.After a report from the Sybil Campbell Collection Trustees members heard feedback from the workshop sessions. A General Resolution was unanimously passed after robust discussion among delegates:

'BFWG CALLS UPON HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND  THE WELSH ASSEMBLY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF THE RESTRICTIVE IMMIGRATION POLICY ON BOTH THE FINANCES AND THE GOOD INTERNATIONAL STANDING OF BRITISH UNIVERSITIES'

The meeting  concluded with a 'farewell and thank you' session to those retiring from posts.

The Norfolk and Norwich Local Association which had organised the meeting were warmly thanked and applauded by the assembled company for a very successful and enjoyable event.

JMM: 2012-07-20