Tenby artist Guy Manning was guest speaker at Kilgetty WI’s first meeting of 2024.

The New Year’s meeting on Tuesday, January 9 was held at Begelly Church Hall owing to ongoing works at the Community Hall.

The meeting was opened by new president Anne Pugh who welcomed all members and also three visitors, Linda, Susan and Sarah.

Birthday wishes were sung to Hilary and Linda for January.

Guy Manning started the evening off with his very interesting and informative talk on the joys of painting in many art forms. 

He explained how he makes his own canvases using traditional methods, preparing them with paint made from local dyes from pigments as well as dyes sourced from elsewhere. 

Mr Manning showed his own local sketches and differences in oils, acrylics and water based paints, also demonstrating his work and demystifying the art of painting. 

He gives lessons and his studio on Upper Frog Street, Tenby, welcomes all - well worth a visit.

The monthly newsletter was explained to new visitors by Anne. Rose bowl competition was discussed, this year it is ‘Myths and Legends’ and a meeting was arranged for January 23 at 1.30pm at Kilgetty Community Hall - just for an hour before the craft meeting - for all who were interested in being a part of the competition.

The windows at WI House need decorating each month and Kilgetty are applying to do October. To be discussed at the craft group also.

Resolutions were read out. All of these are in the monthly WI magazine, and a vote was taken by members.

Lyn suggested planting a rose shrub in the community gardens for Eileen Phillips who has recently died and was a loyal member of WI for many years - since the 1940s. All agreed that it would be a lovely idea.

Anne asked for volunteers and ideas for ‘Anything Goes’. Held at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, it is a wonderful evening of laughter as each WI goes on stage to do a small sketch of anything! It is great fun preparing and performing. Get your thinking caps on, ladies and join in or just go to watch. The date is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be in April.

A social time with refreshments followed. Raffle winner was Linda Goff, one of the visitors. Competition was something you have made and won by Jill Long for a beautiful painting she had done many years ago.

Next meeting is at Kilgetty Community Hall on Tuesday, February 13 at 7pm.