Members of the club were hard at work to help make Christmas a happier time for women who are in refuge this Christmas. We prepared 15 food bags each containing a large box of biscuits, Christmas pudding, mince pies , carton of custard and a stollen. Our Bangor branch of Women’s Aid would be distributing them to their families in need in time for the celebrations. We also made up 30 bags containing basic essential toiletry items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, sanitary wear, towels and flannels. Women often arrive at the refuge with nothing as they escape from an abusive situation so these bags are a godsend.

A very successful Fashion Show was held at The Royal Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge on 8 October. A grand total of £1,600 was raised for President Eirwen’s charity the Special Care Baby Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd. A big thank you to Eirwen and Staff at ELSA and all members of SI Bangor for all their help and support.

Members had a very informative tour of the Aber Falls Distillery followed by a gin tasting session (as the whisky has to mature for 3 years and will not be ready until 2021). Afterwards we went to Y Llechan / The Slate nearby for a tasty buffet dinner. Leftover food was taken to St Mary’s Hostel for the homeless in Bangor.

Twelve guests from the Carers Outreach Service came to our ‘Colour Me Beautiful’ evening on 17 September.  Sonia Williams, CMB Consultant, gave us some very interesting and great ideas on make-up, hair colour, wardrobe colours and styles.  Afterwards, to celebrate Enid’s 97th birthday in style, we had a buffet and birthday cake. At the end of an enjoyable evening President Eirwen was able to present Llinos Roberts of Carers Outreach with a donation of £200.

The first meeting following the Summer break was a friendship evening to catch up over a delicious home made buffet prepared by the social committee. Members from neighbouring clubs Anglesey and Llandudno joined us and enjoyed a light-hearted fun quiz. Leftover buffet food was donated to the local homeless hostel and gratefully received.

On Saturday, 6th July at Y Gadlys, Llansadwrn, we held a Strawberry tea in aid of the Special Care Baby Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd. What a successful event with a plant stall, crafts, tombola, pre-loved stall, face-painting, food, music and much more. An amazing £2,070 was raised on the day topped up by HSBC to give £3,070 – brilliant. President Eirwen would like to thank all members of SI Bangor who worked so hard to prepare beforehand,  help on the day and tidy up afterwards. Diolch  yn fawr iawn!

A lovely time was had by all at our annual luncheon at the Mill Bistro by the river at Pontrug, near Caernarfon. Good food and company.