MEETING: Do you know your Arabic undulation from your Egyptian shimmy? Well, the members of Ponthir WI most certainly do now and what’s more could show you too! We will return to this!

Jean, fresh from Down Under, welcomed a lively throng of ladies to our March meeting.

Our pop-up trading stall, managed by Denise and Sharon, featured an array of handbags and scarves and did a very brisk trade.

In the opposite corner was a table covered in competition entries-a Welsh Bake-Off to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi. Despite the platters, Jane Hodge swept the boards with her Glamorgan sausages and accompanying red onion marmalade.

Following business matters, news of members and forthcoming events we were delighted to welcome three ladies from The Gypsy Caravan Topaz Tribal Belly Dance Group, based in Abergavenny. The leader of the group, Wendy Hughes, when not dancing, is also President of Llanellen WI.

Three dances were performed and Wendy, Neta and June proved it’s all about the core and hips! Wendy outlined the development of these dances-originating from the Middle East, but, influenced by so many cultures and enjoyed by all regardless of age, weight, size or level of fitness.

Their flamboyant costumes are very ornate with pompoms, necklaces, bangles, rings, petticoats and pantaloons-as Wendy said, “It really is a case of-Is my bum big enough for this?”

And now, we return to my opening paragraph remember that shimmy and undulation? Well, these are just two of the movements used in tribal bellydance that can make your soul sing! Wendy encourages active participation and many of us, at her direction, released our inhibitions and tried hard to shake our booties.

Next month’s meeting, Monday April 3. Come and join us and learn about quilting!

Ponthir WI - Margaret Barrell