SEPTEMBER 13, was the date that Penarth WI held their first meeting in their new venue at Penarth Conservative Club.

President Mary Berry welcomed members to the meeting and hoped that members would be happy in their new home.

Members were advised that the husband of one of the founder members had sadly died. A card had been sent to Judy Cummins on behalf of all the members passing on sympathy to her.

After the business had been dealt with Liz introduced speaker Beth Hockley who works with the charity Mercy in Action. Beth told members about the work they do helping street children in the Philippines.

The charity started 20 years ago when two people from Bath were visiting the country. They came across a group of boys who had not eaten for five days and offered to buy them a meal.

By the end of the week numbers had increased to 20. On their return they decided to set up a simple feeding programme and founded a small charity to fund it. The charity has grown since then and now has 17 charity shops around England which help fund the work.

Many children there are in danger at home because of drug abuse by parents, so they end up on the streets where they are in danger not only from drug dealers but also from sex traffickers.

The charity provides counselling, therapy, love, education and a home for many of the children.

Many don't finish their education until they are in their 20s and the charity supports them, as without a high school certificate they are unable to get a job to enable them to support themselves.

Sponsorship from France, USA but mostly the UK enables children to go to school and college as many parents can't afford to pay. Items like uniforms, books, pens and a rucksack are provided together with a hot meal when they are in school.

The charity also runs a shoebox appeal which is supported by schools, churches, shops and individuals. In 2015 they distributed 972 boxes and for many of the children this is the only Christmas gift they receive.

A container leaves the UK in October which includes the parcels and they are distributed at school parties. Beth has visited the project in the Philippines and saw how excited the children are and said that it is wonderful to see them opening their boxes.

Beth thanked the many members who had generously brought lots of items to go into shoe boxes and said that they would make a huge difference to the children.

Members enjoyed the talk and there was a lively question and answer session at the end and several members decided to sign up as sponsors.

Kath Rollings gave the vote of thanks and then members enjoyed a cup of tea and a chat before heading home.

The next meeting will be on October 10, when the speaker will be Alicia Roberts from The Ovarian Cancer Trust.