News & Events

🎉FEDERATION EVENTS 2024

Saturday, 13 April

Gwent Federation Annual Council Meeting

Well ladies what can we say!!!  We had a brilliant day on Saturday, 13 April at our Annual Council Meeting in Usk Memorial Hall.  A big thank you to every one of you who came along and supported us. 😊  Particular thanks, too, to all of our fantastic guests and the 2 brilliant speakers for finding time to join us, at our very special meeting👏

Our first speaker at the ACM was Dr Lisa Snook, Gwent County Archivist.  
Lisa is passionate about sharing her experience and knowledge of archives and archive research with others.  Lisa’s special subject is women's history, particularly women in the south Wales coalfield.  Lisa gave a very interesting and informative talk on her role and the work that goes on in Gwent Archives, Ebbw Vale.  They hold archives relating to all aspects of life in Gwent, in their original format as well as copies on microfilm and online, and have excellent facilities to access them.  Why don’t you organise a group visit to the Archives for your WI to find out more and combine it with a visit to Ebbw Vale Works Museum which is nearby, what a great day out that would make!

Our guest speaker in the afternoon was Milliner, Effie Williams.  Effie started her business in September 2022 and is an award-winning couture milliner, creating beautiful yet fun and flirty hats and headpieces, all with a distinctive vintage inspired twist. Taking inspiration from the landscape of her native Herefordshire, along with her love of vintage fashions, Effie combines traditional craft skills with contemporary techniques to create pieces each as individual as the wearer.
Effie showed us some of the fabric she uses to make her headpieces and performed a demonstration on the making process and brought along some of her finest headpieces for us to see.

Thank you to all who came and gave up time to steward, Ally Heggie, Llanellen WI, and Elen Davis, Agincourt WI.  Ladies in the kitchen in the Memorial Hall from Rogerstone Roses WI, Mary Park and Sonia Smith, Liz Hepburn, Llandenny & District WI and Jill Nicholson, Govilion WI.  Ladies in the kitchen in the Centenary Hall (Scout Hut) members of GaP WI, Fiona Evans, Lisa Knowles and Ann Townsend.  Margaret Parry, Llantilio Crossenny WI, our organist, Tellers from Glamorgan Federation, Claire Atherton and Carolyn Davies.  A huge thank you to Harold Meese and Terry Davies.  You all did a super job and we could not have coped without you, we are just extremely grateful to you all.

Mary  Clarke, Chair of Gwent Federation

Dr Lisa Snook, Gwent County Archivist

Ellie Williams,  award winning couture milliner

Thursday, 4 April 2024

NFWI Wales Conference 2024

Members of Gwent Federation of WIs went to the NFWI-Wales Conference on Thursday, 4 April in Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Powys and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The NFWI speakers were Jill Rundle, NFWI-Wales Chair; Ann Jones, NFWI Chair; and Rhian Connick, Head of NFWI-Wales. Guest speakers  Ffion Fielding, Project Manager of the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition Project and Bronwen Lewis singer-songwriter.   Ffion spoke about the Wales Peace Petition signed by 320,000 women in Wales and taken to the USA in 1924.  It is being transcribed so that you can see who in your family might have signed it.  Fascinating - and there is a dedicated exhibition with all the associated peace activities at St Fagans - it is well worth a visit and of course it's free.  Bronwen Lewis spoke openly about her ADHD diagnosis and the impact of ADHD on her daily life.

Great speakers and it kept fine!

GFWI Annual Quiz

Friday, 22 March

Congratulations to this year's winners of the Annual Quiz...Ponthir WI.

In joint second place were Beechwood and Wyesham WIs.
Some 21 teams took part and for the first time we introduced a multiple choice round. The winners will be invited to represent the Gwent Federation later in the year at the Wales Federations event.

Well done to everyone who took part.

GFWI RWS Competition Day and Welsh Afternoon Tea

Saturday, 9 March

Usk Memorial Hall

Congratulations to Govilon WI on winning the Coop competition and Kath Rees Llangwm & Llansoy WI for winning the floral art.

Friday, 8 March

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the social, economic and political achievements of women, reflect on progress and demand gender equality. For over a hundred years, International Women’s Day has put the spotlight onto issues affecting women all over the world. Today, International Women’s Day belongs to everyone who believes that women’s rights are human rights.

