Newsletter – September 2026

Have you had a wonderful summer break? Did you enjoy the heat? Some people found it a bit too hot, but the sun-lovers should be well satisfied. 

Welcome back to Whitchurch WI with a full programme up till July 2027. 

We are very sad to report the recent passing of Jean Bendoui, a longstanding member of our WI. She had been unwell for several years, but still attended our meetings whenever she could. 

May we remind members that we are in need of a new treasurer. Our WI is not allowed to continue without a treasurer and will simply be closed in May if no one comes forward to take over the role. 

September 14th meeting: 

The speaker is Ted Richards who will be talking to us about 'Captain Scott'. 

Events:   

The trip to Duffryn Gardens to view the costumes from the recent television production, 'The Other Bennett Sister', was a great success. 

A trip is proposed to the RWCMD to see 'Christmas on Broadway'. It will be on Friday 11th December at 2 pm. Tickets are £23. Sandra can reserve 20 tickets but only has a week to confirm that number. So to guarantee a place, please pay the full amount at the September meeting, or at least half and the rest by 21st September. There will be a tick list at the meeting. 

The Bus Pass Group is back! There will be a trip to Penarth on Friday 25th September. Meet at Cardiff bus station at 10:30. 

Our charity: 

Please remember to bring your Smartie Tube' filled with cash to the September meeting. This is a major fundraiser for our charity, Parkinsons UK Cymru. If you forget in September, please bring it to the October meeting at the latest. Thank you. 

The committee has decided not to take a stall at the Christmas Fair at Ararat this year. Instead, we will have a Bring and Buy sale at the January meeting. Hang on to those unwanted Christmas presents until then! 

Another way to help raise funds for our charity, is to put a donation in the pot on the refreshments table if you have a drink and a biscuit. We do not ask for a payment for refreshments, but the charity will appreciate a donation. 

Groups: 

    Book Group: Wednesday 16th September / 11.00 am / La Cucina da Mara 

    Family History: 7th September / 2.00 pm / 113 Pantbach Road 

    Poetry and Prose: Monday 28th September / 10.45 am The Ark coffee bar, Ararat
    Topic: favourite poems and poets 

    Craft: Monday 21st September / 2 pm / 18 Heol Stradling 

    St Mary's Gardens: Tuesday 13th October / 10 – 12; this meeting will also be the
    AGM of Friends of St Mary's Gardens over lunch at the Fox and Hounds. 

    Sunday lunch group: 27th September / 1 pm / Butcher's Arms, Rhiwbina 

Following meeting: 

    Monday 12th October; Ararat Church Hall, Whitchurch Common, 2 pm. 

    Speaker: Fauve Birch: 'Sewing, and The Great British Sewing Bee'