Summerhill

A warm welcome was extended by president Joyce to all present, especially Julie Bromily and John Tunster, guests for the evening. Following the singing of Jerusalem, thanks were given to Sheila for playing the organ. Apologies were received from Cora, Louise, Yuleeta, Dilys, Sue and Eileen Irving and birthday greetings given to Pam. The minutes for April were read and approved and Madge gave the financial statement. The County Round competition had shown a great variety of crafts and the ladies who went spent an interesting few hours there. Members were reminded that the Group coffee morning would be at Wisemans Bridge Inn when Summerhill WI would be hostesses. Names of helpers were taken and ladies were asked to please support all stalls. The Federation letter was read and various items dicussed. There will be one car entering the treasure hunt and five ladies will attend the centenary event at the Nantyffin Hotel. The resolution to be taken to the annual general meeting in Leeds was voted on, with the majority decision to support it. With the conclusion of business, president Joyce introduced Ann Eastham who gave an informative talk about prehistoric Pembrokeshire. Many of the places shown had been visited by members and she was warmly thanked by Joyce. Refreshments were served by Sylvia, Sheila and Janet and the raffle won by Joyce, with Thelma receiving the flowers. The evening closed with the singing of both anthems. Members were reminded that the next meeting will be the trip to Cardiff which will take place on Monday, June 9, with the coach leaving Wisemans Bridge at 9.30.

Penally

President Audrey welcomed everyone to the May meeting and thanked secretary June for the table decoration, a very pretty cyclamen. In a change to the usual agenda, Audrey then introduced speaker for the afternoon, Maria Britton, who was to speak about cartonnage. We watched with interest as Doreen helped Maria carry in many containers and a large suitcase. The contents, all beautifully made, consisted of large stars, mobiles, Christmas trees, beautiful boxes and much more. We were surprised to learn that all the items were made from cardboard covered with fabric. Maria gave us a brief history of cartonnage which originated in ancient Egypt. It then spread to Europe and in Denmark even small pieces of furniture were made. France is now the largest producer. Maria showed us how the objects were made and handed around some pieces for us to take a closer look. Even the least creative members were fascinated and full of admiration. Julie, herself an avid producer of many crafts, thanked Maria for a most interesting talk. Tea was then served by tea hostesses Ann and Julie. The winners of the raffle were Kath and Doreen and the competition, a box in any medium, was won by June. It was then down to business. The minutes of the last meeting were read out by Val and signed. Treasurer Jackie gave a favourable financial report. Secretary June read through the monthly newsletter and relevant points were noted. On July 24, there will be a group celebratory tea at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, when the centenary baton will be passed over to the Kingsmoor Group at Wiseman's Bridge. Members were asked to indicate if they wish to attend the handover of the centenary baton to the Carmarthenshire Federation at the Nant-y-Ffin Hotel. The June meeting will take place on the 17th when we will visit the Sea Trust Ocean Lab in Goodwick - we will have lunch before our guided talk. Transport arrangements were made. Following tradition, our July meeting will be a garden party. This year, our treasurer, Jackie, has kindly offered to host it. On August 12, there will be an outing to Stackpole Mencap Gardens, and in September, a visit to the BBC Llandaff Television Studios in Cardiff. We have much to look forward to.

Ludchurch

Jill Smith, president, welcomed members to the May meeting in Amroth Parish Hall, Summerhill. Apologies were received from four members who were unable to attend. Members were reminded that Ludchurch WI would be running the produce stall at the Kingsmoor Group Coffee Morning and that contributions were required. Volunteers were also needed to 'man' the stall on the day and several members said they would be happy to do so. An update was given on the South Pembrokeshire Treasure Hunt. Members of last year's winning team have been out to plan the route and progress is being made. Teams taking part are being asked to provide their own picnic suppers and Ludchurch WI will supply puddings and tea and coffee. Several members said they would be willing to make puddings and once numbers of people taking part have been confirmed, arrangements can be made. A discussion took place on the centenary baton event which will take place in June with all the WIs in the Kingsmoor Group. All institutes have been asked to provide an entertainment for this all-day event and various suggestions were made. The speaker for the evening was Edward Perkins, who gave a very interesting, illustrated talk on the history of buildings in Pembrokeshire through the ages. Mr. Perkins is a Green Badge guide and was very knowledgeable on his topic, so that by the end of the evening everyone felt they knew a great deal more about their local area. Mary Hodgeon gave the vote of thanks. The competition was for an 'Old Building in any Medium' and the results were as follows: 1. Corinna Thomas, 2. Eve Cornthwaite, 3. Anne Fraser. The raffle was won by Eve. Hostesses for the evening were Bea Jones and Corinna. The next meeting on June 5 will take the form of a garden visit and it is hoped that this will take place at Eve's new home.

Kilgetty

Lyn welcomed everyone to the May meeting. Apologies from Audrey, Doreen P., Esme and Marlene. Molly was thanked for chairing last month's meeting, Doreen C. for the flowers on the top table and the whist players for their donation to hall funds. Birthday wishes were given to Esme. The minutes were read and approved, as was the financial statement. Lyn gave an account of the Wales Conference that she had attended and also the Federation holiday to Spain, which she said was most enjoyable. Templeton WI had accepted the invitation to join the Kilgetty meeting on Friday, July 18. The County Letter was read and two members were interested in going to the Baton event at the Nant-y-ffin Hotel in July. Some members attended the Group coffee morning last week in the Wisemans Bridge Inn, where Kilgetty operated the fruit machine. More details had been obtained for the outing to Laugharne on Tuesday, June 10, where they would be visiting the Tin Shed Museum. Members decided on their choice of meal from the Savoy menu, where there was to be a stop on the return journey. The coach will leave Kilgetty at 12.30 pm. With the conclusion of business, Lyn gave a warm welcome to Shaun Raymond, outreach and marketing librarian for the Pembrokeshire Library Service. Shaun gave a Powerpoint presentation about the library service, listing all the main libraries throughout Pembrokeshire and also the mobile service. He had all the statistics about the numbers of books held by the service, new books ordered each year etc., and members were amazed at how high the figures were. Many of the libraries have been given a fresh look and are painted in bright colours, with much more space, and children's areas developed where regular events are held for babies and children. Apart from books of every description there are new online services where you can renew and manage your account, download Ebooks and Emagazines. They also offer free use of computers and for a small charge you can hire a DVD. Members asked many questions throughout the talk. Lyn gave the vote of thanks. Refreshments then followed, with members once again enjoying Molly's baking. Shaun judged the competition for 'what is my favourite book and why?' Lyn was the winner and she and the other entrants read out their answers. Raffle winners were Peggy and Doreen C.