Duffryn Gardens

On August 3rd a group of members visited Duffryn Gardens to see the exhibition of the costumes from the BBC production 'The Other Bennet Sister'. It was a small but delightful exhibition. 

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.

21st Anniversary afternoon tea

On Wednesday 22nd April members gathered at Llanishen Golf Club to celebrate Whitchurch WI's 21st anniversary. A V.E.S.T. minibus was arranged for those whithout their own transport. It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed the view across the golf course and into the distance. A splendid spread of sausage rolls, mini quiche, sandwiches, cake and scones was laid on for us. Nor'dzin had devised a quiz of locating images on a map of Whitchurch which each had a go at completing.

Everyone enjoyed each other's company and it was a lovely afternoon.

Oakham Treasures

A group of eleven members enjoyed a trip to see the collection at Oakham Treasures, near Bristol. Transport was provided by V.E.S.T. It was the first time that we had hired them for transport and everyone agreed that the minibus was comfortable.

The collection includes a wide range of memorabilia: farm equipment, transport, everyday items, chocolate and other foods, clothing, tools, and all sorts of other items. It is all undercover, which was fortunate as it was a very rainy day, in one huge building with each section accessible by ramps. Every wall is decorated with posters and metal advertising plaques. 

The displays were artistically arranged. The tool collections in particular were presented in interesting pattern formations. Several people noticed how well-kept it all was. It was not dusty and looked as though it was displayed with pride and pleasure.

The all-important coffee bar / restaurant. Most people had a cooked lunch. There was a good choice and everyone declared the food to be good and reasonably priced. A most successful outing which everyone enjoyed.

 

A walk around Forest Farm – Taith gerdded o amgylch Fferm y Goedwig

 

Four WI members enjoyed a guided tour of Forest Farm, led by committee member Sheila Austin. The weather was kind and everyone enjoyed a beautiful and informative walk.

Thank you to Glenys Care for the photos.

Mwynhaodd pedwar aelod o’r WI daith dywys o amgylch Fferm y Goedwig, dan arweiniad aelod y pwyllgor Sheila Austin. Roedd y tywydd yn garedig a mwynhaodd pawb daith gerdded hyfryd ac addysgiadol.

Diolch i Glenys Care am y lluniau.

A trip to the Royal Mint

 On March 20th, 25 members enjoyed an afternoon trip to the Royal Mint in Llantrisant.

The Mint's website states:  

"With a history spanning more than 1,100 years, The Royal Mint is a British maker of thoughtfully designed products and services. We make original coin collections and gifts to celebrate special moments, and offer eye-opening experiences, investment opportunities and produce currency for the UK."

Tom, the young man who guided us on the tour, was extremely knowledgeable and a most pleasant and friendly host. Understandably, photography was not permitted inside the Mint, but we were shown the various machines used in the minting process and given fascinating details about the history of the Mint.

In the foyer was a mini and a model of Grommet embossed with coins.

The tour ended with a small museum area, and a shop.

A purser's bag, rescued from a sunken ship and renovated. 

Everyone agreed that it was an enjoyable and interesting visit.

Kelmscott Manor

32 members enjoyed a trip to Kelmscott Manor, the former home of Williams Morris and his family.  First there was a stop at a nearby garden centre allowing time to browse and also have some lunch.  Then tea and biscuits on arrival at the Manor, along with a short talk giving some background on William Morris’ connection to it. We were then split into 3 groups, each with a guide, to have a tour of the house and see some of the collection housed there. It was a long but enjoyable day.

Report by Liz Jervis