THE latest community news from Barmouth

WI

JACQUI, the president, welcomed everyone to the meeting, giving a special mention to new member Lynn and three guests Beryl, Stella and Margaret.

A warm welcome was given to the guest speaker, John Hirst.

A few moments’ silence followed in memory of Anwen MacFarlane, a past member of Barmouth WI who has sadly passed away.

After the singing of Meirion, accompanied by Blodwen on the piano, birthday wishes were extended to Blodwen, Rose, Ann W, Malan, Pauline and Geraldine.

The meeting began with a fascinating and extremely informative talk given by John Hirst entitled ‘Resorts and visitors on the Cambrian Coast’.

Tourism in and around Barmouth began in the late 18th century and in the first half of the 19th century with the arrival of the Great Western Railway from Shrewsbury, and later the Aberystwyth and Welsh Coast Railway from the south, more and more tourists began to arrive and the infrastructure for sea bathing developed with people believing that taking sea air and sea water cured everything.

The tourists were attracted by the landscape and the respectability.

Because of the rise of holiday-making, money was invested by local businesses as well as factory owners from Birmingham and Manchester and many boarding houses were built.

In 1889 St John’s Church was built, the foundation stone being laid by Princess Beatrice, the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria.

This event attracted thousands of people, arriving by train and a steamship from Aberystwyth.

By the end of the 19th century well over a quarter of a million people were holidaying along the coast each year and many famous people visited Barmouth including Alfred Lord Tennyson, John Ruskin, Charles Darwin and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

The presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by all present and after Mr Hirst had answered questions, Jeanette gave a vote of thanks for a very interesting and informative talk.

The business section of the evening followed.

As Pam was unwell, Janet very kindly stepped in and read the minutes of the July meeting.

She then read the latest newsletter and all the recent correspondence with members noting all the relevant dates.

New dates for the diary are: The Autumn Ramble on 19 October at Brithdir, Dining Out on 9 November at Hendre Coed, and the Christmas meal at The Min y Môr on 14 December.

The hostesses Mari and Pauline were thanked for their delicious cakes and Mary was thanked in her absence as unfortunately she was taken ill at the beginning of the meeting.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, 24 October, at 7pm in the Arts Room at The Dragon Theatre when the DVD Journey Down the Mawddach will be played.

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