PONTHIR WI: Our monthly meeting for November was held in the Village Hall, Ponthir, when Mrs Jean Wiltshire, president, welcomed all, including two visitors.

Mrs Agnes Heath, secretary, dealt with the usual business. Minutes were approved and the County Letter also read.

Members were reminded of forthcoming events within the county, including Federation Day, on Saturday, November 17, at Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth, when members were asked for articles for our grey stall to be of a red or gold theme.

International Evening, at Goytre Village Hall, on Tuesday, November 27, also a carol concert at St Michael's, Abergavenny, on Saturday, December 1, also a carol service at St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon, on Monday, December 10, at 2pm.

Final arrangements were made for our own Christmas party, to be held at The Star Inn, Ponthir, on Friday, November 30, and also our members' party in the hall on Monday, December 3, organised by the committee.

A very successful one-day beading class had been held in the hall and members were asked if they wished to arrange another class in the new year.

Mrs Jean Wiltshire introduced the speaker for the evening, Rodney Davies, who had come along to tell us about Air Ambulance Wales and his work, which has been a registered charity since 2001.

In its early days it had only one helicopter operating in the Swansea area, and in his talk, assisted by slides, he explained on the need for help in North Wales.

A second helicopter was then operated and was purchased in the north and now they can claim a third stationed in the Welshpool area for Mid Wales.

Air Ambulance Wales is a very young charity, very costly to obtain and the majority of their funding comes from donations. They can operate in saving lives, where vehicles or ambulances cannot get near enough to the person who needs help, especially in difficult conditions and remote places.

He gave us a most interesting talk and was thanked for his time by Mrs Doreen Mountjoy. A donation was given on behalf of the institute, and a further donation, amounting to over £53, was presented by the members as they left.

Mr Davies kindly judged the competition and awarded Mrs Doreen Thomas first prize for her "navigation aid".

The raffle was won by Mrs Marjory Woolven, and tea was served by Mrs Marilyn Sambrook, helped by Mrs Noreen Connell and Ms Fiona Jones.

Please see us at our next meeting on Monday, December 3, for a members' party.