THE latest community news from Barmouth

WI

MARI, the president, began the first meeting of the year by welcoming everyone present and offering her condolences to Rosemary, whose husband passed away on Christmas Day.

Meirion was sung and then Mari introduced Helen Iles, the speaker for the evening.

Her talk was entitled ‘Mountain and Sea - a photographic journey’.

Helen had somehow managed to squeeze Barmouth WI into her extremely busy life.

She is well known locally as a long time serving member of the RNLI (23 years), and as a teacher at Ysgol y Traeth.

She said that she is also a fully qualified mountain leader, a member of the local mountain rescue team and is now also a professional photographer.

Many of her beautiful photographs can now be seen and purchased at Pieces for Places in Barmouth.

Her sought-after work has been exhibited at various venues and some of her images have been shortlisted for competitions.

Her interest in photography began as a student and has developed over the years.

She loves wild camping just so that she can capture the magical dawn light and amazing landscapes that she knows so well.

She is passionate about the mountains and this is reflected in her photographs.

Her very interesting and informative talk was illustrated with photographs and short videos showcasing her amazing talent.

As well as everything else in her busy life she is known for her commercial photography, conducting workshops and taking people on guided photography walks on the mountains.

Helen’s talk ended too soon and members of the audience said they would have liked Helen to continue as she was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the local area.

The business part of the meeting followed with Pam reading the minutes from the last meeting and then Janet read the December and January county newsletters when dates for forthcoming events were noted.

Clipboards were circulated about darts, Te Cymreig, Dining Out and volunteers to help clean St John’s Church.

Mari asked for volunteers for the sales table next month and Jacqui asked if anyone interested in walking netball would speak to her. Mari read out this year’s resolutions and a vote was taken.

The results will be forwarded to the Federation.

Pauline R, Sheila and Wendy served the refreshments.

Pam won the competition for a photograph of a local scene, the winner of the raffle was Wendy and the flowers Pauline R.

The next meeting on Wednesday 26 February is ‘A trip to St Petersburg’ a talk by Carol and David Clay. The meeting starts at 7pm in the Arts Room at The Dragon Theatre.

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