Round-up of the 2025 Wales Annual Conference
Over 500 members gathered in Llanelli on 16 April 2025 to mark the 100th Wales Annual Conference - a key milestone in the history of the WI.
Reflecting on the theme ‘celebration’, NFWI-Wales Chair Jill Rundle celebrated the many achievements of the WI, including sharing some of the campaign successes over the years. Rhian Connick, Head of NFWI-Wales, presented a report of the work of NFWI-Wales over the last year, and NFWI Chair Jeryl Stone addressed delegates on ‘Looking Ahead: 2025-2030'.
Steve Ormerod, Professor of Ecology at Cardiff University, discussed the changing face of river pollution and the need for action.
The winners of the NFWI-Wales 2024/5 Recruitment Awards were announced. Congratulations to Wolfscastle WI, Pembrokeshire Federation for winning the award for WIs with 24 members and under and to Shirenewton WI, Gwent Federation for winning the award for WIs with 25 members and over.
Awards were also presented to the winners of the Rose Bowl and Brecon Cup competitions on the theme ‘A Welsh Myth or Legend’. Congratulations to Powys Brecknock Federation for winning the Rose Bowl and to Glamorgan Federation, which was awarded the Brecon Cup.
During the afternoon session, delegates were inspired by Mari Thomas, a contemporary jeweller, goldsmith and artist, who spoke about her passion for running her craft business based in Llandeilo. Melanie Johnson, Deputy Health Director of UK-Med and the UK Emergency Medical Team, spoke about her work with the humanitarian organisation UK-Med, which provided health responses in emergency situations such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks and conflicts and provided technical support to the UN and other bodies.
To close, delegates were entertained by a wonderful performance by Rock Choir Wales led by Dan Rogers.
Visit My WI to read the Conference Report.