Whitchurch Fete – July 4th

The summer fete on Whitchurch Common is one of our primary fundraisers of the year. This year we are collecting for Parkinsons UK Cymru. The weather was glorious—if a little windy at times for the gazebo—and a good number of items had been donated for us to sell. The theme of the stall was 'Anything Welsh'. The Welsh cakes and bara brith sold out quickly and Jenny's daffodils were very popular. We raised £200 for our charity. 

Thank you to everyone who donated an item to sell, and to those who helped on the day.

Brecon Canal Outing – June 2026

 On June 29th about 25 members enjoyed an outing to Brecon. We travelled there in two minibuses, arriving in good time to have a cuppa by the canal before boarding our boat. 

Our afternoon tea was ready and waiting for us on the tables.

We then enjoyed a gentle trip along the canal aboard 'Dragonfly'. The boatman told us not to panic and flap about if we fell overboard – but to just stand up! The water was not very deep!

The trip included navigating one lock, which was an interesting experience.  We then continued a short distance to a turning place. A number of us got off the boat to stand on a little bridge and watch the boatman skilfully manoeuvre the barge. Then it was back through the lock, (it was a bit smelly at the bottom of the lock!) and back to the wharf and the minibuses.

It was a very relaxing and peaceful day and everyone enjoyed it. The weather was lovely. Thank you Sandra for organising it.

June Meeting – Period Dancing

Our co-President, Nor'dzin, introduced to members to period dancing at the June meeting. She talked about the principles of good manners, polite behaviour, honour, dignity, elegance and integrity that are key features in the novels of Jane Austen. Nor'dzin suggested that Austen presents an image of a potentially ideal society. Landowners and the well-to-do look after their tenants and the local community,  recognising the good fortune of their own situation. Emotions are controlled rather than expressed, allowing politeness and dignity to prevail. This idyll is a fantasy created in her novels, rather than a true reflection of how society was in the time she was writing. 

Film and television productions of Austen's books have upheld this atmosphere of elegance and refinement. This is particularly demonstrated in some of the dances that have become associated with these production, even though these dances are not historically accurate for that time. Nor'dzin was accompanied by friends from 'My Lady's Dancers'  – a group led by Phillipa Waite, and internationally acclaimed teacher of period dance. Three dances were demonstrated: The Earl of Essex Measure, Hole in the Wall, and Mr Beveridge's Maggot. After this members joined in to learn the first two of these dances. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.

Many thanks to Sheila for the photographs.

Newsletter – July 2026

July 13th meeting:

This is the last meeting before the summer break. At the meeting there will be a quiz, a beetle drive, and cake to enjoy at our summer party. Please also pick up a copy of the new programme of meetings for this September through to July 2027.

Events 

The trip to Duffryn Gardens to view the costumes from the recent television production, 'The Other Bennett Sister', will take place on August 3rd. Thank you to those members who have offered the possibility of a lift to those who need one. Sandra and Sheila will organise who is travelling with whom. There is no charge for the exhibition itself, but there is an entrance fee to Duffryn Gardens. It is a National Trust property for those who are members. It has been suggested that we arrive around 1 pm.

Our charity:

We will be doing the fundraiser 'Fill a Smartie Tube' again this year as it is such a successful and simple way to raise funds for our charity, Parkinsons UK Cymru. Please take a Smartie tube at the meeting, eat the sweets, and bring the tube back to the September meeting filled with cash.

Information

    Link to the Glamorgan Newsletters.

    MyWI site (registration and log in required)

Groups:

    Book Group: Wednesday 15th July / 11.00 am / La Cucina da Mara

        NB this is a week later than usual.

    Family History: TBC / 2.00 pm / 113 Pantbach Road

    

    Poetry and Prose Group: Monday 27th July  / 10.45 am

    The Ark coffee bar, Ararat / Topic: wild animals

    Craft Group: Monday 20th July / 2 pm / 18 Heol Stradling

    St Mary's Gardens: Tuesday 24th July  / 10 – 12; Open Day 18th July / 10 - 3 pm

    Sunday lunch group: 26th July / 1 pm / Butcher's Arms, Rhiwbina

 

Following meeting:

    Next meeting: Monday 14th September – no meeting in August; Ararat Church Hall, Whitchurch Common, 2 pm. Speaker: Ted Richards on 'Captain Scott'.