MEETING: It was a sunny July afternoon for the monthly meeting of Caerleon Women’s Institute. This month the usual plant stall was replaced by a handbags, scarves and beads sale. All items on sale were donated by the members, and the proceeds will go to charity. The sale was very successful, with many items donated for sale. Over £70 was raised.

The speaker was Susan Marshfield, who kept everyone entertained and laughing with her tales of  Holidays Afloat. She told of early days of boat ownership, of sailing out to a sandbank where there were many other boats, of falling asleep and realising on waking that they were now on their own! The tide had turned! They made it safely to harbour but couldn’t find the trailer for the boat! It had been completely covered by the incoming tide! “That’ll be gone” said a helpful local. 

“No it’ll be there somewhere, the wife will find it. She’s the one who can swim!” was husband’s response. 

So poor Susan had to swim down, find the trailer, attach a rope to it, so it could be hauled out by a gang of helpful spectators! She was met by a round of applause by a watching crowd as she and trailer emerged from the sea! The marriage survived that test. This was one of the many stories told.

After the tea break we were reminded about upcoming events. On Friday there is a trip to Stratford-on-Avon, and in August, instead of the usual meeting there is a trip to Crickhowell including afternoon tea! Events to look forward to in autumn include Federation Show Day on September 30.

There are competitions in floral art photography, cookery, preserves and garden produce. The theme is a kaleidoscope of colour.  On October 3 is Call my Bluff at Llanover Village Hall at 2pm and also on October 14, at 7pm, in Usk Memorial Hall, a WI entertainment - Alice in WI Land - 100 years of perspiring women!

There was also a reminder that calendars and diaries for 2018 will be available from September, and the theme for the 2019 calendar is Bridges in Gwent.

(Caerleon WI)