I belong to a women's organisation called 'Women Welcome Women World Wide' (shortened to 5W). This is based in High Wycombe and was started by a local woman, Frances Alexander. Twenty three years ago she began the organisation as a way of facilitating friendships between women around the world, and currently the organisation has nearly 3000 members from every continent in the world (except for Antarctica!).

When you join the organisation, you receive a list of members, their contact details and their interests. Then it is up to you! Some members correspond only, others contact members and meet up with them for a coffee or meal when they are travelling to another area. Others stay with 5W members during their travels, spending a couple of days in each area. Members run Gatherings in different areas - these vary from an evening or Day Gathering - for example in a local town or city - to a week or more travelling with a group of members. Some members travel with husbands or partners and children (so the men are not left out!).

I have often hosted members travelling to this area and have met some interesting people from around the world, many of whom have become new friends.

I spent 4 days at a Gathering in Bulgaria in the year 2000, with a group of 5W members from Germany, Holland, Argentina, and Sweden and of course the local Bulgarian members. They had put together a fascinating programme for us to travel round Bulgaria seeing Sofia and other local beauty spots. We visited monasteries high up in the mountains, which had beautiful examples of Greek Orthodox Icons, and ate typical Bulgarian food. This was an amazing experience and just part of the three weeks I spent in that year, mainly travelling by train, around Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary, staying with members of 5W all the way. But that's another story!

Other Gatherings have been held in USA, South America, Africa, Australia, Scandinavia and lots of parts of Europe. It is great to spend time in another country with a local resident who can show you the real country, and not just the tourist hot spots! And it is interesting to hear views from a different country or culture.

Recently local members of 5W organised a weekend stay at The Centre for Alternative Technology (which is in Machynlleth in mid Wales. Google it - it is a very interesting place with lots of ideas for sustainable living and a great place to visit!). Eighteen of us stayed there in an Eco-cabin and learned about eco-footprinting, solar and wind power, composting toilets - which were against expectations, really good - and building in a sustainable way. We all talked a lot and learnt a lot, the only downside for me was the bunk beds!

If you would be interested in finding out more about 5W , you can visit their web site here or ring Caroline in the 5W Office (01494 465441) who can give you more information.

Rachel Irven