Bryncoch Women’s Institute
In the 1960’s the village of Bryncoch started to
expand with the building of the new estates. At that time there were few outside
interests for women to take part in, apart from the church. One newcomer to the
village, Mrs. Enid Jones, was approached by an Executive member of Glamorgan
Federation of Women’s Institute who suggested the formation of a Women‘s
Institute in the village. Two
meetings were then held in Blaenhonddan School in November 1969 and February
1970 and it was decided by the ladies present to form a Women’s Institute in
the village.
The first meeting was held in March 1970
presided over by Mrs. Joy
Morcombe, the newly elected President, the Secretary was Mrs. Betty Davies and
the Treasurer was Mrs. Val Hyde. Much interest was shown and membership soon
increased to over eighty. members. The meetings were held in Blaenhonddan School
until Bryncoch Community Centre opened in 1981 where meetings are still held.
In the early years because of the large membership a
choir was started, conducted by the late Mrs. Marjorie Salter, also Flower
Arranging Classes were held for a
few years instructed by Mrs. Enid Jones and happy times were spent by members
with various forms of entertainment.
For a number of years The Senior Citizens were provided with a Christmas Party,
including entertainment.
In 1970 there were only four institutes in the Vale of
Neath Group but this has now increased to seven. Group Meetings are held
annually hosted by each Institute in turn. This gives members a chance to meet
members from other institutes.
Meetings are held at Bryncoch Community Centre on the
First Tuesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. A varied programme is arranged every
year including topics both light and
of a more serious nature and refreshments
are also provided. There are several social events arranged through the year
such as skittles, darts, bowls, scrabble and outings.
The Bryncoch Women’s Institute is still active under the Presidency of Mrs.
Dianne Browne. This year’s programme is as shown.
