June 2010 Meeting
President Jane Narborough welcomed everyone to the June meeting. Jane explained that the reason they were having intense fundraising this year was that it was in preparation for our 80th Birthday next year. The committee are organising a celebration programme and party for members that year. She reminded members of the forthcoming Cake Stall outside Walton’s and the stall at the Green Fair, also the arrangements for the tea for the ‘Ludlow Ladies’. A meeting to discuss the Carnival float was arranged.
Members had thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the National AGM in Cardiff, especially the performance by Only Men Aloud. Five members had attended the recent County Tassels workshop where they had learned some new skills to show the craft group. Gwen and Jen are organising a trip to Powys Castle on Saturday, 21 August. It was proposed to go in the morning, see the gardens and have lunch, and then those who wanted to go around the Castle could do so after 1pm.
Members agreed they would like to take part in the County event of ‘Swishing’ in October. This entailed fundraising by selling unwanted items of clothing or other articles in good condition to help county funds.
The Speaker for the evening was Derek Corfield from the National Assembly for Wales, his subject ‘Unveiling the Mysteries of the National Assembly’. He told members that he was the son of a farmer from Montgomeryshire and had worked in the Ministry of Agriculture since 1969 moving to his present position of meeting the public in 2003.
Derek gave some interesting anecdotes keeping the audience interested and answered questions as they arose, explaining how the Assembly is made up and how members were elected. He was thanked for giving an insight into the workings of the Assembly by Liz Lloyd.
The Raffle was won by Joan Caie and the competition for flower arrangement in a cup was won by Veronica Davies Jones with Sylvia Richards second and Liz Lloyd third.
May 2010 Meeting
The May meeting was opened by President Jane Narborough who welcomed members to the meeting.
The evening took the form of a Members Evening – members had brought pictures and photos and were asked to tell a story about them. Everyone was entertained by various members showing some intriguing photos and pictures.
Catherine Leigh showed a photo of a Tall Ship and told of her adventure sailing on one after retiring. Anne Philips recalled a trip with her husband on the QE2. Liz Lloyd, a trip to Jerash in Morocco. Jen Oakley had a photo of a train and told of her trip on Trains in Estonia. Sandra Betty had a picture dating from 1944 of an Al Capone looking character and described a tale of child kidnap called ‘A Skeleton in the Cupboard’. Morfa Shaw had a photograph taken by her husband of her whilst courting with a little story. Jane Narborough told of participating in ‘The Moon Walk’ for Breast Cancer and Sylvia had a family photograph and spoke of ‘A Coincidence’.
Joan Caie read the resolution to be put before the National Federation Annual Meeting at Cardiff : “This meeting urges HM Government to introduce clear and mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country”.
At the Resolution meeting held in the county Powys-Radnor had asked that Dairy Products should also be included as an amendment, however, the National Federation felt this would be dealt with anyway. Joan explained how a new format was used at our resolution meeting at county level in which questions were considered by groups and then discussed. It was felt essential that we should know where all food comes from so personal judgments could be made. Rhayader members present were unanimous that the motion be carried to support the resolution.
A sub-committee has been formed to arrange the programme for 2011 when it will be our WI’s 80th Birthday. To help fund-raise for this memorable year, members are holding a ‘Cake and Cloth Bags Stall’ at Walton’s on Saturday 26 June at 10am and at the Green Fair on Saturday 10 July. The group are also organising a Fashion Show courtesy of Bon Marche at Rhayader Leisure Centre on Friday 24 September.
Members enjoyed a welcome cup of tea after which the competition was judged - ‘The Prettiest Bracelet’ was won by 1. Shirley, 2. Ruth and 3. Sylvia. The Raffle was won by Shirley Jones.
April 2010 Meeting
Vice President Pauline Haydon welcomed members to the April meeting of Rhayader WI. Joan Caie gave a report on the Wales Federation Conference held at Brecon.
Members will be attending the National Federation AGM in Cardiff in June and Joan Caie would be delegate.
The Speaker was Kate Doody - a Lady Blacksmith. Kate told members that she preferred to use recycled metals to carry out her work. She attended many festivals such as Glastonbury and also went to France. Kate had slides showing what it was like at a festival where people came to have a go at making small pieces such as hooks etc. She also had pictures of beautiful candelabras and other items she had made. She had spent some time helping in a small South of France town which was becoming depopulated, helping the lady Mayor to regenerate by projects and workshops involving 'smithing'.
