Question Time, BPW North West November 2003
The Rt. Hon. Jane Kennedy MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland was on the panel for BPW's Questions Time event held in Liverpool in November. Also fielding questions were TV presenter Esther McVey, Conservative candidate for Wirral West and Lib Dem Councillor Paula Keaveney.

Members put a variety of questions to the panel at the event, held in the Women's Centre in the heart of Liverpool. "A stimulating and interesting Saturday morning" said Helen Bailey, who had come from BPW Preston.
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BPW EUROPEAN CONGRESS IN ROME
Over forty members headed to the European Congress in September and as you can well imagine, had a fantastic time sampling the delights of Rome as well as attending the business sessions.

Kathrin Colvin, UK Ambassador to the Vatican and the Swedish Ambassador were amongst the Conference speakers. A busy programme Young BPW was also included including a workshop on "Work Life Balance" led by UK member Bridget Strong.

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VISIT TO STRASBOURG
The European Parliament was the destination for 20 members from around the UK in July. The visit, hosted by Caroline Jackson MEP, included an opportunity to listen to the debate in the Parliamentary Chamber and to hear a presentation by John Fordham on the workings of the EU. Members also met with MEPs Glyn Ford and Graham Watson.

"An interesting visit with a good mix of business and pleasure" said International Director, Brig Crewe.

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National Conference 2003
The National Conference is always one of the highlights of the year for members and the 2003 event provided members a stimulating mix of speakers, business sessions, workshops and social events. "One of the best conferences attended! Good snappy segments, speakers without exception spoke with knowledge and clarity", commented one member.

Speaker Highlights

Denise Kingsmill CBE, Deputy Chair of the Competition Commission and author of the Kingsmill Report on Women's Employment and Pay 2001

Dt Khatase Gondwe on Human Rights of Women in Sudan

Women In Science and Engineering with Young Woman Engineer of the Year Helena Hutt and Ann Walker of Magnox

Women As Entrepreneurs with Angela Seddon of The Prince's Trust and Pauline Nash of Calico Interiors

Workshops
Making Your Wardrobe Work For You with Penny Medley from House of Colour Young BPW Workshop "Every Choice You Make"

The Social Side
Gala Dinner with Hedli Niklaus, "Kathy Perks" in "The Archers"
"Gold Cup" Farewell Party