TWENTY-seven Carew WI members gathered on a sunny July afternoon to welcome Mandy Jones from local hospice at home charity The Paul Sartori Foundation.

The title of her presentation was Future Care Planning - a difficult topic to raise at any stage of life. Firstly she ensured that everyone was comfortable with her speaking about end-of-life care before she continued with some background information about the Paul Sartori Foundation which provides a Hospice at Home Service for over 18’s including end of life care and appropriate equipment. It’s entirely funded through charitable donations and well known for its local charity shops.

Most people shy away from considering future care planning - believing that it’s something to consider at a much later date but Mandy’s advice is to get it all down and then it’s “done and dusted”.

Mandy’s role today was funded through a National Lottery Grant and not charitable donations. She has become the voice of Future Care Planning. Armed with leaflets, bags, pens and other helpful takeaways Mandy sensitively outlined her role and the importance of preparing documents such as Statement of Wishes, Lasting Power of Attorney and any other vital information which could be used in the future to pass on to health care professionals and even family and friends.

These documents, kept in a safe place could ensure that end of life wishes are carried out by medical professionals and family in a situation where the writer was unable or incapable of voicing them. Mandy offered to speak privately to any member who had any specific inquiries or questions.

President Edith thanked Mandy and invited her to take tea with the members. At this point a cake was presented to Erica who was celebrating a special birthday. Also celebrating birthdays in July are Julie and Jean.

The formal part of the meeting then began with the singing of Jerusalem and the sanctioning and signing of the May meeting minutes.

The Summer outing and lunch at Martha’s were successful and thanks to Bronwen for her organisational skills in ensuring everything went like clockwork.

The County Letter addressed the recent NFWI AGM outcomes including the vote for this years resolutions which were carried. Top of the list were Accessible Public Toilets for All and Action on Women’s Homelessness.

Future events were shared and correspondence addressed.

Confirmation of the new banking hub now open in Pembroke Dock Library was welcomed as an additional community asset. With the majority of banks disappearing from high streets, the banking hub offers personal contact on a daily basis as well as the usual counter facilities.

President Edith wished members a happy August and reminded them of the next meeting on September 2.