THE latest community news from Harlech

Summer show

THE trophy winners this year were - Vegetables: Coronation Trophy (highest points Section 1), R O Edwards; Ralph Highley Memorial (winner of class 15), Theresa Lampert; Alun Williams Cup (class 20), Laura Phillips; National Vegetable Medal – best exhibit section 1, R O Edwards.

Flowers: Proctor Cup (highest points 36-50), Richard Anelay; National Dahlia Society Silver Certificate (best bloom), Richard Anelay; Cadwgan Cup (class 48), Edwin M Jones; Cwpan Goffa Owie Jones and National Dahlia Society Bronze certificate (best vase), Richard Anelay; Harlech Horticultural Cup (highest points 60 – 64), R O Edwards; 1950 Cup (highest points 51 – 70), Edwin M Jones. Floral Art: Ellerker Trophy (highest points Section 3), Pat Elford; Floral Art (best exhibit), Pat Elford; Maidment Trophy (winner of class 72), Pat Elford.

Cookery: WI Cookery Trophy (highest points section 4), Wendy Matthews.

Historical society

CYNAN, the last King of Gwynedd.

Gruffydd was born in Dublin in 1055 to a Welsh father and a Norse mother.

He died in 1137 at the age of 81 – a remarkable feat in itself given the times in which he lived and the career he chose.

Jim described the various raids led by Gruffydd from Ireland against a variety of enemies, his incarceration in Chester castle for twelve years and his support for the Celtic Church.

Gruffydd also reapplied the laws of Hywel Dda and his reign brought a period of stability to Gwynedd.

The talk was followed by the AGM which concluded with the existing committee members being re-elected en block.

Refreshments, including cheese and wine, rounded off a very pleasant evening.

The society’s next talk will be on 8 October.

Paul Walton will be speaking on the subject of ‘Marians on the Mawddach: An English School’s Love Affair’.

The talk will be held in the memorial hall and will begin at 7.30pm.

Light refreshments will be available.

All welcome.

Non-members £2 on the door.

Sight loss group

A NEW support group which aims increase the confidence and independence of people affected by macular disease is set to launch in Harlech.

Leading sight loss charity the Macular Society has set up the group, which will begin with a meet and greet event on Thursday, 26 September, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at Harlech Castle Café.

The group will then hold informal meetings at the same time and location on the fourth Thursday of each month. Its ongoing aim will be to offer information, encouragement and friendship to people who are affected by macular disease.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK. Nearly 1.5 million people are currently affected and many more are at risk. The disease can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, leaving them unable to drive, read or see faces.

Marian Williams, Macular Society regional manager, said: “This group is here for anybody affected by macular disease and we want to encourage people to come along and chat over a cup of coffee or slice of cake. Friends and family are also very welcome.

“It’s good to be able to learn from each other’s experiences and get tips. The peer support can be so helpful. Our groups can really help people increase in confidence and become more independent.”

For more information about the group, contact Marian Williams, Macular Society regional manager, on 07495 054 053, or email marian. [email protected]

For general information on macular disease, call the Macular Society on 0300 3030 111 or email help@ macularsociety.org.

WI

THE president, Jan Cole, welcomed everyone to the meeting. Meirion was sung, followed by a minute silence in respect of member Christine Hemsley, who passed away in June.

Apologies were accepted. The guest speaker, Dorothy Round, was introduced by Jan.

Dorothy would be demonstrating the art of flower arranging, showing how to achieve a wonderful display of fresh flowers, autumn foliage in various colour themes, put together with such expertise, divided between three baskets.

The completed baskets were donated by Dorothy as raffle prizes.

A vote of thanks was given by Pat.

Minutes of the last meeting were read, and accepted as correct.

Jan read out thank you cards from The Artro Group, and Home Economics, thanking Harlech WI for all their hard work in producing a wonderful array of cakes for The County Show.

A thank you card was also received from Ann, Llanuwchllyn WI thanking Harlech WI members for their participation in contributing felt leaves for a forthcoming event.

County letter was read, with reminders for The Celebration Lunch on 3 October, Annual Quiz Night on 27 September in Dolgellau and Fun Quiz on 7 November in Penrhyndeudraeth.

The next craft club will be held in The Old Library on Thursday, 19 September, commencing at 2pm; for further details contact Annette/Josie.

The December meeting will take place at lunch time, further details to follow.

Dining Club would be arranged by Ros, who will be looking to take us to some interesting venues during the next few months.

Jan asked if there were any members who would like to join us on committee, as we have some vacancies for the start of the New Year, speak to Jan and register your interest.

Sheila asked for volunteers to clean Las Ynys, date to be arranged.

Competition winners were Sue W, 2nd Lesley and 3rd Sheila.

The next meeting will be in the memorial hall on 9 October at 7pm.

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