Category: Events

The WHA to stage first in person AGM

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Charity, Events, News, Press Release, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on The WHA to stage first in person AGM

We are delighted to say that we have just announced plans to hold our first in person AGM and General Meeting since the formation of the WHA in January 2020.

The event, taking place in the West Midlands on 22 September 2022, is for WHA members only.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, said: “In surveys, many members name ‘networking’ as one of the benefits of WHA membership which they most value. It is therefore so pleasing to be able to hold our first face-to-face meeting for members in order to provide this aspect of our service to the industry. This is more than just an AGM. Our General Meeting is an interactive seminar and workshop, effectively, delivering information on what’s new in the sector as well as providing a forum for discussion.  Members have the opportunity to continue networking by joining in a members’ supper.”

Money raised because of the General Meeting will be donated to the Association’s chosen charity, Just a Drop. Members are being asked to make a voluntary contribution to the charity when they book to attend. The WHA is currently raising money for the industry’s 7th water source in Africa.

 

The event will be enhanced by an exhibition area where supplier members of the WHA can display new products and exhibit details of services they offer. By exhibiting they will automatically be donating to Just a Drop.

 

As well as the essential formalities of the AGM, including the election of non-executives to the Executive Council, plans will be revealed about the conference and trade show planned for March 2023 – a keenly awaited event which, like the AGM, has not taken place since the WHA’s formation.

Although this is a members-only event, non-members and potential members will have the opportunity to attend a WHA event in March 2023 for what will become the annual conference and trade show.”  Members wishing to attend the AGM and General Meeting in September need to pre-book via the general manager.

The Vendies celebrate sustainability

Posted on by Phillipa ClowPosted in Events, News, Sustainability, UncategorisedLeave a Comment on The Vendies celebrate sustainability

Not normally one to judge others, Phillipa Atkinson-Clow broke with that habit when she was invited to be a member of the Judging Panel for the Vendies.

Phillipa, general manager of the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association, judged and attended The Vendies last month and presented the Best Sustainable Product which was won by Westomatic Vending Services for their H20 Hydration Station.

“It was a real honour to judge these awards as the standard of entries was impressive this year. It was also lovely to be back at an in-person event and the organisers of The Vendies did us proud. I congratulate Westomatic Vending Services on winning the sustainability category,” said Phillipa Atkinson-Clow.

Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, pictured left, presents the award to Andrea Goswell and Richard Brinsley from Westomatic overseen (pictured right) by event host, the comedian Ian Moore

WHA & Just A Drop CSR Award Nomination and 6th Borehole

Posted on by Posted in Case Studies, Charity, Events, News, Press ReleaseLeave a Comment on WHA & Just A Drop CSR Award Nomination and 6th Borehole

 

The WHA is delighted to announce that our Charity Just a Drop, has nominated the WHA for the Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year at the prestigious Charity Times Awards and we have been shortlisted for the award, amongst some very well known organisations!

This recognition is really testament to the fantastic support and dedication from WHA and its Members over the last few years. Over 1,200 people across Zambia can now access safe clean water which has transformed their lives! We are over the moon that our partnership with Just a Drop is being given this recognition!

If you would like to see the full shortlist you can do so here.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 9th September at the Marriott in Grosvenor Square.

We can also announce that the go ahead has been given for our 6th borehole in Zambia.  This will be in the Machilika Community, where 280 people will benefit from safe, clean water – transforming their lives.   Machilika is only about an hour’s drive away from the other communities WHA Members have supported – so it is enabling the area to develop hugely and is having a big societal impact.

 

During the summer, Just a Drop will begin to mobilise the community and ensure that the bylaws are in place between the community, the local government, the village leaders, and the Water User Committee.

The Community will then be trained in finance and borehole maintenance, involving:

  • How water sources become contaminated from point source to consumption
  • Variety of ways to prevent contamination
  • Practice water disinfection
  • Personal and environmental hygiene
  • Preparation of tip tap
  • Building of a pit-latrine

In September, in the dry season so that the borehole never runs dry, the drilling of the borehole will start – around 55m to hit water.

Our thanks to all those WHA Members who have made this possible.  We continue to raise funds through Just Giving and of course will be holding our long awaited Charity Auction on Thursday 17th March 2022 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes during our annual event.