Carew

Carew WI had a beautiful day for their annual trip. They went to Merthyr to ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway - wonderful scenery and very helpful attendants made it well worth going on.

After lunch, the WI travelled just down the road to Penderyn Distillery where they learnt how to make whisky, but members will be sticking to cakes and jam!

As there was some spare time before their meal, they dropped in at McArthur Glen for a little retail therapy.

They had a delicious meal at The Masons Arms at Bridgend before travelling home.

Many thanks to Sue Shaw for organising such an interesting trip.

The next meeting will be on July 1 when the speaker will be Mrs. P. Lewis, from Age Concern, on benefits.

The competition is 'A Poem about Age'. Teas will be Upper Whitehill.

Kilgetty

President, Doreen Campbell, welcomed everyone to the June meeting.

Apologies were received from Kath Breen and Jules Baldwin. June Thomas was wished a very happy birthday.

Thanks went to Doreen for the flowers on the president's table and to the whist players for their contribution to hall funds, which is much appreciated. The group coffee morning in Wiseman's Bridge had been a success and thanks were given to the ladies on the 'fruit machine' and to Molly Lewis for donating a raffle prize. Thanks also to Lyn Lawson for distributing items ordered from the Breast Cancer Care brochure.

The minutes of the May meeting were read and items from the County Newsletter discussed. Peggy Williams and Molly Lewis had attended the AGM in London and were very impressed with the speakers. The resolution, SOS for Honey Bees, had been passed.

Details of STEP classes due to start in the autumn term had been received from Pembrokeshire College and members noted their preferences. It was also hoped to run a further Sugarcraft Class at the end of September.

Arrangements were made for the Cream Tea to be held in the WI Hall on Friday, July 10, at 2.30 pm. Admission £2. There will also be stalls and a raffle.

The speaker for the evening was Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, Mayor of Tenby. Mrs. Lane first became a councillor in 1987 and this was her fifth time as Mayor. Her work as a councillor and Mayor is varied and interesting and she gave a real insight into her life, willingly answering many questions. One of her many interests is Tenby in Bloom and recently she was in London for the launch of Rosie Swale Pope's new book. Everyone enjoyed looking through the albums of photographs and papers that Mrs. Lane has compiled as a reminder of her time in office.

Members appreciated that Mrs. Lane had taken time out of her busy schedule to be with them and Doreen Campbell gave a vote of thanks.

Mrs. Lane kindly judged the competition and the winner was Audrey Hilling, who also won the raffle along with Eileen Phillips.

Kilgetty won last month's Yorkshire Tea Competition and the Marmalade cake was enjoyed along with tea and biscuits served by Molly Lewis and helpers.

Next month's speaker is Mr. Ray Poole and the competition an unusual timepiece.

Lamphey and District

Maybe it was partly due to the sudden heatwave, that there was an excellent turnout of members at the June meeting. After the singing of Jerusalem, as always, president Joan Elliott welcomed members, new members, guests, and also Irene Scott, a founder member, who had been absent for five months.

Following the reading of the minutes and the treasurer's report, Joan made a few announcements. Firstly, with a reminder that there is an invitation from Elizabeth and Margaret Minchin for afternoon tea at Newton Lodge, Manorbier, on Saturday, June 20, at 3 pm. All proceeds will go towards fund-raising for WI House roof.

Members have volunteered to help at the Federation charity shop at St. Govans, Pembroke Dock, which starts on Monday, June 22, until the following Friday, June 26. Any donations of items will be received on Friday, June 19, at 12 noon.

Once again members are reminded of their annual outing to St. Fagans. The bus will leave promptly from outside the Village Hall at 8.30 am.

Gardening Club: A big thank you for your floral donations. Cockett WI would like to visit the Station Gardens, possibly on July 11. Book Club is June 18. The book for discussion is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. The next walk is around Llys-y-Fran Reservoir.

Following on from the announcements, the business was concluded with the reading of the county letter.

After a short interval, it was time for the guest speaker of the evening. This delightful American lady, who was introduced by Anne, was Larae Wilkins from Maenclochog. Larae wasted no time in saying how pleased she was to be meeting 'such a fabulous group of ladies'.