Friday, 2 February

Gwent Federation of WIs had a lovely afternoon in Usk?  A most successful time was enjoyed by nine teams New Age Kurling.  The semi finals were fought between Llantilio Pertholey, Usk B, Bryngwyn and Usk A.  In the final, Usk A emerged the winners against Bryngwyn.  Well done everyone!!  Thanks to those who helped.

Angela Lloyd and Barbara Atton with the winners Usk B.

Friday, 12 and Saturday, 13 January

Calling all Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries

Proposal to change Gwent Federation of WIs to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

left to right, Nicola Awni, Mary Clarke (Chair), Judith Meese, Lynn Davies

Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries attending the CIO Meeting

🎉FEDERATION EVENTS 2023

Saturday, 2 December

On Saturday, 2 December Gwent Federation of WIs held their Carol Concert in St Mary’s Priory Church in Monmouth.  It was cold but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, thank you Rev Timothy Dack.  A big thank you to everyone that attended and to all those who did readings and poems.  A massive thank you to  our organists Margaret Parry and Jeanette Massochoi, to the choir of Llantilio Crossenny, Pontllanfraith WI choir, Ponthir Recorder Harmonies and to Agincourt WI who served the coffee, tea and mince pies.  Thank you to everyone who joined us, it was lovely to see you all.

Friday, 3 November

Tree Planting, Lunch and Talk on Alfred Russel Wallace

Mary Clarke - Chair of Gwent Federation of WIs

Philip Henshall & Nigel Price of Usk Rotary Club

and  Jonathan Stephens gave us a fascinating insight in to the life of Alfred Russel Wallace,

Gwent Federation Newsletter November 2023

WI Day - 16 September

WI Day is a national event taking place across England and Wales to celebrate the Womens Institute in 2023.  A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area, to build friendship and make a  difference in your community.

WIs Celebrating WI Day in Gwent

WI week of River Action

11 - 18 September

Gwent Federation Newsletter August and September 2023

Gwent Federation Trip to the Cotswolds on Tuesday, 1 August 2023

New Officers'  Meeting on Friday, 30 June in Usk Memorial Hall at 7.15pm

Has your WI got a new President, Secretary or Treasurer? If so they will get a lot of information and support at the New Officers’ Meeting.  Established Officers are also welcome to attend for an update. This meeting is free of charge and registration is via the Federation Secretary by 19 June.

New Members Meeting Friday, 16 June in Usk Memorial Hall at 7.15pm

REMINDER to Book for the FREE New Members Evening. Have all your new members who have joined the WI in the last 2 years or so, registered to attend the free New Members Evening. The evening will provide a comprehensive guide to what the WI can offer as well as meeting other new members. If someone from your WI would like to bring your new members to the meeting please do so, you'd be very welcome.

Has your WI got a new President, Secretary or Treasurer? If so they will get a lot of information and support at the New Officers’ Meeting.  Established Officers are also welcome to attend for an update. This meeting is free of charge and registration is via the Federation Secretary by 19 June.

29 April, Women Walk the World to raise funds for ACWW

In April, GFWI’s Public Affairs sub committee held 2 walks to raise money for ACWW.  A three mile ramble around Usk on Thursday, 20 April, ending up at a cafe for coffee, cake and a chat. Their 2nd walk was a 6/7 mile walk up Twmbarlwm on 29 April with views which were breathtaking. They had great weather on both days.  £193 was raised for both walks. The monies raised from the walks will go to ACWW - which will help empower and change the lives of women and families across the Globe with projects to better their lives.  Such as, Education, Health and Food production.  Helping to make women independent and self sufficient.

Ladies on behalf of ACWW and our sisters throughout the Globe, who are so less fortunate than us in many ways - a heartfelt ’Thank You’ to each and everyone of you for helping us to raise the money.

ACWW DAY

Gwent Federation Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, 15 April

It was lovely to see so many members  at our Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, 15 April, thank you to all who helped on the day.

Natalie Evans, Cyber CSO, Gwent Police, spoke to us about Cyber Security, how to stay safe online and recognise scam telephone calls.  Natalie stated that our email password was the most important password to keep safe and to make it hard for the computer scammers to break by using 3 completely different words in the password.

