BURTON BRANCH
WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

We have been very 'active' over the past three months. As part of the March meeting the movers and shakers amongst us enjoyed a Beetle Drive which was won by Diane.

In April, Julie Cooper enthralled us with stories about her life in the army and her visits to the different parts of the world.

Finally in May, ten members enjoyed a walk that started in Houghton and ended at the Jolly Sailor where we were joined by other members for a meal and a chat.

Other events that have taken place have been the Group Meeting at Johnston where the speaker, Phil Newman spoke about the underwater world around Skomer Island .

Some members entered the County Quiz and others visited Northern Ireland for six days on a County trip.

We went 10 pin bowling in Milford Haven. An interesting walk ending at Milford Museum was also enjoyed.

As the weather has been getting warmer we have taken the opportunity to visit Newbridge Nurseries and also Colby Gardens . We have continued to keep the community pond area near the church tidy, and new flowers have been planted in the container.

Anona visited Denman College on a silk painting course and Helen must be congratulated on winning the County Economics Craft Competition ‘Ann Murphy' shield, for her fabric bag.

We meet at the Jubilee Hall, Houghton on the second Wednesday of the month (not August) at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome.

W.I. Burton Pond Area Rehabilitation.

In troduction.

The Burton Branch of the Federation of Women's Institutes have for many years maintained the Common o the historical baptism well adjacent to St. Mary's Church in Burton. This annual maintenance involved the clearance of aquatic growth and weeds during spring and summer each year in order to keep this corner of the village presentable. Whilst the Burton W.I. was never short of enthusiasm from its members, the tasks involved each year became increasingly demanding, with all of the work needing to be done by hand. Consultations with the Pembrokeshire County Council Offices, including the Environmental Agencies, concluded that the use of weed suppressant chemicals was prohibited. During the summer of 2006 the challenges became even more severe for the Burton W.I., (see picture left), resulting in assistance being sought and provided from the Pembrokeshire College students to clear the pond areas. It was at this time that the Burton W.I. decided to research the possibility of finding more permanent remedies to the problems, whilst still complying with acceptable environmental practices.

The Burton W.I. consulted with local government representatives, the Community Council and environmental specialists before developing formal recommendations on a construction strategy to be employed. The basic approach concluded that the existing crazy paved areas would be lifted and replaced by a permeable membrane laid under new paving cobbles. In addition, the banks of the small stream would be stabilised, as would the small slate bridge crossing to the baptism well. Finally, the existing fencing around the pond area would be improved, including the installation of a new gate which would allow disabled personnel to access the area safely.

The Way Forward.

Like all other branches of the W.I., the Burton ladies are accustomed to raising small funding to support worthy causes, but embarking on fund raising for the Burton Pond project, at £12,000, was thought to be a challenge too great! There needed to be another way! Through consultations at Local and County Council levels, the Burton W.I. was advised to make funding applications to the Pembrokeshire County Council Regeneration Unit and Award for All Wales, (a Lottery funded grant programme).

During November, 2006, the formal application documents were secured from both of the potential donors, including clear guideline notes on how to proceed in response to the questionnaires within the documents. The formal applications were submitted in early December, 2006, and the waiting period commenced. The Burton W.I. was concerned over the Christmas period of 2006, because both applications needed to be successful if the project was to be implemented. By mid January, 2007, the Burton W.I. was relieved to learn that both applications had been approved, with the Pembrokeshire County Council Regeneration Unit and Award for All Wales contributing £6,478 and £5,000 respectively. Whilst small in comparison, the Burton W.I. was also committed to raising £200 in support of the planned programme .

Getting the Job Done.

Having secured the necessary funding for the Burton Pond Project, the Burton W.I. immediately validated the construction cost estimates from the competitive local subcontractor and materials suppliers. With these assurances confirmed, a work programme was developed, aimed at completing the project before the end of July, 2007.

With the local construction subcontractor scheduled to commence work during late June, 2007, it was once again necessary for the Burton W.I. to clear the pond area of aquatic growth and weeds. This time the enthusiasm was undeniable, because in future the necessary maintenance would be more manageable and much less labour intensive. Throughout June and July, 2007, the construction effort was seriously hampered by poor weather, in particular, rain. Notwithstanding these delays, the works were completed in August, 2007.

The Finished Project.

Since 1986, when the Preseli District Council funded and completed the restoration of the actual baptism well at St. Mary's Church, the Burton W.I. has regularly maintained the general pond area of the village. The completion of the Burton Pond project will not eliminate the need for future regular maintenance and the Burton W.I. will continue their commitment to safeguard this picturesque corner of the village. The completed works now presents a clean and environmentally pleasing area of the village and will undoubtedly benefit the local community and the numerous visitors accessing the public footpath to the adjacent National Park area of the River Cleddau.

Acknowledgements.

The Burton W.I. is grateful to the Pembrokeshire County Council Regeneration Unit and Award for All Wales for their financial support. The project has been completed on time and within the available funding. When first received, the formal application documents appeared complex and intimidating, but these initial impressions were soon dispelled. The guidance notes accompanying the application were well structured to ensure full understanding of all of the requirements .

The Burton W.I. also extends their thanks and appreciation to Mr. D. M. Stephens, their local construction subcontractor. The executed works were progressed with full cooperation, often in difficult working conditions.

Finally, the Burton W.I. recognises the work and dedication of its own members and volunteers, without whom the Burton Pond project could never have been completed within the funds available.

Myra Gillespie.

President – Burton Branch: Pembrokeshire Federation of Womens Institutes.

25, Ashdale Lane ,
Llangwm,
Haverfordwest ,
SA62 4NU.
Tel: 01646 600416

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