PRESIDENT Diane Rigden welcomed members of St Issell’s WI to the April meeting with a special welcome to the speaker for the evening, Chris Evans from Colby Lodge Gardens.  

Chris has a wealth of knowledge about John Colby who built the property in 1805, including other properties and the many coal mines in the locality, stating that Queen Victoria had especially liked the Welsh anthracite mined in the area. He showed lots of slides and had stories about the various families who owned and lived at Colby Lodge, concluding with a well-known story about Mary Prout and her baby. Jeanette John thanked Mr Evans for a very interesting talk.

Bev Bennett was thanked for the flowers for the top table; birthday wishes went to Mary Howells, Maureen North and Sharon Kaparty.  

Diane was pleased to report that the plaque commemorating King Charles III Coronation has now been placed on the bay tree in the sensory garden; those who had seen it thought it excellent.  An unveiling was suggested for May 6, 11am.  

A fundraising coffee morning has been arranged at the Harbwr Bar on Thursday 25 April from 10am.  

Several ladies expressed interest in taking part in the walking treasure hunt in Saundersfoot. 

The resolution Dental Health Matters was noted, Mary Howells was the delegate, and it was agreed that she could vote at her discretion.  

Diane mentioned that sadly three former WI members had recently passed away: Aileen Lewis, Betty Rowe and Lynne Hamilton, all fondly remembered by those who knew them.  Competition winner was Bev Bennett; raffle winner Anne Leech. 

Diane extended best wishes to the Anything Goes ladies and the ladies taking part in the rosebowl competition later in the month.