December 2019
Women’s Institute Highlight Park Latest News December 2019
To get us into the Christmas spirit early in December we attended the Carol Festival at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. The GFWI (Glamorgan Federation of Women’s Institute) Massed choir together with Guest Artists tenor, Osian Wyn Owen and ‘Mumbles A Cappella Choir ’an outstanding evening’s entertainment was enjoyed by us all. Brothers Alun Tregelles Williams and Huw Tregelles Williams OBE brought together the evening of traditional Christmas Carols. And, of course, Jerusalem to start and O Holy Night to finish.
Sadly, at our meeting on 3rd December announcements were made for members who had passed away and a husband of a member also. Funeral arrangements were given out and will be attended by our representatives.
Our annual Christmas party went with a swing while we listened to Deano who with his music, gave us accompaniment to our singing and dancing. Old favourites had us racking our brains to remember the lyrics and tunes. The tables were prettily decorated and with enough food to sink a battleship we were well fed and watered. Raffles were won and lots of chattering went on. It all finished at 4 30 and members went home happy. A donation box collection was for made members who preferred not to send Christmas cards to other members, the proceeds will be sent to the Pooncholai Trust in India. Selection slips for the 2020 Resolution were collected at this meeting
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December 10th found us double booked at two carol services, Culverhouse Cross and Penarth Peers but despite the terrible weather some members went along to both services and enjoyed the evening.
On both the 12th and 14th December several members went along to the Church of the Resurection, where our two entries for the Christmas Tree Festival were on display. Jean and Vera did us proud with one tree representing our 30th anniversary as a WI, the tree was dressed in all things pearl and the other tree dressed in all thing made by our Thursday craft group. On the 14th we were treated to a performance from the children involved in Making Music - Changing Lives, a Charity we supported in 2018. Well done everyone involved.
December 17th and it was the annual Christingle afternoon. Led by Jean and a couple of helpers, we gathered together to make the iconic Christingles. Fifty ladies took part and had a good time arranging oranges, candles, fruit, nuts and sweets to represent the world and the light and fruits of the earth. This is a Christian tradition introduced in 1747 in a Moravian Church in Germany. Consisting of an orange representing the world, red ribbon, God’s love, fruit and nuts, symbols of God’s creations and the lighted candle the light of the world. Warm mince pies, courtesy of June, cup cakes by Pam and as always tea and coffee provided by Vera made for a very pleasant afternoon.
Our last event for 2019, a visit to the Memorial Hall to see the pantomime Cinderella. Fifteen members accompanied by 5 grandchildren enjoyed a funny and heartwarming show and our organiser Sue had even arranged for the little ones to go up onto the stage. A great afternoon setting the mood ready for Christmas.
Next year we begin our meetings on January 7th at 2 pm and January 21st for a social afternoon again at 2 pm. Knit and natter will still be every Thursday afternoon at 2 pm. We meet at Highlight Park Community Hall.
As I write this the day after Christmas it is dull and raining. Christmas Day was bright and clear with Barry Island full of people and dogs. We hope that 2020 will be as successful as 2019, a Happy New Year to all of our members and future members and hope it will be a healthy one full of friendship and enjoyment. DBaker