December 2025 followed its usual convivial pattern at the Llantilio Crossenny WI.

The bells rang in the festive period with our choir performing two pieces at the Gwent Federation Carol Service at St Peter’s Church, Goytre. Some of us are also members of the Selby Sounds Handbells group and we were thrilled to be able to play at the service. We battled through floods to get to this magical church but it was well worth it to enjoy the company of other WI members from across Gwent at this special annual event.

A few days later we had our Christmas meeting and our very own Jan Morgan treated us to a Christmas Floristry Surprise. And what a treat it was!! Jan jingled and jangled her magic with foliage and flowers to make the most amazing swags, garlands, wreaths and floral displays. She told stories whilst delving into her Mary Poppins bag of gorgeous things and then, out of nowhere, a beautiful arrangement was produced.

We were all entranced by Jan’s artistry and prowess and enjoyed this exhibition of floriography at its best immensely. Effusive thanks were offered to Jan for a wonderful evening.

Jan generously donated the displays for the raffle, the profits from which were given to the Tiny Tickers Charity and Bristol Children’s Hospital.

Breathless from Jan’s demonstration we enjoyed mulled wine and copious food provided by the Committee, drew the raffle and shared our Secret Santa gifts.

We then drew breath to prepare for Christmas and New Year with friends and family and we then needed a lie down to get over it!

Luckily help was on hand to escape from the new year inertia. Four of our members joined Phil on his monthly ramble from Llanvapley Pavilion. It was a beautiful winter’s day as we ventured forth over hill and dale on this sociable walk. (The next date is Saturday 7th February at 10.30am, all welcome). Afterwards, with rosy cheeks and in good heart, a large group of us from Llantilio Crossenny WI met for lunch at the Hunter’s Moon at Llangattock Lingoed. It was a lovely gathering of special friends and we shook off any post-holiday blues in a trice.

Our January date is the Annual Lunch on Sunday 18thJanuary in Abergavenny. Our February date is 11thFebruary, an eco-themed evening with Kathy Hague from Gwent Bee Keepers. As always, everyone is welcome to join us at 7pm, Llanvapley Pavilion.