CONGRATULATIONS Sian!  – You raised over £600.00 for breast cancer in memory of Jan Turner. Finally, after weeks of training walking the local cycle routes, Sian caught the train down to London on May 10th to take part in the London  Moonwalk. Unfortunately, Sheena, who should have been walking with her, had broken a bone in her foot and could not go. Sian’s son met her at Euston and together they made their way to Clapham which had been taken over by ladies wearing pink or white hats and good trainers. At 9.30 pm they made their way to Moonwalk city, a fenced area with a large PINK marquee. Here Sian said goodbye to her son and joined the 17,000 women and men preparing for THE Walk.  She set off just after midnight, into the very strong, cold winds. Although joined by women scantily dressed in decorated bras and

Our Friendship evening on 4th March had a Welsh theme for St David’s Day and we had a Fairtrade raffle for Fairtrade fortnight which raised £74. We were also lucky as Vicky had donated two voucher prizes for Debenhams from her ‘winnings’ at the conference in Gateshead. Sian did her Scattergory best and it was great fun!

On 1st Oct we had an informal evening with an International Theme to which guests were warmly invited. Gudrun gave a very interesting, thought provoking talk on her visit to Liberia with the organisation Women for Africa. There were a lot of questions and discussion about the situation of women in this country. Delicious nibbles with an International flavour prepared by members were enjoyed by all. Afterwards Tony Foster gave a brief update on the work of the Zambian Itala Foundation and there was a raffle with Fairtrade prizes whose proceeds were donated to this education project. We made £77 which was great.

There were 27 members and guests who went to the outing at Pant Du Vineyard on July 2nd 2013 and, even though we had to imagine the view, everyone enjoyed the talk, the wine and the food. They promised to take any of us for the tour of the vineyard that we missed if we came to visit again when the weather was better. We were impressed with the passion in developing the business and also that the whole family was involved.

Members and visitors joined together for the 65th Charter Luncheon at Seiont Manor, Llanrug on Sunday 23rd June 2013. A warm welcome was given to Regional President Susan Jones and our other guests. We had the lovely Nia Davies Williams to play the celtic harp and tell us about the ‘Singing for the Brain’ project for Alzheimer’s and getting us all singing along with actions as well! Enid was made an Honorary member at the luncheon which came as a surprise to her and she had a picture taken with Regional President Susan and President Sheena.

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!