A wonderful Afternoon Tea Birthday Party was held on 1st December2022 to mark this special occasion. Ginney Barker hosted us in a beautifully decorated large room at Sand Hall Farm which had been the home of a long-standing member, Lucy Barker. Attended by 38 current members and one special guest all were welcomed with a glass of prosecco and seated at beautifully decorated tables, heavily laden with savouries and desserts. Our President opened the proceedings and we sang Jerusalem before we were entertained, and newer members educated, by a member reading a poem written by Lucy. Lucy must have been a larger than life character as the long poem, written some 20 years ago outlined the history and some of the antics in which she, and some current members, had been involved. There was an opportunity for members to reminisce and a couple of members modelled some beautiful hats they had made. Others told of a trip to Edinburgh, outings and visits, and fondly remembered drama activities. There was a display of archive photographs available throughout the proceedings and in true WI fashion, a competition. With special relevance for the occasion the competition was for a teapot. There were 3 winners and another member gave a short talk on the sentimentality of the teapot she entered.
The catering was organised by Gerry (Lucy’s granddaughter) and she supervised a small team of ladies who served us with tea and coffee.
When everyone was replete there was an opportunity to enter the Tree Tombola. This consisted of labels hung on an enormous bay tree “branch” produced by the host. As with all tombolas, not every ticket was lucky!! Then before all departed into the miserable, dark winter’s night the birthday cake, decorated with a WI symbol, was cut and distributed.
It had been a truly suitable celebration and everyone looks forward to the centenary celebrations, to be attended no doubt, by some current and some new members.
On 13th December, the actual date of the anniversary, all members online received a very appropriate electronic birthday card.