She had pictures of many of her exhibitions and told members that developing herself as a blacksmith had been a marvellous learning process. She has held 'weddings' 'over the anvil' and explained the tradition regarding joining of hot metals and controlling the fire. She also spoke of sayings such as 'strike while the iron's hot'.
Competition for the most useful metal item was won by Liz Lloyd, 2nd Jen Oakley and 3rd Mavis Jones. The raffle winner was Ann Philips.
A Mini Show was also held to choose items to go forward to the County Show. Mrs Ann Edwards came to offer her advice on the most suitable items for entry. Those members whose items would go forward were Hat - Chris Phillips, tapestry picture - Margaret Lloyd, photo - Sylvia Richards, watercolour painting - Sylvia Richards, lemon drizzle cake - Ruth Hide, bread - Jane Narborough, fancy cakes - Shirley Jones and Chris Phillips, marmalade Margaret Lloyd, floral display - Margaret Lloyd, decorated welly - Chris Philips. All the entries were very good and the decision was a very hard one to make.
The May meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 May and will be the Resolution evening for the NFWI AGM and a members evening of photographs with a story.
MARCH 2010 MEETING
President, Jane Narborough welcomed everyone to the March meeting. The speaker for the evening, Phil Ward, spoke on insects and bugs in the garden 'The Good, the Bad and the not so Bad'. He made the evening very entertaining with his description of each bug along with some very colourful slides. He admitted to being a 'Bug Nutcase' saying he was one of three in Rhayader. He covered beetles, spiders, aphids, slugs, snails, caterpillars and butterflies, describing their habitats and eating habits. He told members about the various different species of bees and wasps and how they were affected by weather and viruses and environment etc. suggesting how they could be helped by providing very simple habitats and nest sites for them in our gardens and plenty of flowers. Phil explained that habitats were being lost because of changes to hedgerows and fields, so we are losing pollen making flowers and crops. Members had plenty of questions and after he held a quiz which was the competition for the evening. Jane Narborough was the winner.
The President presented the 'Member of The Year Cup' to Pauline Haydon in acknowledgement and thanks for all the work she has done as treasurer and as a member.
Members had thoroughly enjoyed the 79th Birthday celebration in February, the food was excellent. Plans were now being undertaken to run a 12 month of events to celebrate the 80th Birthday in 2011.
Members would like to have a go at the 'WI Tri' and forms would be obtained from Cheryl at PRFW also a team would enter the County Quiz and members would attend the Resolutions evening and the ACM.
Members of the Craft Group had organised a 'cloth bag' making workshop at Hafan for members who wished to go on Saturday 10 April between 10 and 4pm. £2 half a day and £4 for the whole day.
Members were asked to volunteer as models for the fund raising fashion show to be held on 24 September courtesy of Bon Marche Newtown at Rhayader Leisure Centre to help fund celebrations for the 80th Birthday in 2011. Electric Youth were able to entertain in the interval and Shirley who was arranging the event would have further details soon.
The Mini Show (pre County show) at the April meeting is open to all members to have a go. The items would be judged with advice to take the items to the Show. Sylvia has given out schedules and if anyone else needs one to let her know. The president asked for a volunteer to enter the 'Beginners Cup' in the floral event.
A Bring and Buy stall was held together with the usual Book Stall. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments after.
FEBRUARY MEETING
President Jane Narborough welcomed members to the 79th Birthday meeting on the 23 February. Jane asked members to take a moment of reflection on member, Karen Rees who had sadly passed away that week. Karen had been a very talented and faithful member who could produce beautiful work as well as being an excellent committee member in past years.
A sudden heavy fall of snow on the evening restricted some members from coming to the meeting and enjoying the buffet after.
Members will be attending a number of events in forthcoming weeks including the County Federation Council Meeting in Llandrindod when the speaker would be Debra Griffiths of BBC's 'Coal House' fame, the Welsh Federation AGM at Brecon in April, the National AGM in Cardiff in June, a visit to the National Library at Aberystwyth and a show outing to Calendar Girls in Cardiff in July. Four members will be trying their hand at the County bowls evening and several members will be attending the County Science evening when they will learn all about forensic science.
