{"id":14,"date":"2017-04-30T14:41:21","date_gmt":"2017-04-30T13:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/?page_id=14"},"modified":"2026-03-30T21:48:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T20:48:07","slug":"croesowelcome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/","title":{"rendered":"Croeso\/Welcome"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><h2><mark class=\"lqd-highlight\"><span class=\"lqd-highlight-txt\"><\/span><span class=\"lqd-highlight-inner\"><\/span><\/mark><mark class=\"lqd-highlight\"><span class=\"lqd-highlight-txt\"><\/span><span class=\"lqd-highlight-inner\"><\/span><\/mark><mark class=\"lqd-highlight\"><span class=\"lqd-highlight-txt\"><\/span><span class=\"lqd-highlight-inner\"><\/span><\/mark><mark class=\"lqd-highlight\"><span class=\"lqd-highlight-txt\"><\/span><span class=\"lqd-highlight-inner\"><\/span><\/mark><mark class=\"lqd-highlight\"><span class=\"lqd-highlight-txt\"><\/span><span class=\"lqd-highlight-inner\"><\/span><\/mark>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Welcome to our Club<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5262 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/IMG_4956-300x187.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/IMG_4956-300x187.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/IMG_4956.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We are a group of women from different walks of life with a variety of interests who enjoy working together through fun, friendship and fellowship to make a difference to women and children locally, nationally and internationally. \u00a0There\u2019s more about us in <a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/who-we-are\/\">Who we are<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Locally we support St David\u2019s Hospice Care, Cyfannol Women\u2019s Aid, Tools for Self Reliance, Monmouthshire Newport Torfaen MS Group, <\/span><span class=\"s1\">collect and sell pre-loved jewellery for Alzheimer\u2019s Society,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s1\">make drain bags and comfort cushions for ladies who have had mastectomies.\u00a0<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 Knit Comfort\u00a0<\/span>Teddies which are kept by Social Services, Schools, in Police\/Fire vehicles\/ambulances and given out to small children involved in traumatic or upsetting circumstances. Give copies of \u2018Women in Science\u2019 to local primary schools.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 Liaise with the chaplain at the Grange University Hospital for any items needed for babies\/children. \u00a0<\/span>Internationally we support Plan (a global children\u2019s Charity),<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Water Aid, <\/span><span class=\"s1\">and much more to be found in What we do<a href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/what-we-do\/\">What we do<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our Charities for this year, chosen and voted on, are St David\u2019s Hospice Care, Sight Cymru, Noah\u2019s Ark Children\u2019s Hospital and Cyfannol Wales.<\/p>\n<p>We can also be found on Facebook under Soroptimist International Cwmbran.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Our meetings , usually a brief business meeting followed by a speaker, ending with light refreshments and a time to socialise are held on the second Monday of the month (with the exception of August and December) at Greenmeadow Golf and Country Club (just off the A4042 on Treherbert Road, Croesyceiliog). \u00a0We usually have a monthly coffee morning and have other social and fundraising events throughout the year..<\/p>\n<h2>What we\u2019ve been doing in 2026<\/h2>\n<h2>March<\/h2>\n<p>March started by our having a stand at International Women\u2019s Day at the Riverfront Theatre,<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5288\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5021-300x227.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5021-300x227.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5021.jpeg 743w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s2\">At our club meeting Louise Jones Williams from Llantarnam Grange gave us an interesting talk about textiles used in the Suffragette movement including photos of the different banners used. \u00a0The Grange will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year including an Exhibition on 14th March.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5289\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5020-300x218.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5020-300x218.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/03\/IMG_5020.jpeg 591w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>For coffee morning we had an enjoyable time at the Goytre Arms which is now a coffee shop with a menu featuring locally produced food as well as a gift shop showcasing<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>local businesses and artisans .<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s2\">The month ended with Rosemary taking five bags of donations up to Llanfrechfa Grange hospital including ladies\u2019 and men\u2019s\u2019 toiletry bags, incontinent pads, disposable nappies, men\u2019s: pyjamas and small knitted hearts to go in memory boxes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>February<\/h2>\n<p>At our February meeting Susan Morgan a Torfaen County Borough Councillor came to \u00a0talk to us about the reasons that led her into politics and gave us an insight as to what is involved in being a Councillor. \u00a0The end of February saw us having an early St David\u2019s Day breakfast at Kitoko on the Mathilda Park Estats.