June 2015

Herefordshire WI attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

The beginning of June was a very busy and exciting time for Herefordshire WI's.  78 members had the great honour of being invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party to celebrate the Centenary of the WI.  We set out very early on 2nd June and arrived at the palace at lunchtime.  The garden party was hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall and attended by several members of the royal family including the Countess of Wessex, Princess Alexandra, and the Duchess of Gloucester.   There were 8000 members at the garden party and the weather was fine albeit windy, causing several to chase their hats!  Many members from Herefordshire were delighted to meet the royals and thought they were charming and were very interested to hear about Herefordshire Federation of WI's and Herefordshire.  The Federation Chairman, Kathryn Bandfield, was presented to Princess Alexandra and met the Duchess of Cornwall and was invited to take tea in the Royal tent.  Seven members were invited into the diplomats tent for tea.  It was a wonderful day to remember.

Herefordshire WI celebrate their centenary at the Albert Hall with the Queen

On 4th June, the WI held its Centenary AGM at the Albert Hall, London.  42 members from Herefordshire attended and set off very early in the morning.  The National Chairman began the meeting and welcomed the Queen, the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex.  The Queen opened the meeting by reminding members that during the 100 years women had been granted the vote, climbed Everest, and elected its first female prime minister.  She told them that 'The Women's Institute has been a constant throughout, gathering women together, encouraging them to acquire new skills and nurturing unique talents' This was followed by several thousand WI members singing  Jerusalem.  She then accepted the Centenary Baton which had travelled all over England and Wales including Herefordshire in September last year.  After receiving the Baton the Queen was invited to cut the Centenary Cake assisted by the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex.  All members attending were given a slice of cake to take home with them.  It was a very moving occasion and one that we will never forget.

A Centenary Picnic is to be held on 16 August 2015 at Lower Hope Farm where the Centenary Cake will be served, it is open to members and non-members, including men!  Please contact WI House for more details.