President Barbara issued a bright, warm welcome to New Hedges WI as the sun shone outside.

The ladies were especially pleased for the return of Jose and Sheila who were presented with Long Membership certificates, Jose having 46 years and Sheila 26 years attendance with New Hedges WI. April birthdays for Gill and Jose were given good wishes.

Barbara continued with County Newsletter, highlighting several events including The County Round, Tenby Walking Treasure Hunt and Knitting in the Round.

Changes made to the programme for June/July were explained in detail. Pat D had contacted Picton Castle and arrangements were made for a visit on Thursday, June 22. Several options are available for tours of the Castle, Gardens and Gallery,- all or part - and optional lunch. Choices are to be made beforehand and finalised at May meeting. Members will use a car-share scheme to travel.

Speaker was Maggie Titterton with her memories of a career with BBC Sport. The career was formulated when, having listened as a girl to sporting commentaries on the radio, on leaving school, Maggie wrote to the BBC Cardiff for a job and was offered a traineeship starting in the newsroom.

This was a brave decision in a male dominated world but, moving from news to sport, under the mentorship of legends like Cliff Morgan and others, she made it to become a producer for the Sports Service on radio and later television. Separate bilingual series covered many events, and always cricket, rugby and football.

Maggie was ‘on air’ throughout the Hillsborough disaster, listening and relaying as it unfolded. Other occasions, she travelled the world to cover international sports, including the Commonwealth Games. Retiring from broadcasting, Maggie began her voluntary work concerning Carers for Wales and the Carers Group; a busy life, demanding and full of interest with memorable times.

A vote of thanks was given by Pat D. Everyone had enjoyed listening to and seeing some of Maggie’s many souvenirs and memories.

Refreshments were followed by the raffle, winners being Sheila, Frances and Caroline. Competition for an unusual sports item, Pat H and Pat M awarded the point.

Business resumed with sub-groups back to normal.

Craft group meets on the third Thursday morning of the month. The banner has been hung at the hall. New projects are planned for the weeks ahead.

Book Club meets on the last Friday afternoons, as before, in the hall.

Walking Group starts on Wednesday mornings from South Parade, Tenby. Today (Wednesday), by way of a change, the group will board the Tenby Coaster, open bus, at South Parade, or convenient stops en route, to travel, alight and walk before returning. Members wishing to join this walk should contact Frances or Ann Maggs for further details.

Frances informed members of the NFWI Resolutions 2022/2023 for the main general meeting in June and this will be made for ‘Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife’.

Next meeting is at 2pm on May 11; everyone welcome.