Ponthir Women’s Institute – 3rd November 2025
Three prospective new members were warmly greeted by Sue who told them about our clubs and meetings.
Sue was delighted to welcome back Vicky and commented upon how much we enjoyed our trip to Hereford. She welcomed members and thanked all those who brought books and magazines for the recycling stall and to all who contributed to the food bank. She welcomed members Jean Stanbury, Jane Beament and Sue Phillips who would be presenting their talk on the history of garden design.
And her particular thanks went to the Craft group for their wonderful Remembrance Day display on the post box and the golden bench.
Vicky personally thanked Ponthir WI for its kindness and support over the past few difficult months .
Present: see register Apologies from:Enid Munson, Jennifer Parsons, Carol Phillips, Gill Archibald ,Jill Gunter, Maureen Lambert , Liz Morrish
1. Sue asked if she could sign the previous minutes as accurate.Proposed: Lorraine Morgan Seconded:Liz Cooke Minutes were duly signed
2. Matters arising from the minutes not otherwise on the agenda;none
3 Gwent Federation business and financial business – Vicky our Treasurer reported that coach for trip to Hereford cost£460.00 and as a result our funds are now £4792.00. Subs for members will go up to £54.00 We receive £27.00 . We hope to reduce these for members and will keep you informed
Members joining now will only pay £25.50 for the remainder of this period.
Vicky thanked in particular Liz for all her help recently ; keeping everything going.
4Gwent Federation News :Liz had sent out newsletters to all . She commented that although she had sent photographs about our post box toppers they had nor been published. She will re send them . Litter picking pictures have also been sent.
First Aid Course will take place in 2 sessions due to demand . First course will be in small room here on Monday 24th November at 7 pm. The second course will be in new year and members who signed up will be informed .
It was agreed that we should support underprivileged children in Torfaen by providing chocolate biscuits selection boxes etc which will be donated at Christmas meeting.
4. Green Hearts Award – litter pick report – Jane
Litter picking is continuing . Please see rota. Jane has to ask for equipment to be set aside , picked up in Old Cwmbran and returned each time.
5. Sue thanked Liz M once more for organising the very successful Hereford trip. Sue also thanked Margaret Barrell for organising the raffle on the bus.
6. Christmas WI..By a show of hands it was agreed that we will have cheese wine bread etc provided by the committee . Bar will be open on the night. Vicky suggested £5 in order to pay for food and bar.
We will be playing a game on the night . Members need to bring a wrapped present of the value of £5 . Should be fun . Margaret Barrell is conducting this part of the evening.
7. Special interest groups:
Afternoon Book club meeting 7th November at Mary Murray’s “Falling Animals”.
Evening Book The next date is 12th November at Helena’s . We have been reading ‘The List of Suspicious Things’
Reading Between the Wines: 11th December for meal and meeting at The Star
Craft ……It has been a very busy time with the Toppers and the Poppy Wall. We made 100 poppies at Harriet’s house and once again thank her
We are grateful for the grant awarded by Community Council.
Next meeting Monday 17th November . If numbers allow it will be at Harriet’s house but if more than 10 then we will book the Chapel. Could you let Helena know who is attending please
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Lunch groups: Tuesday: We enjoyed Fratelli’s very much. The Ashbridge on the 18th November
Thursday group 13th November at Crownbridge Student Restaurant
8. Raffle
AOB. Jane reminded members that if they have knitted hats at home could they bring them to next meeting as Jane will be informing the Rev Noys that hats are available for his centres across South Wales for foreign sailors. She also thanked Aileen who will be knitting 100 hats . She is amazing.