Ponthir Women’s Institute – 7th April 2025 – Agenda
Sue greeted New members |visitors –
Present: see register Apologies from:Sharon James, Mary Murray. Hazel Hanks, Gill Archbald, Enid Munsen , Jean Stanbury Harriet Couzens Alison Calderman
1. Minutes signed as accurate by – Proposed: Jane Ellor Seconded: Helena Thomas
2. Matters arising from the minutes not otherwise on the agenda;
Gift Aid forms are available from Viv Walker tonight. This is a method of getting funds into our and Gwents coffers Thanks to all those who have filled in the Gift Aid forms.
3 Gwent Federation business and financial business – Vicky.is available for subs tonight or members can pay directly into bank account
My WI site. How many people use it . It was reported by Helena and others that the site was very difficult to access.. Vicky will feed this back.
Anyone wanting to make a team of 4 for the skittles on 20th may in Usk? Vicky Liz Lee and Helena signed up with Monnie as reserve.
Literary Afternoon 13th June at Usk price £!5 to be discussed further at next meeting.
No takers for Gwents Got Talent this time around
4. Brief report on the Gwent Federation AGM 29th March 2025:Sue reported back that as always it wasenjoyable to be with our wider WI community and a chance to catch up with others from around Gwent. We had presentations from Mary Clarke, Chair of Federation and our Treasurer’s report very happily indicated that the upward trend which began last year when the office moved to cheaper premises has continued due to a range of strategies. The projected losses for this year have been covered and we are now in the black by £10K.
The first speaker, Dr. Barbara Compitus, talking about wellbeing , urged a 5 a day mental health diet: Connect, Be active, Be mindful of your feelings, Keep learning, Give of yourself.
Also interesting speaker was Julie Macky who spoke of her 32 year career in the police force – from making tea for the murder investigation team – to heading many investigations including securing a cold case murderer from 1984. She retired as Chief Superintendent overseeing the homicide teams for the Avon and Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire forces.
Presentation of trophies followed – headed by the presentation of the quiz cup and Sue was called few minutes later to receive our 65 year anniversary certificate.
Sue urged members to attend next year as it is was a very very good day only attended by Sue as Helena was ill
5. Clip board confirming names for the trip to Brecon combined with an optional trip on the canal on Tuesday 24th June was sent round.
6 A second clip board is going round. Please put your name down if you would like to run for committee member. The same board will be circulated next month prior to the AGM
7 Helena has managed to contact the chef, Stewart Hill, who conducted the excellent demonstration 13 years ago in the chapel kitchen and he has been booked for 11thOctober. The morning session will be repeated in the afternoon. Susan thanked Jean and Helena. Names and cost will be confirmed nearer the date.
8. Village Hall representative: Margaret Barrell has agreed to fill this position now that Mary Murray no longer serves on the village hall committee.
9. As remarked above, once again Ponthir was successful at the federation quiz and will now go on to represent us in July for the national quiz at Llanidloes. It is Sues hope that we can get two teams up for next year. And very best wishes were sent to Harriet, stalwart of the team, currently preparing as Mother of the Bride in three days time. We hope she may be able to be oart of the team with Pauline and Rachel
10. The committee had an interesting meeting with John Parfitt, Chair of the Village Hall, who was able to clarify a number of issues. Following this, at Committee, we discussed some innovations to our WI calendar of events, outside of the main institute monthly meeting, using the V Hall: e.g. a cinema club; quiz evenings, an ABBA party. Though likely to be predominately W.I. members, it would not be exclusively so, thus enabling family members to come as well as friends and other village residents. This might prove a good recruitment strategy. Show of hands to support each of these initiatives in order to prioritise.
11. Special interest groups:
Afternoon Book club meeting at Mary Murray’s house Friday 9th April, 3.00 p.m. Reading Demon Copperhead
Evening Book Club 7.30 p.m. at Susan’s this Wed 9th April: The Offing
Reading Between the Wines: 1st May at Ponthir House
Craft … Easter toppers are wonderful – as always – but they just get better and better. Many thanks. If members have wool they wish to pass to Jane, Aileen and others who are continuing with the hats for the seafarers, please bring it to the next meeting.
Lunch groups: Tuesday 29th April at the Parc-y-Prior 1.00 p.m. Thursday Club is 1st May
12. AGM is next month. We will provide a cheese platter. The bar will be available but we will firm this up and let members know.
13. Raffle –
Speaker was Jim Keetch fro Congress Theatre . He was excellent and provided us insight into depth of community and other involvement in this thriving Community Based theatre