Our Guest Speaker was Jennifer Wearden from the Victoria and Albert Museum who gave a very interesting talk on ‘Sustainable Fashion’ which was certainly thought provoking.   The meeting ended with tea and cake while being entertained by singer Bev Parsons.

Jennifer Wearden

Natalie Evans

Bev Parsons

Trophy and Birthday Certificates

Gwent Federation of WIs Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, 15 April

It’s not too late to book your ticket for Gwent Federation of WIs Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, 15 April.  Doors will open at 1pm to browse the stands before the meeting.  The meeting will end with tea and cake while being entertained by singer Bev Parsons.  This will be our first face to face ACM since 2019. Come along and meet friends old and new from across the Federation. If you have never been to an ACM before come and try it.  Observer tickets £10 to include tea and cake.  Book with Federation Secretary email: secretary@gwentwi.org.uk or phone 01633 864456.

Federation Quiz Evening  -  Friday, 31 March

What a great night we had at our Annual Quiz last night.  A huge thank you to everyone who attended the GFWI Annual Quiz and for your continuing support. Thanks go to Iestyn’s Fish Bar in Sebastopol for the delicious fish, chicken and chips supper.

The winners of the 2023 Annual Quiz were Ponthir WI, congratulations to Gill Wheeley, Harriett Couzens and Pauline Hindle on the winning team.
2nd Llantilio Pertholey and 3rd Usk B Group.

Congratulations to all that took part

Gwent Federation of WIs biennial Competition Day on Saturday, 10 March in Usk Memorial Hall

The theme this year was ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’

Well ladies what can we say!!! Once again the ladies of the WI have absolutely exceeded all expectations. The standard of entries was just amazing. The Judges had a very hard job on their hands!!!  Thank you to all that entered, all who gave up their time to Steward and all that helped, we could not have coped without you.  We are just extremely grateful to you all.

Tea/coffee and delicious cakes were served followed with a demonstration on  how to make an Eco Spring Wreath by Lucy Silverwell.  Lucy is a freelance florist based in Caerleon, who specialises in creating naturally wild arrangements for weddings, funerals and events in South Wales and the surrounding areas.  Lucy is a true artist and it clearly shows in her work. She was really attentive and friendly.

Planning and executing the Show has been challenging, but when we saw the amount of people coming through the doors it was all worth it.  Thank you all for supporting this event.

Floral Art

Poem and Photography

WI Shop Increases from 1st April 2023

Drama Workshop

Quiz Night in Usk Memorial Hall

An important date for your diary - our popular Annual Quiz Night is taking place in Usk Memorial Hall.  As with last year, members are invited to bring their own drinks, glasses and cutlery. Teams of 3 ladies, book with the Federation Secretary. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at time of booking, so that we may arrange options. Second teams are allowed this year.

Gwent Federation Walking Netball Match

Gwent Federation of WIs Walking Netball team played their first match on Monday, 6 March against English Bicknor WI, Gloucestershire Federation.  The teams were evenly matched and all had a great afternoon. Thanks to Coaches Gary and Rachel.  Gwent Federation of WIs Walking Netball Team meet on Thursdays 7-8pm at Monmouth School, Sports Club.  Their Coach is Gary Fish from Wales Netball.  If you would like to join them contact secretary@gwentwi.org.uk or phone 01633 864456

February's Newsletter 2023

January's 2023 Newsletter

Quoits

Friday,  20 January at 2pm

Usk Memorial Hall

GFWI Sports and Leisure Sub-committee held a Quoits afternoon on  Friday, 20 January in Usk Memorial Hall

Congratulations to Bryngwyn WI on winning the Federation Quoits competition…….well done Gail, Maggie, Pat and Joan.  Also congratulations to Lavinia O’Brien of Llantilio Pertholey WI on achieving the highest individual score of the competition.  Thank you to everyone who took part.  There’s nothing like cake, good company and conversations.

Bryngwyn WI

Lavinia O’Brien of Llantilio Pertholey WI and Sue Philpot

Competition Day

Saturday, 11 March at Usk Memorial Hall

'All Things Bright and Beautiful'

Entries to be received at Federation Office by 6 February.  Poems to be received, preferably by email by 13 February.  All other entries to be staged on the day.