Larae began her talk by asking how many looked in their wardrobes and said they had nothing to wear, or wore the same things over again? You can guess the answers!

However, Larae insisted that much could be done to dispel these doubts. This lovely lady said that it was her aim to help ladies enhance their shapes and complexions, through dress and colour co-ordination. From the classic dresser, through to the casual, there was something for everyone.

As well as her advice, Larae showed her audience photos of herself, before/after her self improvement.

To conclude her talk/demonstration, Larae, had no problem with the recruiting of volunteers for a taster color test. The results were surprising.

The vote of thanks for the wonderful evening was given by Dilys Whiting.

The competition for 'A coloured glass object' was won by 1. Jennifer Griffiths; 2. Marjorie Doyle; 3. Lou Hardie. The raffle was won by Ann Williams.

The next meeting is on July 7. New members always welcome.

Lawrenny and Martletwy

Members met at Lawrenny Village Hall on Tuesday, June 2. The monthly newsletter was discussed.

Mrs. Gill Williams demonstrated the planting up of summer flowering baskets. Two members, Mrs. Harbud and Mrs. Forse, each planted up a basket.

The monthly competition, 'A flower arrangement in a teapot', was won by Mrs. Jenkins.

The raffle, a planted basket, was won by Mrs. Forse.

The July meeting will be held at Minihaven, Landshipping.

Llanddewi Velfrey

In the absence of the secretary at the June meeting, Jenny Steele, vice-president, took the secretary's role.

After the minutes were read, the county letter was discussed. Several members will be attending the Federation Annual Dinner at the Nant-y-Ffin Hotel. Two members have been taking part in the sponsored coastal path walks, while there was a great deal of interest in the outing to Blaenafon and Ebbw Vale, also to Caerfai Eco Farm in September. Orders were taken for 2010 calendars.

Carol Watts gave an interesting and amusing account of the literary lunch she was invited to at Denman College after being shortlisted with her ghost story.

The speaker for the afternoon was Mark Thomas from Scolton Manor, who gave a most interesting talk, with slides, on Victorian servants. He was warmly thanked by Marion Capes.

The competition was won by Jean Rowlands and tea was served by Jenny Steele.

The meeting on July 1 will be a trip to Manor House Wildlife Park, St. Florence, meeting outside the Village Hall at 12 noon.

Ludchurch

Members met for their June meeting at Ludchurch and were conveyed by car to Picton Castle.

There, they were met by the head gardener, Mr. Roddy Milne, who gave an interesting talk on the castle gardens.

Members were then shown around the walled gardens where they were able to admire the shrubs and flowers, and ask questions about various plants there.

Later on, members enjoyed a splendid meal at Maria's restaurant and a visit to the Castle gift shop, to complete a pleasant afternoon and evening.

Congratulations were given to the team headed by Jill Smith who came first in this year's Rose Bowl competition 'Fire and Ice'.

There were congratulations also for Olga Ward, who was joint first in the floral art competition.

Some members had attended a meeting at Tavernspite village hall on June 3 for a demonstration of how to make a fascinator. Many thanks are due to to Tavernspite WI members for their hospitality that evening.

The next meeting will be held at Blackmoor Farm on Friday, July 10.

New Hedges

The meeting was opened by president Pat Davies and Jerusalem was sung.

Apologies were made and birthdays for the month were given out.

Francis Phillips read the minutes and they were approved.

Members who went to see Oklahoma really enjoyed the show and a cheer for two of the members who were in it.

Francis told about some of the workshops that they could attend.

Pat, the president, suggested a garden party in her garden on July 8 - more details to follow.

The county letter was read, in which there were various things to do. Some of the members are going to Ascot.

Speaker Mr. Ray Roberts, of Celtic Wines, gave a very informative talk on wines from different parts of the world. He told about the grapes and how the wines developed their flavours.

Members were able to taste the wines, which were very enjoyable, and they were given a chance to purchase some if they wanted.

Some of the ladies provided plates of cheese and fruit, which rounded off a successful evening.

