September saw members of Wyesham WI meet again after the summer break in St James Community Hall, Wyesham. It was lovely to see President Daphne back in the chair. The speaker for the evening was “Tash’s Cakes and Bakes”, who many people will know from her stall of delicious cakes every week in Monmouth market. Tasha has always enjoyed baking and when she was at home with a young baby to look after she started baking cupcakes and found that she was baking far too many for her family to eat so it was suggested that she turn her hobby into a business. She contacted the local authority who visited her premises which passed their inspection and so she started her business 3 years ago in September 2020. Her cupcake making expanded to making brownies and celebration cakes. During her talk, Tasha demonstrated how to ice the cupcakes with buttercream and some members had a go for themselves. The ladies were able to eat the samples and also the delicious brownies and blondies that she had also brought along. Tasha got a well deserved thumbs up from everyone.

Although there was no meeting in August, Wyesham WI members have nevertheless been very busy. On a sunny Saturday in August members boarded a coach to Stratford upon Avon for the annual “day out”. After enjoying the sights of the town, members gathered for a boat trip and a cream tea on the famous river Avon. Many thanks to Roslyn Vallender for organising the day. Secretary Jane Laurie has also been very busy sourcing a rose to be planted in St James Churchyard in memory of our late Queen Elizabeth II. A plaque showing that the Platinum Jubilee Rose has been gifted to the people of Wyesham by Wyesham WI to commemorate the life of the Queen, has been kindly donated by Neil Williams at Ernest Heal Funeral Directors. There will be a short dedication service as the rose is planted at a future date.

The committee has been busy organising other dates for the diary - there will be a Table Top sale on Saturday 14th October from 1 to 3pm, with tombola, raffles and Hallowe’en themed items for the children. The Christmas lunch (which always takes place in January) has been booked and there will be a skittles evening soon too.

The next WI meeting, on 9th October at 7pm in the Hall, will feature a very timely speaker, Natalie Evans from Gwent Police, who will be talking about cyber fraud and how to keep safe while online. New members are very warmly welcomed.