THE latest community news from Harlech

WI

THE president, Jan Cole, welcomed everyone to the meeting, with a special mention to the guest for the evening, Jean.

They commenced with Meirion, accompanied by Myfanwy on piano.

Birthday cards were handed out to members with birthdays over the next month. A bouquet of flowers and card were presented to Stella, who will be celebrating her 90th birthday in August. Apologies were received, with news of members acknowledged.

Jan introduced the guest speaker for the evening Lorraine Blow, who gave a very interesting talk on her visits to India. Lorraine, who represents Christian World Horizons, travelled to the north of India on a few occasions, giving lessons in English to the school children, visiting the homeless shelters, experiencing the extreme poverty, often working in temperatures of 40 degrees. Lorraine’s first stayed for a period of two weeks, following on with a second visit which lasted three weeks. The talk was accompanied by excellent slides, not only of the beautiful countryside, but locals who volunteered to have their photographs taken. After a brief question and answer session, Edwina thanked Lorraine on behalf of the members for sharing her adventurers with them.

Refreshments were served, time to catch up with friends, and look at the items for sale on our very interesting sales table. The meeting resumed with the minutes of the last meeting being read and accepted as correct. Jan ready out the County letter with items of interest noted, and future events were discussed.

The first outing would be the treasure hunt to be held in Barmouth on 17 July, followed by a fish and chip supper.

Jan informed members she was looking into taking a group on a walk around Borth-y-Gest, and she would be giving out more information on starting a WI book club sometime in September.

Sheila had arranged an afternoon of playing Bowls at Hafod Wen, on 14 August, 2pm to 4pm with afternoon tea provided. No experience required.

Jan Spicer informed members that the Llanfair Art Group would be holding their summer exhibition in the memorial hall over a two-week period, commencing on 27 July. Sheila reminded everyone of a special event, which will be taking place outside St Tanwg’s Church on Saturday, 27 and Sunday, 28 July from 2pm to 5pm. Volunteers required to make Black Treacle.

The WI Craft Club would be taking place in a different venue, The Old Ticket Office, at the Castle on Thursday, 18 July. The theme will be making cards, remember to bring scissors and small coloured buttons.

Edwina and Ann gave out information regarding this year’s county show to be held in Harlech on 28 August. The Artro Group and Harlech WI would be responsible for refreshments, with members asking to bake lots of scones, Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes. Stewards are also required on a rota system.

The business meeting concluded with the announcement of the winner of the raffle prize, Wendy, followed by the competition winners: 1, Jenny; 2, Roz; 3, Gwen.

Jan reminded everyone there would be no meeting in August due to summer holidays.

They will reunite on Wednesday, 11 September with a flower arranging demonstration by Dorothy Round, starting at 7pm. Visitors are always welcome.

Community council

CLLR Huw Jones reported that Meirion Evans had completed the work that on the boundary wall at Bron y Graig Nature Trail and that the work was of very high standard. He also finished the work of re-building the wall that has fallen near the allotments.

The clerk reported that she had asked Cllr Judith Strevens about signage and that she had stated that she was waiting for brackets to put them up.

On the issue of taking over the public toilets by the castle, the clerk reported that she had received a copy of a contract and that she had drawn one up so as to give to Phil Griffiths but there was a need to know how many hours he was going to work and when the toilets would be closed and the chairman agreed to go and see Mr Griffiths.

Cllr Freya Bentham reported that a grant had been received by the Harlech Regeneration Group to go towards running the hoppa bus this year and that a meeting would be held to discuss the final arrangements.

Cllr Freya Bentham reported that the National Park was almost ready to appoint a contractor to carry out the work of demolishing the former St David’s hotel and that no local companies had tried. The company are checking for asbestos first, and if the asbestos is a huge issue, then there isn’t enough money for demolition. However, if it’s not a huge issue, demolition looks likely for September. That she had a meeting with Iwan ap Trefor from Gwynedd Council and they are looking into ways of reducing speeding on St David’s hill and also on the Morfa Road outside the T? Canol estate. She had spoken to Kathryn Robson from Adult Learning Wales and they are keen to start an adult learning provision in Harlech, therefore please get in touch with any curriculum or classes the community might like. The patching works on Ffordd Penllech is being carried out soon and safety works are being carried out before the cycle event in August.

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