The regalia was designed and made by Hilda Watkins, a local silversmith. Miss Watkins sent the regalia to a colleague in Birmingham for the central picture of Abergavenny castle to be enamelled in colour.
While in Birmingham the regalia was stolen and was missing for 10 days.
Luckily for the club it was recovered by the police, being the only item taken in the theft to be recovered!
Where it went and how it survived remains a mystery but it has gone on to grace the personage of presidents through the ages!
The club gavel also has an interesting history having been brought over from Oregon to be presented to Extension Officer and Cardiff member the late Vesta Edwards for the next club to be opened in the Divisional Union of Wales South – this turned out to be Abergavenny, at that time the twentieth club in the DU.
As society and the roles of women changed over the next half century so too did club activities but at all stages fundraising, supporting causes and having fun were woven into the fabric of the Abergavenny club.
Activities may have changed over the years but concerts have always been popular in this land of song.
Fundraising has also raised thousands through social events, fashion shows, concerts, and sales.
As the club has become more aware of the problems facing women donations, practical support and lobbying have been targeted to give this kind of help.
Hospital charities and medical/social needs have featured prominently, including the local Nevill Hall Hospital Thrombosis and General Research Fund which was set up by one of the Abergavenny Club founder members, the late Joyce Breillat.
The club has also donated to many national and international appeals including victims of the Turkish earthquake, Vietnamese boat people and the SW Asia tsunami.
Donations have been given to the foodbank, women’s aid, women survivors of war. Three benches and two trees have been presented to the town and an icon to the Priory church.
A multitude of teddies and twiddle muffs have been knitted for distribution to help traumatised children and dementia sufferers. Easter chicks, Father Christmas and Christmas pudding knitted toys have also been provided for sale at Velindre, the South Wales cancer centre.
During lockdown members have been further contributing to this treasure trove with one member, Valerie Meadows, producing an amazing array.
