Machen WI members brave freezing temperatures to clean up their village

Members of Machen Women’s Institute braved the freezing temperatures to clean up litter in their village last week.

On Friday January 2, the group’s members took their litter-pickers out all across Machen – with each member filling a bag of litter each.

The group is hoping its efforts will help it secure the Bronze Gwent Federation of WI’s (GFWI) Green Heart Award, which is an environmental campaign running throughout Gwent to make women’s institutes more eco-friendly.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Machen WI member Helen Davies-Pitman said: “It went really well and we had a really good turnout – every person filled their bag.”

They were joined on the litter-pick by Machen and Rudry Labour councillors Amanda McConnell and Chris Morgan, while around seven residents joined in to support them.

“It was absolutely freezing,” said Helen. “But the sky was a brilliant blue and it was a beautiful winter’s day.”

The litter-pick took around an hour, with the group split into teams to cover different parts of the village.

Machen WI is hoping to carry out more community-focused events across Machen and Trethomas during 2026, explained Helen.

Just a few years ago, the group’s very existence was at risk due to a dwindling membership. Now, Machen WI boasts more than 50 members of all ages — a significant increase from the eight members it had at its lowest point.

“The Women’s Institute has been in Machen for 80 years,” said Helen. “But it’s really been reignited in the last few years.”

The group meets twice a month and regularly hosts guest speakers, yoga sessions, trips away, fundraising events, community activities and more.

Plans for next year also include trips to Windsor, ghost tours, and a variety of guest speakers covering topics such as homelessness, violence against women and girls, and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Anyone interested in joining Machen WI can contact Gwent Women’s Institute for more information.