June 2019

Highlight Park, Barry  WI  June 2019
Our meeting on Tuesday 4th June was opened in Barbara’s absence by Diane who gave us the fire drill. Then we sang Jerusalem and received apologies for absent members. The minutes of the last meeting were read out by June.  Birthdays were announced and Pam informed us all of the forthcoming events and Margaret gave us the latest financial status.  As an addition to the agenda, Jane, who is a retired IT specialist, gave us a short talk about her work and offered to help anyone who is struggling with computer skills. Towards the end Deryn gave us an informative insight into loneliness in elderly people in the community.  She is a volunteer with Contact the Elderly, to help alleviate loneliness with the elderly and we look forward to hearing more and perhaps volunteering also.

Sid and Sue.
A dynamic duo that portrayed the best in how to deal with getting around independently whilst living with partial vision.  After a rigorous amount of time being trained to escort a person around town, shops and cafes, Sid was handed to Sue to begin a life which enabled Sue to gain confidence and put her trust in Sid.  He is a handsome Golden Labrador who protects Sue and guides her every day.  Although his working life with her is short – 8 years in fact they showed us how a bond is formed of trust and dependability.  Guide dogs for the blind are absolutely wonderful. We had a very informative talk from Sue and we all enjoyed it. Our next meeting will be a visit from the Tenovus Choir. Also coming up is our annual dress up time to celebrate Ascot Racing Season.  Hats and frocks are called for.

A visit to The Memo, (Memorial Hall).  
19 of us gathered together to see the fantastic Carpenter’s Experience. ‘Carol’ opened the show and led us through their compositions sometimes melancholic others which got us swaying our arms and singing along to tunes we remembered perfectly.  The Memo was the perfect setting with cabaret type round tables full of people enjoying themselves.  It was a full house.  Our thanks to Sue who always comes up trumps with organising it all.

Ascot Afternoon.  
Tea and cakes on the menu today but not until the famous horse racing game had been played.  The members dressed up in their best hats and frocks and had a great time.

Trip to Stratford with Rhoose WI  
As the guests of Rhoose WI, we joined in their trip and had a wonderful day sightseeing, eating, drinking, and taking trips on the River Avon in Stratford.  A beautiful town with echoes of the Bard everywhere.  One little foursome went for lunch at The White Swan otherwise known as the Dirty Duck and took a tour around the Globe Theatre.

WI group social.
Held at Cadoxton WI where we had been invited to join up with members from our social group of four WI’s for a night of clog dancing.  After the demonstrations, we were encouraged to join in with the dancers. Clutching sticks with bells on them we hopped and turned and performed a clog dance.  The group were from Canton, Cardiff and have been together for a long time.  We certainly had a good time. Our thanks to Chris and the Cadoxton members who had arranged the evening.

Visit to Pewsham.
This was a return invitation from the ladies of Pewsham W I.  On the way some of us stopped off at a garden centre while a number of us explored the picturesque village of Lacock.  Often used in period dramas and movies it has retained its character and beauty in the soft Cotswold stone architecture and design.  A visit to the Abbey was a must with all its wonderful rooms decorated in the period of William Henry Fox Talbot’s time with wonderful furniture, paintings and stylish ceramics.  Afterwards we were entertained to a sumptuous afternoon tea by the Pewsham ladies in a hall nearby, gifts were exchanged and lots of raffle prizes won.

St Nicholas WI 80th Anniversary
Our final activity for the month, when a few ladies went along to the Reading Rooms in Bovilston, to celebrate with St Nicholas WI,  their 80th anniversary. Ladies from more than half a dozen local WI groups, along with several members of the Glamorgan Federation were treated to delicious food, great entertainment - provided by the Porthcawl Ukulele Bandits, and a glass of bubbly to toast their anniversary. Thank you St Nicholas.

We meet at Highlight Park Community Centre as follows: Monthly meetings on the first Tuesday each month at 7.00 pm April to September and 2.00 pm from October to March. Sewing Circle each Thursday at 2 pm. Social afternoons meets on the third Tuesday each month at 2 pm. Please come along and join in, you are very welcome.  DB