THE latest community news from Llanilar

WI

ON 1 November Barbara Matthews from Trisant, who teaches Belly Dancing at the Arts Centre with her husband Jed on a traditional African Drum, gave a brief talk on the history of Belly Dancing.

It had started in Africa and then spread further afield.

They were mostly fertility dances with strong Arabic and Egyptian rhythms – a wonderful form of exercise.

Following a demonstration, members were invited to have a go.

She was thanked by Judy.

They held their AGM on 8 November, and commenced with the singing of Jerusalem.

Judy Lile, retiring president, welcomed us all and especially Ann Jones from Llanddewi Brefi, who is now NFWI vice chair, and two tellers from Llangwyryfon WI, Anne George and Elizabeth Walker.

Members gave their reports and a new committee was elected – Hazel Rimmer (president), Judy Lile and Margaret Peel, (vice presidents), Maureen Edwards, Jean Evans, Carol Evans and Eirlys Jones.

The retiring committee were thanked by Jayne Hancock.

The cup for the member winning the most competitions during the year was won by Betty Wakelin.

The medal for the member with the highest attendance during the year was won by Margaret Peel.

Judy presented a plant each to Ann Jones and the Tellers.

Ann Jones gave a brief talk and emphasised the importance of supporting each other and being involved in the community.

Refreshments were provided by the retiring committee.

The following week an enjoyable evening was spent at Blue Island Ceramics in Ynys Las where Zana welcomed them.

She invited them to choose an item to paint and they chose an item with a Christmas theme, e.g. candle holders and Christmas tree decorations.

Zana was thanked by Hazel and she congratulated Judy on being re-elected WI county chairman for the coming year.

Following an informal evening on 21 November we ended the month with a talk by Dr Alan Axford, chair of HAVAV.

He gave an excellent presentation and explained that HAVAV was set up in 2015 following the need for end of life care in the Aberystwyth area to begin with, although now it covers the whole of Ceredigion.

At the moment there are 70 volunteers with one part-time co-ordinator, who give friendship, social support and practical support to patients and their families.

At the moment there are 70 families being supported by this free service which is funded mainly by donations from organisations in the county.

The HAVAV shop in Pier Street, Aberystwyth is also a good source of income and is well supported by donations and has different volunteers working in the shop.

Following questions from members, Dr Axford was thanked by Barbara Awty for a very enlightening evening.

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