<\/p>\n<p>Members have been busy with Rosemary taking teeny teddy bears , knitted by Helen, to go into memory boxes for stillborn or babies who didn\u2019t live long to the Grange as well as teddies for older babies. \u00a0Nerys took twiddle muffs to dementia patients at \u00a0Chepstow hospital and Pamela took twiddle muffs to Hope, sewing machines were collected from Terry by Tools for Self Reliance and Rhoda collected toiletries for the Grange donated by members of Little Mill WI.<\/p>\n<h2>January<\/h2>\n<p>We started 2026 by inducting and welcoming a new member, Alison George. \u00a0This was followed by a very interesting talk by Kath Fisher about Noah\u2019s Ark Children\u2019s Hospital, which is also one of our Charities for this year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5269\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/01\/IMG_5004-300x140.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/01\/IMG_5004-300x140.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2026\/01\/IMG_5004.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>January is also the time of the year when we review what we\u2019ve been doing with our Programme Action work and so far we\u2019ve donated<\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(a)<\/span> 160 <span class=\"s8\">Comfort teddies<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> -to <\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<span class=\"s6\">SARC, <\/span><span class=\"s6\">Torfaen Santa Appeal, Cyfannol, <\/span><span class=\"s6\">The Hub<\/span><span class=\"s6\">,<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> Neville Hall Special Dentist unit<\/span> <span class=\"s6\">and <\/span><span class=\"s6\">St. David\u2019s Hospice<\/span><span class=\"s6\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(b)<\/span> <span class=\"s8\">Twiddle Muffs <\/span><span class=\"s6\">and <\/span><span class=\"s8\">Knee Blankets<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> to Age Connect Widdishins<\/span><span class=\"s6\">, St. Mellon\u2019s Care Home<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> and Hope GB<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(c)<\/span> <span class=\"s8\">Grange Hospital<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span> <span class=\"s6\">796 <\/span><span class=\"s6\">Nappies, Incontinence pants,<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> Baby Bonding squares, bonnets, hats<\/span><span class=\"s6\">, bendy straws<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> and grief hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(<\/span><span class=\"s6\">d<\/span><span class=\"s6\">) <\/span><span class=\"s8\">Cyfannol<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> Women\u2019s Aid<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s6\">Toiletries,<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> sanitary products and children\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"s6\">clothing<\/span><span class=\"s6\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(<\/span><span class=\"s6\">e<\/span><span class=\"s6\">) <\/span><span class=\"s8\">Hub<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> Clothing and Comfort teddies donated to the hub.<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> Members brought food items to the September meeting to be donated to Croesyceiliog Hub.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(f) <\/span><span class=\"s8\">Comfort Cushions<\/span> <span class=\"s8\">&#8211; <\/span><span class=\"s6\">20 +cushions Donated to Tenovus Mobile Support Units and 20 cushions donated to Maggie\u2019s Centre<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> made for ladies recovering from breast surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s4\">We donated money to the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(a)<\/span><span class=\"s8\">Water Aid<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> \u00a3<\/span><span class=\"s6\">116.93<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(b)<\/span><span class=\"s8\">Plan<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211; <\/span><span class=\"s6\">to support a girl in the Philip<\/span><span class=\"s6\">p<\/span><span class=\"s6\">ines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(<\/span><span class=\"s6\">c<\/span><span class=\"s6\">)<\/span><span class=\"s8\">Character teddies<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> \u00a3<\/span><span class=\"s6\">370 for club charities<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> from the sale of knitted character teddies at The Retreat, Llanover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s10\"><span class=\"s6\">(d) <\/span><span class=\"s8\">Pre-loved Jewellery<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211; <\/span><span class=\"s9\">Pat has raised <\/span><span class=\"s9\">\u00a31045 <\/span><span class=\"s9\">this year from the sale of pre-loved jewellery at school and church fetes and the <\/span><span class=\"s9\">g<\/span><span class=\"s9\">old kiosk in Cwmbran which will be used to support local charities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s6\">(<\/span><span class=\"s6\">e<\/span><span class=\"s6\">)<\/span><span class=\"s8\">SI Foundation<\/span><span class=\"s8\"> &#8211;<\/span> <span class=\"s6\">for projects which focus on education, poverty prevention and human rights &#8211; <\/span><span class=\"s6\">\u00a3<\/span><span class=\"s6\">142<\/span><span class=\"s6\">.00<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> in lieu of Christmas cards<\/span><span class=\"s6\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s13\"><span class=\"s11\">(<\/span><span class=\"s11\">f<\/span><span class=\"s11\">)<\/span> <span class=\"s12\">Microlending<\/span> <span class=\"s11\">The project supported the development of <\/span><span class=\"s11\">59 entrepreneurs and created 14 jobs with \u00a3360 lent.