PONTHIR WI: Mrs Jan Wiltshire, president, welcomed members of Ponthir WI to their March meeting on Monday, March 3, at the Village Hall.

Mrs Agnes Heath, secretary, dealt with the necessary business and reminded members of the annual council meeting, on April 23, at County Hall, Cwmbran.

Members were encouraged to support the Gwent Federation Grand Draw, which will be drawn at that meeting in April.

The president reported on the quiz evening in Usk and congratulated the Ponthir team for taking part. She also reported on the ACWW lunch which, was held at Ponthir Village Hall, on Saturday, March 1, when the World's President, Dato Ursula Goh, attended and she gave a very interesting talk of her work.

She was in this country attending the annual meeting, which is held in London, and Gwent Federation were honoured to have the pleasure of meeting Dato Ursula Goh during her stay in the United Kingdom.

Mr Martin Russell was our guest speaker for the evening. He is a member of Monmouth Camera Club, and is engaged in digital photography and we were able to see his magnificent work when he visited various countries, including the Venice and Brussels festivals.

He had a wonderful collection of portraits taken at the Brecon Jazz Festival, and we were all amazed at his collection.

Mr Martin also judged the well supported competition of "an old camera", and he awarded first prize to Mrs Nesta Hardridge.

After a very interesting and informative meeting, he was thanked by Mrs Helena Thomas on behalf of the members, and she also won the raffle.

Tea hostesses for the evening were Mrs Joyce Drew and Mrs Renee Chivers who served tea, coffee and Welsh cakes.

Members were reminded of our next meeting which will take place on Monday, April 7, when an interesting talk will be given by Mrs Margaret Kinsey, on Women Of The Rhondda.

A reminder: Names will also be required for the committee in May.