Members of Chorleywood WI have been joining in the The National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ Centenary celebrations
“I went to the Centenary AGM at the Albert Hall last month” says Chorleywood WI Chairman Penny Pugh, “The whole day was fantastic! It’s one of those things you put down as a memory for life. I was sitting near the Queen, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex in the front of the stalls. (The Queen is President of Sandringham WI . One of our members dropped into a meeting there when she was on holiday in Kent – we are encouraged to visit other branches, and the Queen turned up ! She was stunned!”)
The speakers were marvellous, especially Lucy Worsley and wheelchair racer Tanni Grey Thompson. One of the things that struck me that it was a massive gathering of 5000 – 6000 ladies, all dressed in their finest as if they were going to a royal garden party – seeing them all sitting on steps of the Albert Hall eating their sandwiches was a sight to remember ! The entire organisation was incredible and the whole atmosphere was relaxed, it’s something I shall treasure very much. I missed out on the birthday cake – there was a fruit cake competition and everybody was meant to get a slice but they gave it out to groups on their return buses and I came back by train. I have the recipe though and I am going to make it for our own party so all of our ladies can eat the same cake that the Queen had on the day! ”
Photos © Rebecca Miller