<\/span><span class=\"s11\"> Repaid money to be reinvested in other entrepreneurs identified by the club.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s13\"><span class=\"s11\">(g) <\/span><span class=\"s12\">Sales Tables at club meetings<\/span><span class=\"s11\">&#8211; Plant Swop stall \u00a315, \u00a3<\/span><span class=\"s11\">25<\/span><span class=\"s11\"> Clothes stall<\/span><span class=\"s11\">. Any remaining items were donated locally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s13\"><span class=\"s11\">(h)<\/span><span class=\"s12\"> Cyfannol<\/span><span class=\"s11\"> &#8211; \u00a341 from donations at 16 Days of Activism event at Halo, Pontypool.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s13\"><span class=\"s11\">(<\/span><span class=\"s11\">i<\/span><span class=\"s11\">) <\/span><span class=\"s12\">Maggie\u2019s Centre<\/span><span class=\"s12\"> &#8211;<\/span><span class=\"s11\"> \u00a340 from raffle at October meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s14\"><span class=\"s11\">(<\/span><span class=\"s11\">j<\/span><span class=\"s11\">)<\/span><span class=\"s12\"> Donations<\/span><span class=\"s12\"> to SI Cwmbran<\/span><span class=\"s11\"> &#8211; talk \u00a330 from Griffithstown Baptist Craft and Well-being group,<\/span> <span class=\"s11\">\u00a320 <\/span><span class=\"s11\">from a <\/span><span class=\"s11\">friend<\/span><span class=\"s11\">, \u00a315 for donated jumpers <\/span><span class=\"s11\">and \u00a315 from donations for Comfort Cushions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our recycling included.<\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s8\">(a)<\/span> <span class=\"s8\">Tools for Self -Reliance<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> in Crickhowell<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> to be sent out to Tanzania<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> \u2013 Sewing machine<\/span><span class=\"s6\">s<\/span><span class=\"s6\">,<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> power tools, garden equipment, <\/span><span class=\"s6\">sewing equipment, wools, needles and tools.<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> We have <\/span><span class=\"s6\">a number of tools ready to be donated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"s7\"><span class=\"s8\">(b)<\/span> <span class=\"s8\">Bras<\/span><span class=\"s6\"> \u2013 A number of bags of old bras have been taken to Harts of Monmouth <\/span><span class=\"s6\">and the Principality Building Society in Cwmbran to be recy<\/span><span class=\"s6\">c<\/span><span class=\"s6\">led.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>What we did in 2025<\/h2>\n<h2>December<\/h2>\n<p>We finished 2025 with a very enjoyable Christmas \u00a0lunch at the Little Crown in Wainfelin<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5261 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/48de2c86-bfd1-4024-b2da-5b265bfc1fca-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/48de2c86-bfd1-4024-b2da-5b265bfc1fca-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/12\/48de2c86-bfd1-4024-b2da-5b265bfc1fca.jpeg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/>\nNovember<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5254 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/11\/IMG_4953-240x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/11\/IMG_4953-240x300.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/11\/IMG_4953.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>From November 25 to December 10 we\u2019re participating in 16 days of activism to end online violence against all women and girls. \u00a0We\u2019re raising awareness of this in our area by displaying orange wreaths at \u00a0Greenmeadow Golf Club, Cwmbran Library and Congress Theatre, Croesyceiliog Hub and Pontypool Leisure Centr<span class=\"s17\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s17\">St. David\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"s17\"> Charity <\/span><span class=\"s17\">Shop, Old<\/span><span class=\"s17\"> Cwmbran, <\/span><span class=\"s17\">Llanyravon Church and Tasty Wasty<\/span> <span class=\"s17\">Food Hub and Llantarnam Grange. \u00a0We\u2019ll be having a coffee morning at Pontypool Leisure Centre where we\u2019ll also be having a stand displaying more about 16 days of activism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To start this time at our November meeting our speakers Amy Jones and Kelly Squires from Cyfannol. \u00a0Amy explained how the Drop-In service support women in Newport who may be suffering from sexual exploitation and Kelly told us about their Children and Young People support service.<\/p>\n<h2>October<\/h2>\n<p>This month is \u00a0Breast Awareness month and to show our support we invited to our monthly meeting on 13 \u00a0October , Samantha Holiday from Maggie\u2019s cafe \u00a0Velindre with the theme of the meeting to wear or bring something pink. \u00a0We had a raffle and donated the collection to Maggie\u2019s cafe.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5236\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4924-300x134.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4924-300x134.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4924.