2015 is the WI’s centenary year! It all began in Anglesey on September 16th 1915, and the WI originated Canada in 1897.
Closer to home, Llantilio Pertholey WI started at 2.30pm on March 27th 1919 at Ty-Gwyn Hall, Mard where a meeting was held by the kind permission of the matron, as it was a Women’s Land Army Hospital. The chair was taken by Mrs Sanford and Miss Lampart, an executive member from Anglesey, outlined the purpose and aims of the WI. These first members were responsible for buying and installing the WI hut in the Mardy which opened on Jan 8th 1920. Improvements were made over the years and it is still standing today. The WI hut was the hub of the community until the Mardy Community Hall was built and the WI moved there in January 1985 – it is still thriving today.
The WI is “everything you want it to be” and Llantilio Pertholey WI have an interesting and varied programme for 2015. We are planning to take part in the annual carnival in Abergavenny and are looking for suitable transport. Members also join in activities organised by Gwent Federation such as kurling, petanque, quiz evenings, crafts, drama, photography and more. At National level we contribute to issues that are important and make a difference to not just women but to our country and the world we live in through campaigns and resolutions.
We always welcome new members so come along on the first Thursday of each month to the Mardy Community Hall by 7.15pm and be inspired to join the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.
See The Abergavenny Focus Events pages for forthcoming WI dates for your diaries!