SIR,

The Monmouth Women's Festival ended on Sunday 10th March with cutting the cake to mark our 10th birthday.

The festival has been a huge success and we would like to thank all the people who came along to the events and supported us – if you did not come you really missed some treats.

The Shire Hall was packed to hear the historical novelist Alison Weir who gave us a superb account of the lives of 16th century women and how attitudes of the day imposed great restrictions on their lives.

Our comedienne, Mrs Nice, had us dancing, singing  playing musical statues and rocking with laughter at her wit.

These were just two of the very interesting and talented women we have met over the last 10 days who have come to Monmouth to share their life stories with us.

Our charity this year – Life for African Mothers – raised £300 and we staggered under so many bundles of baby clothes which had been donated – so a huge thank you to all who gave so generously.

Sandra Harvey

(Secretary, Monmouth Women's Festival)