In the absence of Joy Boston, Mandy Connor read an uplifting poem written by her mother entitled, 'April' which praised the awakening of nature in Spring.
Margaret Swift read her delegate's report from the Annual Council Meeting held at Corwen Pavilion on 19 March. Our Janet Jones collected the morning speaker, Fay Mansell, the NFWI Chairman at Chirk Station.

Fay explained her long road to becoming chairman and talked of her experiences travelling around the country as an ambassador for us, listening to views of members and the difference the WI had made to their lives and those of others.
The WI has always been a force for good and Fay saw the future as rosy as younger members are very keen to learn the traditional skills the WI has to offer.

There is an increase in membership with new institutes starting up in the workplace and the latest at Goldsmith College.
During the afternoon Keith Smithies entertained us with some wonderful floral arrangements.
He was also very amusing and imparted tips on how to prepare flowers and foliage, in addition to a few tricks of the trade.
Mandy advised the meeting of the 'letter writing campaign' to inform local politicians as to the views of the latest Community meeting in support of Ysgol Pantfadog.
lt was agreed that Margaret would send the necessary letters advising that as an organisation that was founded in 1915, education has always been one of our ideals, there, we feel very strongly that this small bilingual Welsh school should be allowed to continue its valuable work.

'Lavender Lade'
Yorkshire Tea Bags received from Taylors of Harrogate were distributed together with details of how we can continue to help save trees around the world.
In the twenty years the WI has been involved, three million trees have been planted and a 27 acre, 32,000 tree wood created in Ethiopia that has transformed lives.
Ann welcomed our speaker for the evenings Sandra, The Lavender Lady who was dressed in a magnificent purple over-dress, lace cuffs embroidered collar and

cap, topped by a black wide-brimmed hat of a 17th century townswomen.
Sandra has been a member of the Sealed Knot Society for 28 years and had originally been a 'camp follower', before taking on the more lady-like job of a 'lavender lade'.
The Society has been in existence for forty years and they enact battles from the English Civil War during the early 1640's.
Sandra explained how the Romans had first introduced lavender to Britain, and its subtle smell had been used up to and including the present day to calm the senses, help migraine, stop bleeding, as an antiseptic and analgesic, in addition to being an aid for sleeping.
Sandra displayed many of the beautiful and useful items she makes from lavender that she obtains from France and has to be cut at the beginning of the year.
Ann gave a vote of thanks for a fascinating insight into the Sealed Knot and the fragrant display of her wares.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious cake baked and decorated by Ann in celebration of our Institute's 75th Anniversary.
MS