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Ynysfach WI February Monthly Meeting

There was a chilly wind and a forecast for ice and snow when we attended the WI meeting in the Church Hall in February (Ash Wednesday). It seemed the numbers were down, no doubt due to such inclement weather. The scheduled speaker for the afternoon was from the RNLI but he had postponed his visit for sometime in the future. However, at very short notice, Mr. Colin Lewis who resides in the area and is the son-in-law of Terry and Brenda Rees, who are a well-known couple in Resolven, and in fact Brenda was a past long serving member of the Ynysfach WI for many years.

The subject of Colin’s talk was his working experience of ‘LIFE UNDERGROUND’ which he admitted afterwards was the first talk he had ever done.

He is from a mining family in the Dulais Valley and his background growing up steeped in the history of mining. Although by the time he entered the mining industry mechanisation had transformed the coal face and all aspects of mining ‘underground’. The pick and shovel used in the hard-working and dangerous environment of the past had been replaced by mechanisation.

He spoke for a while on safety underground and that it was absolutely essential and always of great importance. Also that air pressure too varies considerably giving us explanations of different atmospheric conditions when you enter ‘life underground’.

It was an interesting talk and his stories and anecdotes were very amusing and brought back memories of days gone by. The Ynysfach WI ladies would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Colin for stepping in at such short notice and for a most enjoyable and informative afternoon.

During the meeting, after the Tea and Cakes had been served, the President, Jenny Colley announced that three members of the present Committee were standing down (ahead of the AGM next month) and to show appreciation were being presented with a gift of spring flowers. The three ladies, Caryl Rees, Janice Owen and Dot Davies had given faithful and loyal service to the Ynysfach WI. Caryl Rees had also been a past President with many years experience, passing on her advice and help whenever it was needed.

The Ynysfach WI meet every third Wednesday of every month at 2pm in St David’s Church Hall. Visitors are always welcome to our meetings. Please contact any committee member who will be happy to help.

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