NFWI-Wales Conference

Is being held at The Galeri, Caernarfon on Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Guest Speakers are:

Debra Drake

Many of you will recognise Debra as a finalist on the 2022 Great Britain Sewing Bee Programme

Mali Parry-Jones

A TV Producer in her day job but Mali is also a longstanding RNLI volunteer situated on the Lyn Peninsula

The cost to attend in person is £12 or virtually £5.  Please book with Federation office by 16 January

There will be 14 members of Gwent Federation of Women's Institutes joining an Edwards Coach trip based in The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon from Monday, 20 March to Friday, 24 March with excursions to Llandudno and the Isle of Anglesey at a cost of  £298 each.

Quiz

Friday, 31 March at 7pm in Usk Memorial Hall

Cost  £11

Gwent Federation ACM

Saturday, 15 April at 2pm in Usk Memorial Hall

Delegates free, Observers £10

NFWI Annual Meeting

Thursday, 25 May at St David's Hall, Cardiff

£22 in person, £5  virtual

FEDERATION EVENTS 2022

Carol Concert

Saturday, 3 December at 2pm

St Julian's Baptist Church, Beaufort Road, Newport NP19 7PZ

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  We are delighted for the first time in 3 years to hold our Carol Concert.   The Carol Concert will be held in St Julian's Baptist Church, Newport.  Hosting an afternoon of traditional Christmas carols and readings.  Followed by tea and mince pies in the Jubilee Hall.  As I'm sure those of you who have been in previous years will agree, it makes a fantastic start to Christmas celebrations.  Owing to the size of the venue, this event, although free to attend, will require that you book your place via Federation Office beforehand.

Discussion on Shortlisted Resolutions - Zoom Meeting

Tuesday, 29 November at 7pm

At the meeting we shall discuss the shortlisted resolutions so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your preferred resolution at your January meeting.

Book via Federation Office

01633 864456

secretary@gwentwi.org.uk

Christmas Crafts

Sunday, 27 November in Little Mill Village Hall

Commencing at 10.30am - 3.30pm at a Cost of £25

This day could be enjoyed by crafters and non-crafters.  It provides an opportunity to try 3 different crafts; a beaded snowflake; a polymer clay tree decoration; a sugar-craft cake topper.

Tea and coffee will be provided.  Please bring your own packed lunch.

The cost for the day, to include all materials, will be £25.

Book your place via Federation Office email:  secretary@gwentwi.org.uk or 01633 864456

Light a Candle

Thursday, 24 November

Light a Candle as we mark International Abolition Violence against Women Day on 25 November

We are very excited to announce that our Light a Candle Service will return to St Mary's Priory Church in Usk this year.  Please save the date, we hope you will join us.

2022- Not in my Name, Candlelit Vigil

Senedd, Cardiff

Monday, 21 November 2022 at 6pm

NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson MS are planning a cross-party stakeholder event at The Senedd on 21 November 2022

followed by

A Candlelight Vigil on the Senedd steps at 6pm

WI members are invited to join this.

The results of the competition to design a scarf to highlight this campaign will be announced on the same evening. For more information contact s.thomas@nfwi-wales.org.uk

Looking forward to seeing you there…….

November 2022 Gwent Newsletter

Through the Decades Show

Saturday, 22 October at 7pm

at Usk Memorial Hall

A fun filled evening of entertainment    £5 Performers, £10 Audience

Please book by 13 October           Bring your own refreshments

What a fantastic night we had at Through the Decades Show.  The Hall was packed with real WI enthusiasm and laughter.  It showcased the pool of talent we have in our WIs.

Well done to all the WIs who worked so hard to make the evening a success.  Thanks must go to the Combined Arts Sub-Committee and to Penny Blood, who pulled the whole event together and directed operations.  Angela our Federation Secretary acted as our compare for the evening, nothing phased her especially with the unexpected bangs, Angela caused lots of laughter with her witty remarks.

For those of you who weren't there you missed a real treat.

