MEMBERS of Dolau WI were treated to a taste of Italy at their April 5 meeting at Dolau Community Hall.

The topic was Italian cookery and our speaker was Miranda Carpecchi who learned to cook Italian food when she worked as an English Language teacher in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy.

With brightly checked tablecloths, cutlery and glasses, water and wine as well as a side table set out with appetizers of cheeses (formaggio), ham (prosciutto), Italian bread sticks (grissini) and salamis members were somewhat overwhelmed and wishing that we hadn't had our dinners before we came out.

Introducing herself and her mother (who was assisting her this evening and who just happens to be our WI federation chair Libby Hughes) Miranda explained the order of an Italian meal, consisting of antipasti (meaning before pasta), a pasta dish then a dolce (meaning sweet). She proceeded to demonstrate how to make a ragu and for dessert she had prepared a rich pannacotta with a caramel topping.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening of Italian food with Miranda and thanked both her and Libby with a round of applause.

OTHER NEWS:

Upcoming events include on spinning demonstration with Nickki Downing (May 3), Pottery at Alex’s Pottery Studio in Builth Wells (June 7), road safety with Miranda Capecchi (July 5), a garden evening visit (date to be finalised), gin tasting with Duncan Fox of Haven Distillery (date to be finalised), leatherwork with Doves & Dandys (September 6) and an away day on the train to Shrewsbury to include a visit to the prison for those interested (October 3).

We agreed on an extra evening meeting on Wednesday, May 31, at the Severn Arms in Penybont to discuss our entry for the centenary booklet.

Reports from both Dolau Recreation Association (DRA) and Penybont Village Hall were given. DRA are holding a day of events to celebrate the King’s coronation including showing the coronation on the Saturday followed by various activities for the children including a circus workshop and presentation of coronation coins with evening entertainment from the Radnor Twurzels. On the Sunday there will be a barbeque.

At Penybont the charities group are organising an afternoon tea on the Sunday and on Friday, May 12, the community centre hosts a fashion show, with all proceeds shared between the Bracken Trust and Penybont Village Hall.

Tickets at £10 each including refreshments are available in advance from Chris on 01597 821471 or Rhian on 01597851355.

If anyone is interested in joining Dolau WI or attending a meeting as a guest, email dolauwi@gmail.com.

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