Page 5 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 120 - March-April 2024

Friday at BPW Annual Conference held in
The Village Hotel, Filton, Bristol

Jacqui McLoughlin, BPW Northern Ireland

After a mega early start from Northern Ireland, it was a treat to be met at Bristol airport
by Jo’s willing and capable chauffeur (Jeremy) and taken to the hotel just in time for regis-
tration.
The MEF AGM was held first thing after our welcome from BPW UK President
Jo Kinsey. This was a positive start to the day with news of some of the charitable donations
given over the past year and the news that there is enough money in the fund to allow one
more year of such donations before the MEF needs to conserve its remaining assets for
BPW members.

Coffee and delicious chocolate flapjacks provided the sustenance needed to get us all
back on track for the rest of the morning’s business.

The AGM was a lively and interactive affair with the re-
ports and activities of the various Vice Presidents be-
ing discussed and highlighted. Once standing orders
were adopted, the business of the constitutional
amendment to introduce the possibility of online voting
at the AGM and motion to allow asylum seekers to ac-
cess work during their wait for a decision on their appli-
cation to remain were both passed after debate.
President Jo and Panel

Lunchtime allowed many friends to catch up and it was good to see and hear that buzz
around the conference room and the lunch area.

The afternoon’s Public Speaking Competition was
well attended and it was lovely to see our Sponsors
(Ulster Carpets) represented on the judging panel. We
were also pleased to have their former MD Edward
Wilson and his wife Primrose, a long-time member of
BPW and very vocal supporter of our Public Speaking
Competitions, join us for the afternoon and to distribute
the trophies to the winners.

PIP Sylvia Perry and CLLR Richard Eddy

The day ended with our candle lighting ceremony and a very enjoyable dinner where the
conversations and friendships continued until late into the evening. A good start to a suc-
cessful Conference for BPW UK.