A Fashion Show is to be held on 24 September to raise money for Rhayader WI's 80th Birthday Celebrations in 2011, the clothes will be from Bon March, Newtown. A cake stall will also be held on 26 June and members will also have a stall at the Charity Fair at Rhayader Leisure Centre on 1 May.
The President presented cups to the 2009 Competition winners who were 1st Liz Lloyd with 59 points, 2nd Shirley Jones with 58 Points. The Cup for 'Member of the Year' will be presented to Pauline Haydon for all the work she has done as treasurer and as a member, unfortunately owing to the weather Pauline was unable to attend.
After the meeting members had a lovely buffet supplied by Andrew Lewis of the Strand. Everyone then enjoyed a Beetle Drive and a Quiz on musicals prepared by Pauline and poems were read by Jen and Jane. Lucky dip gifts were given out and the raffle called.
Jane congratulated Heulwen Williams who has had a short story published and will have more details on the book soon.
The next meeting will be on 30 March at 7.30pm at Rhayader Leisure Centre when there would be a Bring and Buy, and the speaker would be Phil Ward on 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'- insects good for your garden. He will also be arranging a quiz for our competition.
JANUARY 2010 MEETING
Members of Rhayader WI held their January Meeting at Rhayader Leisure Centre. President Jane Narborough welcomed members and new members - Val Evans, Marian Harris, Veronica Jones-Davies and Catherine Leigh.
Shirley Jones has arranged a trip for members to go and see Calendar Girls in Cardiff on 31 July - there are two seats still available. Two members will be going on a County Federation trip to the Welsh Assembly and Millennium Theatre in February. Members also put their names down for the County Bowls tournament and Forensic Evening.
The monthly competition was a surprise and drawn from ideas provided by the committee. The choice was the most number of rings on a member's finger. The winner was Val Evans (Spar) with 6 rings.
The 79th Birthday Party will be held on 23 February and the President has arranged for a knife and fork buffet from Cambrian Catering (Andrew Lewis of the Strand). Members were reminded to be at the Wye Lounge at 6.45 as the buffet was to be served at 7.30pm.
Sue Barrett from the Elan Village was the Guest Speaker and she talked about her previous employment in the Sussex police where she was a civilian worker and also volunteered as a Special Constable. She told members many funny, unusual and sad incidents which occurred during her time with the police and showed some photos and newspaper cuttings of herself in uniform. A very sad case which happened during her time as telephonist with the police was the Sarah Pane murder. Sue had also undergone training to obtain a Wildlife Certificate which would enable her to act on behalf of the police when needed. She told members that she had a very varied career and had enjoyed it very much. Liz Lloyd thanked Sue for an enjoyable and interesting evening
RHAYADER WI CLOSES 2009 ON A HIGH
Rhayader WI held two very important meetings at the close of 2009 with the AGM and election of the new committee being held on 24 November closely followed by the Christmas Party on 8 December.
The Tellers for the AGM were from St Harmon: Prydwen Price and Sheila Rowe who conducted the Committee Elections
After completing 6 years as Treasurer, Mrs Pauline Haydon gave her last report. She reminded members of the fundraising events held during the year including the hosting of the Digital Switchover presentation, stalls at the Charity Fayre and the Green Fayre, raffles, Bring and Buys and the book club held during meetings. The biggest expenditure for the WI remains the hire of the Wye lounge for meetings.
The Committee's Annual Report was presented by the Secretary, Sandra Betty, who outlined the year saying that our WI seems to be never endingly busy. 2009 started with a very interesting January meeting with demonstrator Linda Rowe leading members in designing mosaics onto tiles. Members produced beautiful work and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. She went on to outline the monthly events in her report. These included the 'Coming Together' Project for the new Rhayader Museum at CARAD; Jacky Pugh's Cookery; local author Lorraine Jenkins; a talk by Drs Mike and Stephanie Warwick - Running the Marathon in Bhutan; Sylvia's Travel slides on Yellowstone Park and Line Dancing. Also the Craft Group enjoyed meeting on Wednesdays. Members had attended all the County events and had produced some wonderful work which was entered into the County Show. Rhayader's entry won the 'Rose Bowl' competition and Jane Narborough won the floral exhibition for the 'Brecon Cup'. These went forward to the Royal Welsh Show where the Rose Bowl achieved 6th place. All members acquitted themselves well with their entries for the show. Members went on outings to Eardisland and Aberystwyth for the annual musical at the Arts Centre. Members worked hard on their Carnival float 'SOS Bees' which had been the 2009 resolution. A photo of this had been entered onto the National Web-site. Once more good use was made of the Community Support Minibus to attend various county events, thanks to drivers Jane and Shirley.
