NOTES FROM PENARTH PEERS W.I. MEETING – WEDNESDAY 13th MARCH, 2024
The meeting was opened at 7pm by Linda Prytherch, who welcomed members and noted the good turnout. Members extended condolences to Julie Davies following her recent bereavement.
Linda introduced the evening’s speaker, Sian Woodland, co-founder and Deputy CEO of Woody’s Lodge.
Sian gave some background on Woody’s Lodge, a charitable organisation based at Amelia Trust Farm. The organisation was founded following the tragic death of Sian’s fiancé Paul in a military training exercise in 2012. It provides drop-in centres across Wales, offering support for military veterans and their families. The centres provide a place to make new friends, talk about their experiences and access help with benefits, housing, pensions and NHS and agency referrals. There are now 11 satellite drop-in centres across Wales in addition to the main hubs; they have recently been gifted a farm in West Wales. The organisation has supported approximately 2,416 individuals, they employ 21 staff and there have been over 4,000 visitors to the hubs. Activities include model building, movies, trips, archery etc. Veterans have also helped with restoring Flat Holm Island. Funding has come from the Armed Forces Trust, National Lottery, general donations, and word of mouth; they rely on volunteers. Following a recent fund-raising effort the council agree to donate £7,000 towards a memorial for service people killed on duty since the war, this has now been established in Alexandra Park Garden of Remembrance.
Linda thanked Sian on behalf of all members for an excellent and moving talk.
Glamorgan Federation WI Show – there are several competitions to enter if interested.
Penarth Civic Society – Anne Evans informed members of the open meeting on 14th March to discuss the Council tree strategy for Penarth. This will take place at St. Augustine’s Parish Hall. There is also an on-line survey.
Fundraising Coffee Morning – Rosemary said that the provisional date is Saturday 18th May. Contributions for the tombola will be welcomed, also cakes and raffle prizes. Volunteers will be needed for stalls and teas, washing up etc. The charity to benefit should be local, ideally helping females and/or children; suggestions can be put on WhatsApp.
New members – visitors were welcomed. The target of 65 members has been reached.
AGM – to take place next month.
Tea rota – Lyn was thanked for her work on the rota. A volunteer is now needed to take over the tea rota. This is a non-committee role. The rota has been filled until December. Tea hostesses were thanked for the lovely choice of cakes.
Theatre group – tickets have been sent to Julie for Shakespeare in Love. Leaflets are now out for The Producers.
The raffle was drawn and the meeting closed at 9pm
The meeting was opened at 7pm by Linda Prytherch, who welcomed members and noted the good turnout. Members extended condolences to Julie Davies following her recent bereavement.
Linda introduced the evening’s speaker, Sian Woodland, co-founder and Deputy CEO of Woody’s Lodge.
Sian gave some background on Woody’s Lodge, a charitable organisation based at Amelia Trust Farm. The organisation was founded following the tragic death of Sian’s fiancé Paul in a military training exercise in 2012. It provides drop-in centres across Wales, offering support for military veterans and their families. The centres provide a place to make new friends, talk about their experiences and access help with benefits, housing, pensions and NHS and agency referrals. There are now 11 satellite drop-in centres across Wales in addition to the main hubs; they have recently been gifted a farm in West Wales. The organisation has supported approximately 2,416 individuals, they employ 21 staff and there have been over 4,000 visitors to the hubs. Activities include model building, movies, trips, archery etc. Veterans have also helped with restoring Flat Holm Island. Funding has come from the Armed Forces Trust, National Lottery, general donations, and word of mouth; they rely on volunteers. Following a recent fund-raising effort the council agree to donate £7,000 towards a memorial for service people killed on duty since the war, this has now been established in Alexandra Park Garden of Remembrance.
Linda thanked Sian on behalf of all members for an excellent and moving talk.
Glamorgan Federation WI Show – there are several competitions to enter if interested.
Penarth Civic Society – Anne Evans informed members of the open meeting on 14th March to discuss the Council tree strategy for Penarth. This will take place at St. Augustine’s Parish Hall. There is also an on-line survey.
Fundraising Coffee Morning – Rosemary said that the provisional date is Saturday 18th May. Contributions for the tombola will be welcomed, also cakes and raffle prizes. Volunteers will be needed for stalls and teas, washing up etc. The charity to benefit should be local, ideally helping females and/or children; suggestions can be put on WhatsApp.
New members – visitors were welcomed. The target of 65 members has been reached.
AGM – to take place next month.
Tea rota – Lyn was thanked for her work on the rota. A volunteer is now needed to take over the tea rota. This is a non-committee role. The rota has been filled until December. Tea hostesses were thanked for the lovely choice of cakes.
Theatre group – tickets have been sent to Julie for Shakespeare in Love. Leaflets are now out for The Producers.
The raffle was drawn and the meeting closed at 9pm