The competition for the fanciest wine glass was won by: 1. Pat Helmsley, 2. Jean Williams; 3. Sheila Meades.

Raffle winners were B. Prole, V. Davies, B. Farmery, P. Davies, P. Gray, F. Phillips and J. Williams.

Next meeting is on July 9 when there will be a mystery tour, with pick-ups at South Parade, Tenby, New Hedges and Kilgetty.

Penally

On June 8, the annual summer outing took place to St. Fagans National History Museum.

Everyone enjoyed seeing all the wonderful buildings that have been erected there, and in particular enjoyed visiting the latest project to be completed, the Medieval church, with its very fine series of wall paintings.

After rejoining the coach, a stop was made at the White Hart thatched inn at Llanddarog for an evening meal before returning. Everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable day out.

The next meeting will be at 2 pm on July 14 at Highlands, Penally.

Redberth

and District

 

President Sallie welcomed members to the June meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were read.

Meals were ordered ready for the July meeting to be held in Crossvilla, Templeton, and a venue chosen for the meal in November to celebrate the WI's 60th birthday.

The county letter was read and arising from this there were a few members interested in going on the county outing to Blaenafon and Ebbw Vale.

Sallie then welcomed speaker for the evening, Joan Wheeler, who was accompanied by her daughter.

Joan does a lot of spinning of her own wool, e.g. Jacobs and Wensleydale to be made into various items, including weaving into spreads and rugs, place mats shawls and bags; or for knitting and crochet.

Rugs have been weaved from old t-shirts. Wool is a material 'full of life' as compared to cotton and silk. Joan brought along different types of wool, including merino, camel and alpaca.

The vote of thanks was given by Kay, who thought that everyone might go out and get a loom and have a go at weaving!

Competition winners this month were: 1. Pat, 2. Sallie and 3. Sue.

Raffle winners were Sallie, Kay, Janthia and Sue.

Next month's meeting is at Crossvilla on July 13, at 7.30 pm.

Saundersfoot

Members met again for the June meeting in the Sun Lounge at the Regency Hall on a sunny afternoon.

As usual, Jerusalem was sung and apologies given by several members for absences due to health problems or holidays.  President Jean Picton welcomed those present. Brenda Wood presented an attractive display of flowers for the president's table and the birthday bouquets.

Pat Wood read the record of the May meeting and new correspondence.

Members were reminded that the coach for the summer outing to Picton Castle on July 7 would leave the Arcade at 10.30 am.

The rota for providing refreshments for the Saundersfoot in Bloom festival on Friday, June 25, was confirmed and names taken for the proposed visit to Blaenafon and Ebbw in September.

The June newsletter was read and matters arising discussed, after which Gwen Newberry described her visit to London for the National AGM at the Albert Hall.

Chris Barrington from the Garden Centre at Cosheston arrived laden with plants, pots and baskets and advised and then demonstrated how to assemble an attractive floral display.

The afternoon ended with refreshments.

The next meeting will be on July 21, at 2 pm, in the Regency Hall. Gwen Head will talk about Dolls Houses and a competition will be held for the prettiest candle

Newcomers are always welcome, just go along to the Sun Lounge at the Regency Hall next month.

St. Issell's

President, Mary Lawrence, welcomed 23 members to the June meeting of St. Issell's W., and following the singing of Jerusalem, Joyce Ludlow was thanked for the pretty roses for the top table.

Just one birthday girl for June, Brenda Harris ,who was wished a happy day.

Secretary, Jean Roberts read the record of the May meeting, and Madelene Brace was thanked for the enjoyable walk, followed by an excellent meal at the Old Chemist Inn.

Mary confirmed that the harbour had been booked for the cake stall on July 25, when Saundersfoot WI would be joining with them to raise funds for the 'Raise the Roof' appeal, and members would also sponsor Gwyneth Jenkins in connection with the coastal path walk.

Mary Cavell had recently visited Saundersfoot School, and wished to pass on the appreciation of the schoolto Shelagh Griffin and Joy Nixon for their help with the gardens and the kind donation from members.

Joyce and Joy confirmed that arrangements for the mystery trip were well in hand, and it was hoped for a nice evening.

