OUR March meeting was opened by our president Eve Miles wishing us all a happy New Year.

She had missed our two earlier meetings through illness and holidays.

We were pleased to have her back, rested and in good health.

After the singing of Jerusalem we were reminded of events happening locally to celebrate the WI centenary.

Pat Davies was presented with a bouquet to mark a significant birthday.

Flowers were sent to Zena Morgan with good wishes for a speedy recovery.

The raffle competition results were: 1 Ann Cresswell, 2 Alison John, 3 Marjorie Ratcliffe.

The results for the competition ‘Looking forward to spring’ were: 1 Gladys Taylor, 2 Margaret Sharp.

Our speaker was Johnathan Levy from the Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation.

Now in its 15th year and jointly funded by the NSPCC, its work is totally focused on understanding differences in culture, race, religion, colour and gender, and allowing people to talk about it.

It is the only centre of its kind in Europe and encompasses a wider world.

A unique course entitled ‘Women Building Peace’ lasts 12 weeks and has had 70 women attending during the last year.

It also provides a survivors programme which aims to change negative experiences into a positive for the Army, police, or anyone who has been affected by a life-changing traumatic event.

Tim’s parents Wendy and Colin were the instigators and the centre has welcomed a number of diverse visitors including Mo Mowlam and Martin McGuinness.

The centre is open to all.