HELYG GROUP MEETING

Tuesday 19th March saw Llanarth WI host the Helyg Group Meeting in Llanarth Village Hall. Our President Isabel Jones opened proceedings by welcoming the other WIs in the group. Apologies for Penrhiwllan and Cwmcoi WIs were given by Dorothy Cox, Group Convenor. Congratulations to Ann Jones County Chair now to be Chair of the Federation

for Wales was given by Kathy Woods, Vice County Chair. Brenda Wright, County Treasurer stressed to the meeting the need to recruit new members. As Helyg group is a small group, letters have been sent to other larger groups to see if they wish to merge with Helyg Group.

Event organisers from each of the WIs within Helyg Group gave an account of their most interesting and entertaining evenings. There were some very interesting speakers mentioned. A list will be compiled and sent out to each WI within Helyg Group.

Isabel Jones introduced Denise Lavis, the evenings guest speaker, who is a member and Secretary of Llanarth WI. Her subject was 'Wales around the World'. She showed us the influence Wales has had around the world by picking three regions – America, Australia and Patagonia (Argentina). It was good to hear that America might have been named after the Welshman Richard Amerike (or Ameryk). We also learnt the 16 signatures of the Declaration of Independence were of Welsh descent. Wales has had a very high influence on the growth of America. There is a Welsh inscription on imported Welsh stone attached to the Washington Memorial - 'Fy iaith, Fy ngwlad, Fy nghenedl – Cymru am byth' donated by Welsh citizens of New York.

There were mining immigrants to Australia in the 1800's, with the prospect of hitting it rich in the gold mines being a big attraction. And we all remembered the 'Ten Pound Poms' – some of us had relatives that took up that scheme, set up to increase the population of Australia.

In the 19th century a colony was set up in Patagonia (Argentina) in order to keep alive the language and traditions of Wales. It was a hard struggle full of difficulties – very unlike the Promised Land the early settlers had been promised. But through the work of people like Rachel Jenkins, who used simple irrigation and water management systems, the colony was able to survive and flourish.

It was a very interesting talk and gave us all an insight on how Wales and her people have influenced the world – good on us!

A sumptuous spread was laid out of many varieties of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cheese/sausage/onions on sticks, pate and bread, sponges, cupcakes, bara brith, whiskey soaked tea cake, scones and a beautiful arrangement of fruit in a pineapple, all washed down with tea and coffee.

Thanks was given by Delyth Esau. A good night was had by all.