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We had a fun Murder Mystery fundraising evening by a group of actors from Abergavenny called \u2018Dai Laughing\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>On the 27th we visited the Grange University hospital where we were welcomed by the chaplains Jen and Andy and we put together ladies, men\u2019s and children\u2019s toiletry bags. \u00a0Some to go to patients on the wards and some to the houses on site where parents of the children in hospital can stay.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5241\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_9535a-289x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_9535a-289x300.jpeg 289w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_9535a.jpeg 988w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Marian has also been busy visiting the Tenovus charity shop in Penarth to donate another 20 comfort cushions made by SI Cwmbran members and friends whilst Sallie gave 30 comfort teddies to New Pathways to support clients.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px\">September<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>After our break in August our speaker was Sammy from Age Connect in Pontypool. \u00a0Sammy explained the services they offered with particular regard to people with dementia. Sammy thanked us for all the donations we had given over the years from our sales of pre-loved jewellery and the latest we donated went to a music and movement class for people with dementia.<\/p>\n<p>To raise Club funds we had stalls selling jewellery, scarves, coats and apple as well as a stall for donation of tins to the Croesy Food Hub.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of September we had the great news that our Grange Hospital Partnership Project came second in the regional Programme Action awards.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5232 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4905-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4905-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/10\/IMG_4905.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><br \/>\nAugust<\/h2>\n<p>Although we don\u2019t have a business meeting in August we are still busy. \u00a0We held a very successful coffee morning hosted by Jen. \u00a0As well as delicious cakes, coffee and tea, we had a sales table and raffle which raised \u00a3529.<\/p>\n<p>Pamela was busy delivering comfort teddies and twiddle muffs to Hope GB, an autism charity supporting individuals and families.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5211\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4881-225x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4881-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4881.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>whilst Marian has been busy delivering comfort cushions to Maggie\u2019s cafe, Velindre.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5210\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4882-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4882-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4882.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>July<\/h2>\n<p>The speaker at our meeting was Dr Bablin Malik, the CEO of Sight Cymru. \u00a0The Charity, which is based in Pontypool, \u00a0supports the welfare of people who are severely sight-impaired and impaired.<\/p>\n<p>Rosemary met with Jennie Edwards, who has replaced Carole at the Grange as our contact and gave her:<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">40 large incontinent pants<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">2 teddies and comfort squares <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">1 premature baby dress and hat<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">3 bonnets<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">70 sleeves for cannula tubes<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For our social activities we had a very enjoyable boat ride on the canal with a delicious afternoon tea, organised by Jen and Mary.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5200\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4807-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4807-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4807.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5201\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4806-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4806-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/07\/IMG_4806.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the 28th July we had a coffee morning by the beautiful Llandegfedd Reservoir.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5209\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4855-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4855-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/08\/IMG_4855.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>June<\/h2>\n<p>The start of June saw us continuing with donations as Carol, the chaplain at Llanfrechfa Grange collected the following from Rosemary:<br \/>\n604 nappies of various sizes<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">22 knitted hats for premature babies<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">8 knitted little teddies in blankets<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">2 knitted teddies without blankets<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">100 bendy straws<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Various toiletries<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">pyjamas<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>May<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"s13\">Our mee<\/span><span class=\"s13\">ting was followed by 30 minutes of chair yoga led by Kate. <\/span><span class=\"s13\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s13\">This was <\/span><span class=\"s13\">both