The Women’s Institute have become famous for their calendar girls but the WI in Talybont on Usk went the extra mile on Monday when they offered newcomer to the area, Alexa Farley, a Welcome Hamper as part of a new scheme to warmly welcome new residents into the community.
Supported by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Rural Alliances project and organised by the Talybont on Usk Women’s Institute, Welcome Hampers containing a variety of seasonal local produce, a welcome card and vouchers for discounted meals at the local pubs and village shop are being given to people who move into the Talybont area area. The Rural Alliances project has been funded by the EU’s Interreg IVB NWE programme together with the Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Funding programme’.
On being presented with the hamper, Alexa said: “It is such an unexpected surprise to be welcomed like this into the area but I’m really delighted to receive this lovely hamper. I already feel part of the community and it’s even nicer to find out about things going on locally like Talybont Flicks.”
The hamper included the following goodies – a greetings card, donated by a local photographer, local apple juice, a wooden gift produced by a local wood turner, a pen donated by Bannau Brycheiniog Holiday Cottages, a cake baked by a local WI member, locally sourced eggs, a discount booklet offering discounts to local pubs, eateries and shops and information on local clubs and services.
Sue Thorne, Talybont on Usk Women’s Institute said: “We are grateful to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and the Rural Alliances Fund which has enabled us to complete this project and extend a warm welcome to newcomers to the village. This scheme reinforces the welcome which Talybont has always provided to newcomers, and we hope that they will be encouraged to support our local services and join in with our groups and events quicker than they may have previously.”
Cllr Jane Ward, Member for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority was present when the hamper was handed over said: “I have been a long standing supporter of the WI and I think it’s absolutely wonderful to see that the community of Talybont on Usk are putting together this welcome package for newcomers to the area.”
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Photo credit ©Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority
Pictured from left to right – Alexa Farley; Andrew Williams, Sustainable Tourism Officer for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority; Cherry Jones and Sue Thorne from the Talybont on Usk WI and Cllr Jane Ward from Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.