Sue Harris gave details of the paper craft she would be demonstrating at the July meeting, 10 members being interested in having a go.

The county letter was read and dates noted. Philippa and Brenda were wished a good trip to Ascot, four cars would be taking part in the treasure hunt, and names for the trip to Blaenafon would be taken at the July meeting.

Several members had brought along items for the charity shop at the end of June, and Jean and Mary would deliver these.

The financial report was then given, followed by Jean's brief but comprehensive report of her visit to the AGM. She had thoroughly enjoyed Calendar Girls, thought the speakers most interesting and entertaining, and confirmed that the resolution SOS honey bees had been passed.

She thanked everyone for the opportunity to attend.

Following welcome refreshments, the evening concluded with a photograph competition arranged by Jean, 10 each of photographs of Saundersfoot and Pembrokeshire, many of which had members wracking their brains. Gladys Cleevely was the eventual winner, and Eva Rich won the competition for the most words made from Saundersfoot with 70 words.

Several games of Beetle Drive followed, with much hilarity, one team winning five of the 12 games.

The winner of the competition for an unusual pendant was Gladys Cleevely, and Val Griffiths was this month's raffle winner.

Mary then closed the meeting, with a warm welcome to anyone wishing to become a member.

St. Florence

The June meeting of St. Florence WI was held in the Village Hall on Monday, June 8.

President Lesley Hancock welcomed everyone and she and Jean Davies were presented with birthday flowers.

The minutes were read and various arrangements were made for future events. Several members will attend the Annual Federation Dinner, the Car Treasure Hunt, the post-resolution meeting at Reynalton and assist and attend the 'Raise the Roof Charity' shop in Pembroke Dock this month.

Fund-raising was discussed and it was decided to have a stall at the village Fun Day in August and a lunch in the autumn. Some of these funds would be added to their donation for 'Raise the Roof' of WI House.

Lesley and Anthea very much enjoyed the WI annual general meeting at the Albert Hall in London, recently, and Lesley was making a WI display for the St. Florence Church Flower Festival.

The Newsletter was read and plans for future events and visits made. This was an open meeting and Lesley welcomed several guests to hear the speaker and enjoy tea and a chat.

The speaker for the afternoon was Mr. Ashbridge from the Welsh Air Ambulance Service. This service has been providing medical emergency air cover for Wales since year 2000 and funds three helicopters at Swansea, Caernarfon and Welshpool. The service is funded by public donations and costs £5 million a year!

His talk was very interesting with photographs.

The vote of thanks was warmly given by Mary Evans, who had a personal reason to be grateful for this invaluable service.

There were several raffle prizes and the competition was won by Enid and Jean.

The next meeting in July will be a visit to Scolton Manor, Haverfordwest.

Summerhill

The June meeting incorporated the annual outing. Members and guests were greeted by president Marlene before departing on the journey to Ebbw Vale Festival Park. Refreshments were enjoyed in the tea rooms and many excellent bargains purchased. Some members even walked the woodland path from where the could view the valley and visit the owls in the sanctuary.

The coach then departed to Llancaiach Fawr Manor, where a guided tour in 17th century English and period costume was given. How the Prichard household worked was explained, from Civil War loyalties to court sittings and family life and even servants' kitchen duties. It was a very interesting tour, which members thoroughly enjoyed.

The journey continued to Tafern y Deri in Llaned,i where an excellent meal was provided.

A short meeting was held where members were reminded of upcoming events. Thanks were given to the coach driver and especially to Joyce for once again organising such a wonderful day out.

Ladies celebrating their birthdays in June were Edna, Cora, Linda and Yvonne.

Once again the Royal Welsh competition had been entered and Marlene commended Cicily, Aileen, Linda, Madge and Sylvia for their efforts. Ludchurch WI had won the cup and congratulations were given to them on their successful entry.

The evening then concluded and members were conveyed home by coach which had been provided by Jones of Login.

The next meeting will take place on July 13, at 7 pm, when there will be a change to the advertised programme. The speaker will now be Sue Harris, demonstrating card and box making. The hostesses will be Cicily, Thelma and Maureen.