On a very sunny day  July 15th, Sian and Sheena set out on a coach to go to Wakestock, a local music festival at Abersoch. When the festival goers leave many just leave their tent and other belongings in the field. For the last few years North Wales Housing has set up a task force to collect as many useful abandoned goods as they can. The task force this year included NW Housing staff, staff from Drop-in centres, residents from the local hostel, an RAF Valley Officer, a Community Police Officer and of course two members of SI Bangorand District. On the day, we collected 103 sleeping bags, 84 tents, 3 cool boxes, 3 ground sheets, 5 blankets, 48 chairs, 70 roll mats, 21 airbeds, 1 rucksack, 10 inflatable pillows, 5 picnic mats and some tent pegs and tent/chair bags (over 300 items altogether). Last year the outing cost £400 to put on and collected £7000 worth of equipment which the Homeless Service could never have raised themselves. We

The forces are remembered at Christmas, but what about other times of the year? We have prepared shoe boxes with toiletries and treats for our Soldiers serving abroad.

The club recently took part in the Daily Post Grapevine article, having our say on different issues for the week.  It was an excellent way to promote our organisation.  Thanks to Vicki, Sheena, Sian and Olga for taking part.

An informal 90th birthday party was arranged for Enid Griffiths, a fanstic feast was served and enjoyed by a large number of the Club, many thanks to Joan and all the cooks and helpers for a great evening. The celebrations were topped off with a personalised ode written and delivered by honorary member Mrs Muriel Pritchard.  

UN Gold Star award has been presented to the Itala School, Zambia for its links with Wales!

On Tuesday 3rd July, we had an excellent evening in the company of Kath Eastman,  Secretary of the Anglesey Branch of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help (SAAFA) and Squadron Leader Catherine Moon, Personnel Management Squadron.  Kath showed us a film and explained that the SAAFA Charity was set up to provide emotional and financial support to all servicemen and ex-servicemen and their dependents who require this invaluable support. Catherine gave us an overview of the work of RAF Valleyas a centre for advance pilot training and search and rescue.  The Base has a very close involvement with the local community and work on joint projects benefiting both the community and RAF Valley. Our thanks went to both ladies for a lovely evening and also the catering team who provided us with an excellent buffet and refreshments.

Members and visitors joined together for the 64th Charter Luncheon at Seiont Manor, Llanrug on Sunday 17th June.  A warm welcome was extended to our guests by President Vicki to Regional President Elect, Susan Jones and guest speaker Sarah Kearsley-Wooler, MBE DL, who is Fund Raising Manager for Ty Gobaith.  Miss Vera Goodwin, honorary member of SI Bangor & District for 50 years was congratulated n attending her 50th  club Charter Lunch.  What an achievement.

A very enjoyable ‘auction’ evening was held at the home of Mrs. Joan Thomas on Tuesday 3rd April.  About 50 attended the social event and were treated to a delicious buffet.  Despite the inclement weather we all enjoyed Joan’s beautiful gardens! A lot of fun was had during the auction and over £500 was raised for charity.  Many thanks to everybody who attended and for members who provided food and the ‘punch’.   A very BIG thank you to Joan for hosting the auction.  

 President Mrs Jenny Watkin Jones thanked all the members for their support and encouragement she and the other joint Presidents, Mrs Jan Morris Jones, Mrs Caren Lewis and Mrs Liz Taylor had received during the past 12 months.  It had been a very successful and enjoyable year full of ‘fun and friendship’.  Cheques were presented to the following guests: Katrina Lawson – Ty Gobaith in the sum of £1,200; Lynn Parry – Hospice at Home £600 and Janet Jones – Breast Cancer Research £400.