President Jane Narborough thanked everyone for their support over the last year. She also thanked Pauline for her 6 years as treasurer. She thanked Shirley for organising and driving the minibus and Gwen and Jen for organising outings. Val Evans was thanked for all the hardwork she had put into being a committee member, President and Secretary over many years and she has agreed to be Entertainments Co-ordinator.
In response to an article on Dilys Jenkins (formerly Mrs Ron Davies) a former member which had appeared in WI Life, a letter was read out that had been sent to the magazine by Secretary, Sandra Betty. She also forwarded photos of Dilys and Vicky Pugh in the Welsh Costume made by Joan Hicks. A reply had been received from the Editor.
Members enjoyed a 'Taste and Try' after the elections. The Raffle winner was Ida Davies and a Competition 'Guess who is in the School Photograph' was enjoyed by all members.
The December meeting was very well supported by members and visitors and guests from Newbridge and Howey WIs. Members were told that two full Shoeboxes for our troops in Afghanistan had been delivered to Bradleys by Liz Lloyd's husband John and were received with pleasure. A donation had been sent to St John's Ambulance Rhayader in lieu of fee for Federation Chairman Marilyn Thomas who was asked to speak about the Resolutions - as a response to flooding had appeared in the Queen's speech members need not vote on this subject nor the Armed Forces subject. Members were to return their voting slips for the Resolutions from WI Life to the Secretary at the January meeting. Shirley also finalised bookings to the Holiday on Ice show at Cardiff.
The evening's entertainment was by TONIC with Glyn, Janet Ann and Don from Llanidloes, this was their last public performance. It was excellent with entertaining poems, sketches and songs and they surpassed themselves with their vigour and ability to have everyone laughing and in stitches. Members and visitors had a wonderful evening and the group were thanked by President Jane Narborough and a vote of thanks given by Liz Lloyd. The Competition for the Favourite Christmas decoration was won by Anne Philips, 2nd Morfa Shaw, and 3rd Liz Lloyd'.
OCTOBER MEETING
President Mrs Jane Narborough welcomed everyone to the October meeting.
Members enjoyed an evening of dance and music when they had a demonstration of Line Dancing by the Rhayader Line Dancing group. Hilary McPhee and friends encouraged members to participate in some of the dances and the evening was very enjoyable. Hilary requested that a donation was made to the Rhayader St John's Ambulance in lieu of any fees.
Local History Evening at Llanddewi was well attended by our members and was very entertaining. Thanks to Shirley, the Community Support bus was again used to take members to the meeting. Four members will be taking part in the quiz at Howey and also in the quiz at Crossgates. Books and a hamper will be donated to the forthcoming County Chinese Auction.
The Craft Group had a very enjoyable evening at Ten Green Bottles at New Radnor where they each made a glass suncatcher surprising themselves with their skill at soldering, the evening was rounded off with an excellent meal. The Craft Group meets every other Wednesday at Hafan Day Centre from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, all welcome.
The County Newsletter contained an appeal for Shoe Boxes to be sent to the armed forces. They should contain personal items such as shaving gel and toiletries, some members suggested puzzle and crossword books also. Jane suggested that members on each table in the room may wish to put together a shoe box between them or individuals may do so also.
The Competition for an unusual holiday photograph was won by - 1st Morfa Shaw, 2nd Shirley Jones, 3rd Jen Oakley.
The November meeting will be the AGM and members will also be having a 'Taste and Try Evening', this will be held on Tuesday 24 November, 7.30pm at Rhayader Leisure Centre.
SEPTEMBER 2009
President Jane Narborough welcomed guests from Nantmel, St Harmon and Bwlch-y-Sarnau WIs to the meeting. Jane thanked all those members who had acted as stewards and donated cakes during Victorian Week and helped arrange the 'WI History Box' at the museum.
