THE latest community news from Barmouth

WI

AT the recent AGM, the president, Mari O’Rourke welcomed members and two guests, federation WI advisor Meinir Lloyd Jones and Gwenfair Lloyd Hughes, a member of the board of trustees.

The meeting began with a minute’s silence to honour the memory of Angie Jones and Loraine’s mum who have recently died.

Mari thanked Pam, Mary and Jeannette for representing the WI at the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

After Pam had read the minutes of the last meeting, Mari asked members to read the resolutions in the WI Life magazine so that a vote can take place in January.

Janet read out the county newsletter and all the items of interest were noted, particularly the carol service at Ebeneser Chapel in Dolgellau on 6 December and the Christmas event in Bala on 7 December.

Susan read out the treasurer’s report, which was accepted as correct.

Pam, Susan, Janet, Rose and Christine read out their reports of events that had taken place over the past year.

In 2019 the group saw a variety of very interesting speakers, unusual subjects for the competitions, new restaurants for dining out, very competitive games with other WIs and an amazing amount of items made by the Chatty Crafters to send to Syria.

The total number of goods sent this year was 112 - comprising of blankets for adults and babies, bootees, toys,mittens and jumpers for children and also adults.

Before Mari stood down as president, she thanked the committee for all their work and support over the past year and commented on various activities that had occurred. Mari was then re-elected as president for another year.

Meinir gave her congratulations to Mari and the committee and thanked all present for inviting her to the meeting.

Rose, Loraine, Val and Anne were thanked for the delicious refreshments. Gwenfair won the flowers and the winner of the raffle was Anne.

The Christmas meeting will be at Min y Môr on 17 December.

Meetings starting January 2020 are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Arts Room at the Dragon Theatre at 7pm. All welcome.

Christmas festivities

CHRISTMAS festivities start in Barmouth on 5 December with the switch-on of the Christmas lights, and late-night shopping. Events start at 5.30pm with the ringing of the church bells, followed by carol singing around the tree. The light switch-on will be at 6pm and Batala Bermo Drums will be playing at 6.30pm. Many local shops will be open late with festive treats on offer.

On Saturday, 14 December, Barmouth will host its first Christmas market with more than 15 stalls. At noon on the same day will be the start of a Santa Dash 5km run, walk or push to raise money for South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team.

Also a first this year, 21 and 22 December, there will be an ice rink in the main car park from 10am.

Details on all events can be found on the Barmouth website: www.barmouth-wales.co.uk