Here are photos from the evening

Gwent Newsletter - October 2022

Day at the Wetlands Centre, Newport

Saturday, 24 September

We met in the cafe before starting our activities. Thirteen ladies from WIs across Gwent took part. Helena made use of one of the electric scooters which were available. Our first experience was the moth reveal. Moths had collected over night in the moth trap. We were enthralled by all the different markings which led to their identifications. The markings were so intricate; something I hadn’t appreciated before. We then went on a circular walk which took us through marshlands, along a coastal path and by the sides of ponds. Our guide Jeremy pointed out that a litter pick had recently been carried out by a team of volunteers along the estuary. He showed us the huge bags piled up along the side of the path which had been filled with items you’d least expect to find. We identified a variety of birds in the reed beds and spotted beautiful dragon flies, we even found a couple of ant trails along the path. One success story was that the Bittern which was almost extinct fifty years ago was now thriving on the levels. We had a wonderful morning and I feel that we will have to arrange future visits so that we can have a different experience in another season.

Photos from the day

Cost £8

Limited numbers so please book with Federation Office by 12 September.

There is also a £4 Car park charge.

Reaching Out - Visibility Workshops

Thursday, 8 September - 7pm at Federation Office, Suite 1, Raglan House, Llantarnum Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AB

and

Tuesday, 20 September - 2pm until 4.15pm in Llanarth Village Hall

The Membership Committee is running a free workshop in September, in 2 locations, on making your WI more visible in your community.  In the workshop we will explore how well your WI is known in your community and what you can do to improve your impact.  We will consider how to write a report for a local newspaper/newsletter, what makes a good poster or flyer, how to use social media to its best advantages and what makes a good WI programme.  Through the session we will facilitate the exchange of ideas from participants, so the workshops will be action-packed which will help you in your drive to recruit and retain members.  Each WI will receive a "Reaching Out" information pack at the meeting.

Contact the Federation Secretary to book.

Literary Lunch

Matt Johnson and WI Members

Friday, 16 September 2022, 12pm for 12.30pm

at Usk Memorial Hall Guest Speaker:  Matt Johnson, from Policeman to Author of Crime Thrillers

2 Course Lunch with Wine or non-alcoholic drink £25

Menu:  Ham Salad with hot new Potatoes or Vegetarian Quiche and Salad

Apple Pie and Custard or Cream; Double Chocolate Cheesecake; Fresh Fruit Salad with Cream

Please book with Menu choices and pay to Federation Office by Thursday, 1 September

Antiques Evening

Monday, 12 September 2022

Please book with Federation Office and pay by Thursday, 1 September

Gwent News August/September 2022

We're Better Together

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

Llanarth Village Hall, Llanarth

The Board of Trustees were delighted to meet over 100 members from 34 of our 43 WIs at the recent "We're Better Together" events held at Newport and Llanarth.  The opportunity to meet together  was extremely valuable, to speak to each other and to have your comments, all of which will go to the July Board meeting and into the various committees for consideration and action.  I think we all enjoyed the Cheese and Wine at Newport and the Cream Tea at Llanarth.  It was great to see WIs exchanging speakers, ideas for outings and passing on tips which had worked well in their WIs, as well as making new friends and connections.  There was a real buzz at both events and everyone agreed "We're Better Together".  Thank you to those who attended, it was a pleasure to meet you all.

Membership Display

Sports & Leisure Display

Mary Clarke, Chair  of Membership

Combined Arts Display

Public Affairs Display

Gwent Federation were delighted to be able to hold its delayed Centenary Service on 28 May 2022

Over 100 members  and guests including NFWI Chair, Ann Jones and former Gwent Federation Chairs attended a Thanksgiving service at  St Mary's  Priory Church, Abergavenny.

30 WIs also proudly paraded their banners, many of which had been made especially for the occasion.

FEDERATION EVENTS 2021

Saturday, 14 August

"Schools Out - Sports Day" Little Mill Village Hall

We had  a lovely afternoon at our Centenary Sports day on Saturday outside Little Mill Village Hall.  We were lucky with the weather and the sun shone.  We had a great afternoon with much laughter especially, in the Walking Netball taster sessions, egg and spoon races and dressing up races.  Tea/coffee and delicious cakes were served.  A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Centenary Sports day and for your continuing support.

Below are some photos taken at the  event

Penny and her human fruit machine

Jill and Mary, Find the Treasurer    

Walking Netball taster session....warm up

Egg and Spoon race        

Dressing up race

Barbara serving the tea/coffee and cakes