What a month May was at the Llantilio Crossenny WI- a month of remembrance and nostalgia plus a hefty dose of celebration and gratitude.

We started our WI activities in May at the VE Day event at Llanvapley Pavilion. Llantilio Crossenny WI members turned out in force to make their contribution to the marking of Victory in Europe Day, a celebration of peace, in conjunction with the Llanvapley Sports and Social Association (LSSA) and the Llanvapley Gardening Club. Delicious cakes were baked and sold, the refreshments stall was run like clockwork and the Choir sang melodiously to the crowd. It should be noted that many of us enjoyed the group sing-song, the okey-cokey and the Conga, all of which rounded off a lovely and fitting community gathering. Thanks to Gobion Fawr Community Council, who part funded the event.

The next date in the diary was our monthly meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 14th May. This was always going to be a special occasion as our President, Lin Morris, had previously announced her intention to stand down after 12 years in office. The formal part of the evening included Lin’s valedictory report as President in which she reflected upon her twelve years as President. The predominant theme of Lin’s report was one of gratitude for the friendship and support that is the warp and weft of our WI. Many good times were remembered by Lin along with the more serious aspects of being a WI member such as the annual campaigns run nationally.

Following the election of a Committee, a new President had to be elected. Mary Clarke, Chair of Gwent Federation (GFWI), was present to oversee the process and Margaret Parry was elected to much applause. Lin handed over the President’s badge and sash and we all agreed when she said that our WI is in very good hands as we go forward.

A fish and chip supper was enjoyed and then the farewell to Lin got underway. A group photograph was taken outside as the light was fading and then we came indoors to formally thank Lin for everything that she has achieved as President. Mary Clarke spoke warmly about Lin’s work with the WI both with the Gwent Federation and the National Federation (NFWI). A bouquet, card and voucher was then presented by one of her oldest WI friends, Jan Currie, who made an emotional and touching speech. We then had a toast to Lin, made by our new President, accompanied by a fantastic cake baked and expertly decorated by Marion Ashton. Three cheers loudly rang out. We rounded off the evening with one of Lin’s favourite songs, Edelweiss, and quite a few tears and hugs.

What Lin didn’t know was that this was only Act One in a Two-Act celebration. On the afternoon of the 21st May we held a surprise Tea Party for Lin. Amazingly Lin did not suspect a thing and said that she had never been thrown a surprise party in her life! The mood was jolly and emotional as we reminisced and enjoyed afternoon tea. Daphne Watkins presented Lin with a stunning album of pictures and events from our archives, made by Sheryl Westoby. The Choir sang a specially adapted rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ which told of some of Lin’s highlights as President. Everyone joined in the Llantilio Crossenny version of ‘Sweet Caroline’ – ‘Lin, President’. A wonderful afternoon was had by all.

Our next monthly meeting is on Wednesday 11th June at 7.00pm at Llanvapley Pavilion. We are journeying to southern Spain to learn about all things Flamenco. Let’s hope we have a warm evening to reflect the unique music and dancing of Andalusia.