On a wet and dreary Wednesday evening in June, Llangynog W.I. was treated to a trip around the palace of the second richest man in the world, the King of Brunei, as seen through the eyes of the children’s governess. Norma Walmsley, former Holywell school teacher, was poached by the Royal family from the International Children’s School in Brunei where she was headmistress. Given an offer she couldn't refuse, she worked for them for ten years tutoring their twelve children, some of whom had been adopted.

Through a slideshow of photographs and some very entertaining stories, Norma painted a picture of her time with the Royals, often pinching herself in disbelief that a girl from Liverpool had ended up where she was! Most of their money had come from oil and the opulence of the palace bore witness to that, with gold banister rails, original masterpieces adorning the walls and garages full of brand-new cars that had never been used.

Throughout her time there, Norma attempted to do things differently and tried to instil some kind of normality into the children's lives with parties and sleepovers with all their classmates. She is still in touch with the family and was delighted to announce that two of the children have just gained university degrees.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a lovely supper was provided by Anne Evans and Anne Saunders. The raffle prize, a beautiful garden planter full of busy Lizzies, geraniums, etc., was provided by Ann Morgan and won by Pam Parnell.