THE latest community news from Barmouth

WI

BARMOUTH/Y Bermo WI (Women’s Institute) celebrates its 100th birthday, 1918-2018.

The WI was first established to educate rural women, by encouraging them to get involved in growing and preserving vegetables and fruit to increase the supply of food, and to help the under privileged during the Great War.

In November 1917, a meeting was held at the church hall in Barmouth with a view to establishing a Women’s Institute in the town.

The first meeting took place on 19 January 1918, Very shortly after, a soup kitchen, (the first in Wales) was opened at the council school. In one day 180 children received a free bowl of soup.

The celebrations took place on Friday, 19 January 2018, 35 members enjoyed a delicious lunch and glass of bubbly at the Min-y-Môr Hotel in Barmouth.

The festivities were opened with the president Jacqui Puddle reading out congratulations from past members and the board of trustees, from a beautiful hand made card.

Not forgetting past loyal members and those who are no longer with us.

Federation treasurer Reta Evans, and Jill Houliston (federation secretary)were also present wishing us all a fruitful continuous WI in Barmouth.

Member Carol Clay said grace, and provided beautiful flower decorations for each table.

Dr Robert Howarth, retired localGP, was the guest speaker, who amused us with anecdotes of his time as a crew member who joined over 40 years ago (now chairman) on the Barmouth RNLI life boat.

Most of the time successful, and extremely proud doing his duty, with high jinx at times to keep up moral in times of sadness.

The activities closed late afternoon: with many raffle prizes being won (including the flower decorations).

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