Over the last few months we all have heard and seen so many wonderful acts of kindness and help during some of the darkest times that we have seen in our lives, for many the world changed overnight, not being able to meet up with family and friends which had a big impact on so many lives.

Many of Pembrokeshire WI’s have kept active and involved with their members throughout the tough times, and recently a competition was held and WI’s were asked to nominate their Lockdown Legend. Many nominations were received and the difficult task of choosing nine winners fell on the Federation chair Jenny Longland, who herself has been busy keeping in touch with WI’s within Pembrokeshire as well as individuals members all over the county.

Jenny said: “We have all faced times that have been so difficult for us all, but being a very positive person myself I have encouraged WI’s to keep in contact, as we are a very strong movement, and so active, we look forward to better times, we as county are celebrating our centenary year in 2021 with so many events planned, we hope that we can all enjoy our special year.”

The top nine ladies who all were awarded a Cwtch Box or Cwtch Bag filled with goodies for them to enjoy were:

Anne-Marie Littlewood, a member of St. Issell’s. She put newsletters together of local news, some hints and tips, quiz and photographs for members to enjoy, she was described as a ‘real lifeline’ for many members.

Barbara Biebrach, a member of Nolton WI, was described as the lynchpin of their WI, informing members of everything going on. She also set up weekly Zoom sessions for the PFWI’s Ukaladies group so members could practice together each week and learn new pieces.

Bronwen Knox is a member of Carew WI. During lockdown, she has been extremely busy shopping for those members shielding, cooking and delivering meals to those in need, walking members dogs, and also finding time to make face masks.

Cynthia Jennings from Puncheston and District WI has been keeping in contact with members regularly, providing them with information and quizzes, encouraging members to use Zoom and is organising a garden tea party.

Gill Orchard, a member of Lamphey and District WI, has co-ordinated several members of her WI to make gowns for local surgeries. Between the members they have made 147 gowns from old sheets and duvet covers, which have been supplied to surgeries all over Pembrokeshir. Gill fondly named her ‘army’ of volunteers as the Gown Clowns.

Jill Wye is one of two members who have won from Menevia WI. She has been fantastic in organising members to make laundry bags, headbands and face masks for district nurses, care home workers, doctors surgeries and many more. Over 1,200 pieces have been made!

Lynne Upsdell from Dinas Cross WI has also been busy keeping members of her WI informed with all local news, correspondence from WI House and generally keeping everyone’s spirits up.

Pat Rogers from Wolfscastle WI arranged a buddy system so all members were able to keep in touch. She sent e-cards to members in April during the darkest Covid-19 days, co-ordinated regular newsletters and arranged several Zoom meetings.

She and her husband also started Tin Man Tuesday, a foodbank donation collection in the village, which to date has been very successful.

Sue Preece, also from Menevia WI, has been busy producing and distributing newsletters each month which included quizzes, craft ideas, recipes and local news.

Pembrokeshire WI is very proud of all its members, and look forward to be able to meet up again soon.

Kathryn Wilkins,

Volunteer,

Pembrokeshire

Federation of WI’s