MEMBERS of New Hedges Women’s Institute felt a sense of pleasant anticipation as they entered the beautifully decorated Village Hall at New Hedges for their Christmas meeting.

Their guest entertainers, the Slipway Ukes, were tuning their instruments as plates of tempting food were delivered to the top table by each member.

President Ann Maggs welcomed all. The business part of the meeting was short. Several ladies put their names down for the NFWI Wales conference in March. Members discussed the progress in their walking, craft and book subgroups.

After tea, the Slipway Ukes played a rousing selection of Christmas favourites as well as other much-loved songs. Members sang along with the musicians, and at one point many were inspired to get up and dance!

Afterwards, the Craft Club distributed Christmas cards and lovely decorations they had made themselves to every member. The winner of this month’s competition, ‘An Heirloom Christmas Decoration’ was Chris Blundell, and the 2025 overall competition winner was Barbara Pegg.

Visitors are always welcome. Why not give the group a try? There is no obligation to join. New Hedges WI meets on the second Thursday of the month, between 2pm and 4pm in New Hedges Village Hall. Speaker for January will be Carolyn Cox on ‘My Life at the Tenby Observer’.