THE latest community news from Harlech

WI

THE president, Jan Cole, welcomed members and guest visitor Jane, for the evening’s AGM meeting.

Jan thanked Meinir Lloyd-Jones, chair of GMWI, for joining as the guest for this evening.

They commenced with a brief business meeting, with information being given out regarding forthcoming events: flower-arranging with cheese and wine, Llanellty Village Hall, 7pm on 23 November; Christmas event 8 December, Neuadd Tegid, Bala, entry £3 per person; and the Artro Group Christmas Carol Service to be held in St Tanwg’s Church, on 7 December, commencing at 2pm.

For further details of all events contact Jan.

Refreshments were served prior to the AGM.

Jan opened the meeting, informing everyone that the present committee had all agreed to continue for another 12 months, with each carrying on with their individual duties.

Reports were given by the treasurer, secretary and events organiser, and the attendance register was read, with four new members joining during 2018.

Dining club events had been well attended.

The next meeting is to be held on 12 December, in Y Branwen at 12.30pm.

They will combine the meeting with lunch.

All members must let Jan know if they are attending.

Meinir said she had enjoyed the meeting, and looked forward to hearing all about the activities over the next 12 months.

Meinir thanked Jan and her team for all their hard work, and members for their loyal support.

She concluded with her best wishes for a very successful 2019.

Historical society

THE Cambrian Coast Railway was the subject of a most interesting talk and slide show by Ken Robinson on 13 November at the memorial hall.

The speaker is well-known locally, having been a local headmaster and train enthusiast.

Ken talked about the commencement of the railway in 1860 and its history was given in great detail.

The opportunities given to people who had not been previously used to travel, were enormous.

In a very few years numbers of passengers grew rapidly, likewise freight.

Travel became comfortable, pleasurable and exciting.

Railways affected people in all walks of life, in business and pleasure.

There were huge benefits not least the quality and quantity of jobs which were much sought-after.

In the two world wars the railways were in great demand for transporting troops and munitions.

The Beeching cuts were mentioned and, although expected to be reversed by the Labour Government in later years, this did not happen.

Many superb slides were shown of trains, signal boxes, stations and bridges along the Cambrian Line from Pwllheli to Machynlleth.

The final slide showed the iconic Barmouth Bridge over the Mawddach Estuary in late evening.

It was a lovely talk and slide show; much appreciated by the audience.

The next talk will be on 11 December by Kate Sullivan on women workers in north Wales factories after 1945.

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]