The County Newsletter was discussed and lists of events sent around members. The trip to the theatre at Aberystwyth in August was once again a great success and six members had enjoyed a talk about Ken Dodd and a lovely supper as guests of Llanddewi WI. Members will be attending the County Welsh History evening at Llanddewi at the beginning of October and also visiting Howey WI.
Rhayader member, Sylvia Richards, gave a wonderful presentation with slides and video excerpts of her trip to Wyoming and Yellowstone Park. Luckily this year the laptop worked, though for a minute it seemed a bit like 'deja vu' and we were able to enjoy some very colourful and breathtaking pictures of scenery and animals. Sylvia has the knack of telling a good tale and everyone was engrossed in the fascinating journey of Sylvia and her husband, Dave, in Wyoming.
They visited such places as Deadwood, Denver, Cheyenne and saw the original route taken by the 'covered wagons' on 'The Oregon Trail' of the immigrants to North America. There were wonderful pictures of the snow on the Black Hills of Dakota and the Rockies. There was plenty of art to engross Dave and Sylvia including 8ft high decorated Cowboy boots and glass beads galore.
Sylvia showed pictures of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial which was a project started in 1948 and is still ongoing.
The wildlife pictures were stunning and the video shots of beavers cutting down trees and swimming them to their lodge were amazing. There were also some fantastic video shots of the geyser 'Old Faithfull' in Yellowstone Park which were really fascinating.
Jen Oakley thanked Sylvia for a wonderful talk and visitors and members enjoyed a substantial supper. Thanks were extended by members of the visiting WIs for an enjoyable evening and meal.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 27 October at Rhayader Leisure Centre when the Rhayader Line Dancers will be demonstrating their dances.
July 2009 meeting
Members and guests were welcomed to the July meeting by President Jane Narborough. Jane congratulated members on a number of recent achievements - coming 6th at the Royal Welsh Show with the Rose Bowl Competition, the entry to the Carnival parade of their float depicting 'SOS Bees Resolution by NFWI' and the beautiful display members achieved for the Rhayader Church Exhibition during Carnival week.
Members thoroughly enjoyed speakers Drs Stephanie and Mike Warwick who enjoy running all over the world, including Rhayader's own 'Hill Race', and gave a colourful and very interesting display of slides on their marathon and 'holiday' in Bhutan in 2007.
They have always enjoyed trekking in various countries and had always wanted to go to Bhutan so to offset some of the costs of the run they had gone as medical support for the group. The slides were colourful and showed a very traditional way of life. The homes looked beautiful, very colourfully and intricately decorated with paintings and carvings and reminiscent of Swiss chalets or Tudor houses being mainly of wood. The theme of decoration was, perhaps rather shockingly to European eyes, often very large and colourful phallic symbols! The country is now becoming a democracy but the people still wore traditional dress for working in and everyday life. The scenery was stunning and the nature of their agriculture being terraced fields on the sides of the mountains making use of every square yard of land was very sustainable. They showed pictures of homes and everyday life in Bhutan. They also had some tourist activities and visited a number of famous sites including the 'Tigers Nest' monastery perched on the side of a cliff face and other beautiful buildings.
The challenge was a marathon which rose from 7,000ft above sea level to 12,000 ft. It took a lot longer to run owing to the altitude changes. There were some marvellous photos of the runners and of the Warwicks during the run. There were massive temperature changes during the run, from hot to freezing, and also the run finished in pitch dark! Mike had to go back with food to help some of the runners. Only 1/3 of those who started finished; normally the distance would be covered in 4hours and 30 minutes but because of the conditions it took 10 and a half hours! First home was a young Bhutani! Ruth Hide thanked Drs Stephanie and Mike for a wonderful evening and invited them to have some supper.
Competition winners of 'My favourite Birthday Card' were Jane Narborough, Sylvia Richards and Mavis Jones. The raffle was won by Julie Farmer. Members are off to see 'The King and I' at Aberystwyth in August and there is no meeting. However the committee will meet as usual and will be looking at Programme Planning for 2010, ideas are welcome.
The September meeting will be travel slides by Sylvia Richards of her trip to Wyoming and Yellowstone Park and will be on Tuesday 29 September when the competition will be 'Most items in a Matchbox' (England's Glory size). Visitors have been invited for the meeting and supper from St Harmon, Bwlch-y-Sarnau, Llanddewi and Howey.