informative<\/span><span class=\"s13\"> and relaxing for members. It was also appropriate as it is <\/span><span class=\"s13\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s13\">\u2018World Health Month\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This has also been a month of donations as <span class=\"s6\">Marian visited the Tenovus charity shop in Penarth to donate 20 Comfort Cushions which had been made by SI Cwmbran members and friends. The cushions can be used for clients using the Tenovus Mobile Screening Units. \u00a0At our coffee morning at Age Connect we presented a cheque from the proceeds of the selling of pre-loved jewellery as well as donating 6 twiddle muffs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>April<\/h2>\n<p>Was the month of our AGM which saw our outgoing Presidents, Paddy and Sallie receiving a big thank you for all the work they have done over their years in office and welcoming in President Ann.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5169 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/04\/IMG_4696-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/04\/IMG_4696-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/04\/IMG_4696-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/04\/IMG_4696.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal\">March<\/span><\/h2>\n<h5><span style=\"font-size: 16px\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal\">The 2nd March was our 45th anniversary and we celebrated by having our annual lunch at Greenmeadow with 76 members and guests. \u00a0This was also a happy opportunity to present long service awards <\/span>to<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Edith Price, a founder member of our club, 45 years , Joyce Jarrett, also 45 years , Kay Touhig 40 years , <span class=\"html-span xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1hl2dhg x16tdsg8 x1vvkbs\">Ann Hodgson<\/span> 30 years and \u00a0Marian John 30 years . \u00a0Sadly Marie another long serving member couldn\u2019t be with us today.<\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">That is a total of 190 years of service and volunteering, serving and making a difference in the community.<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5129\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4661-300x263.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4661-300x263.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4661.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5130 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4662-300x181.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4662-300x181.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4662-1024x619.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4662.jpeg 1191w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5139\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4659-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5138\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4664-300x192.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4664-300x192.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4664.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-5137\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4665-300x152.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4665-300x152.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4665-1024x520.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4665.jpeg 1182w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px\">8th March saw us at the annual International Women\u2019s\u2019 Day event at the Riverfront theatre in Newport.<\/span><\/h5>\n<h1><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5164 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4670-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4670-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4670.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h1>\n<h2>February<\/h2>\n<p>The end of February saw an early celebration of St David\u2019s Day, 1 March, at Llantarnam Grange for a coffee morning. \u00a0We were pleased to welcome Helen, again, who knits the lovely Welsh dolls and some of our character teddies.<\/p>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5127 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4663-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4663-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/files\/2025\/03\/IMG_4663.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2>January<\/h2>\n<p>We started the year by having our annual Programme Action evening showing what Projects we\u2019ve been involved in over the last year, as highlighted above.<\/p>\n<p>This was followed by an interesting talk from Judith Major from Tenovus.<\/p>\n<p>We also welcomed 3 new members to our Club which brings our membership up to 30.<\/p>\n<h2>Join us<\/h2>\n<p>We are always pleased to have new members and if you want to know more, join us for a coffee morning or just have an informal chat over a cup of tea or coffee \u00a0please click on the Contact \u00a0us link.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Welcome to our Club \u00a0 We are a group of women from different walks&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":653,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Croeso\/Welcome | SI Cwmbran and District | SIGBI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SIGBI : SI Cwmbran and District : Croeso\/Welcome : SI Cwmbran and District is part of a worldwide organisation of women, find more information regarding the Croeso\/Welcome here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/cwmbran\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" 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