Llantilio Crossenny WI

At the September meeting members met Jenny Knight, who is doing a doctoral research project at Birmingham University, exploring land management, with the impact of tree planting, for natural flood management.

Jenny proved a very inspiring  speaker and was particularly interested in the area’s local streams and rivers. She had already met some local people, who had walked the land with her. She promised to keep in touch and inform members of her progress.

As there are some spots locally where flooding is an issue, members were interested in the outcome of her research.

The October meeting showed the generosity of Llantilio WI members. Matt Smith, chairman of Operation Christmas Child, dropped in to tell members all about this wonderful charity, which distributes shoe boxes full of items for children to many countries across the world. He showed videos of children receiving their boxes in Africa and Moldova. Members were very moved to see the children’s reactions on opening their gifts. A wonderful array of useful items and play things were boxed up, for Matt to take for distribution. He was very grateful on behalf of the children, as members had been so kind and generous. 

A special event is taking place today (23rd October) at St Teilio’s Church with the planting of a Rowan tree, to commemorate the centenary of the local WI, attended and blessed by the Rev Andrew Dawson. This will be followed by lunch at Llansanffraed Court Hotel. 

2019 has seen many events to commemorate this very special year. It will end with a surprise Christmas evening in December.

The November meeting will allow members to learn more about Wiltshire Foods and taste some of their ready made meals.

The WI meets 7pm every second Wednesday of the month at Llanvapley Cricket Pavilion. For more information contact Lin Morris 01873 850939.

Hereford and Mid-Wales Philatelic Society

Jim Etherington travelled from Sussex to show his award-winning thematic display entitled ‘1940 - a Desperate Year for Britain’ at the October meeting of Hereford and Mid-Wales Philatelic Society.

A huge range of material was used to illustrate the threats faced by Britain at this stage of the Second World War - and the national response.

Dated correspondence from German soldiers showed the rapid collapse of France, and overprinted stamps reminded society members of the countries that had already been occupied.

At home, morale boosting slogan postmarks adorned envelopes, many of which also bore censor markings; and material from internment and prisoner of war camps was balanced by letters concerning evacuees.

Later in the year the Battle of Britain and marine convoys provided rich sources of fascinating history.

Jim also explained how he had used all this material to build up a coherent story required by thematic exhibits, impressing his audience still further!

The next meeting will be on Wednesday 6th November when society member Mrs Victoria Archard will be demonstrating there is interest to be found in unlikely places as she shows her collection of stamp margins at 7.30pm in St Martin’s Parish Hall, Ross Road, Hereford. Visitors are always made welcome.

Monmouth Bridge Club

Recent club results are as follows:

Monday October 14th  7pm - 10pm: North/South: 1st Neil Sansom and Ralph Leech; 2nd Terry Hill and Barbara Newby; 3rd  Charlotte Jones and Juliet Bucknall. East/West: 1st  Tony Harris and Pauline Sanders; 2nd  Ann Bradley and Gail Jones; 3rd  Richard Brierly and Paul Williams.

Wednesday October 16th (No Fear Bridge) 2pm - 4pm:  North/South: 1st Jennifer Neale and Jill Blewitt; 2nd Jane Washer and Glenys Biggs; 3rd Gordon and Vivienne Casson.  East/West: 1st Gwyn and Sally Jones; 2nd Yvonne Rees and Sue Nam; 3rd Terry Hill and Ann Bradley.

Thursday October 17th 7pm - 10pm: North/South: 1st Tony Harris and Paul Williams; 2nd David Savage and Mary Britton; 3rd David and Julie Davies. East/West: 1st Pauline Sanders and Mike Roberts; 2nd Lynne and Rob Seymour; 3rd Richard Brierly and Ralph Leech.

For beginners and improvers classes contact Julie Davies on 07977 517818 or email [email protected]

For details of club activities go to: www.bridgewebs.com/monmouth

Wyesham WI

Members gathered in St James Community Hall, Wyesham on Monday 14th October for their monthly meeting.

The speaker was Mr David Tovey from Mon Teas who gave a fascinating talk on the varieties of teas available today and the story of some of the amazing claims for its health giving qualities.

President Daphne Evans informed members of the forthcoming fashion show in the Edinburgh Woollen Mills shop on 22nd October and with a lunch and a skittles night also coming up in November, members are due for a busy social time.

Daphne also gave members the news that at the Federation Show Day at Bridges Centre on Saturday 12th October, Wyesham WI’s stall had won first place.

The theme for the stalls was TV programmes and Wyesham had chosen the sitcom, “Keeping Up Appearances”.

The stall, with its jewellery and accessories,  was decorated in a fashion that would have gladdened the heart of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”, of course!) and the ladies attending the stall were all dressed in a distinctive Hyacinth style.

Very many congratulations to all involved for their hard work and their inspirational design.

Wyesham WI meets on the second Monday of every month at 7pm in St James Community Hall, Wyesham.  New members are always very welcome.