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The East Woodhay Womens Institute started in December, 1919 four years after the first meeting started in Britain. In their centenary year East Woodhay are holding events in East Woodhay Hall and in the community.
The normal programme year runs from June to the AGM in May and in June this year they started the centenary with a talk by Norman Powers and photos showing local events from 1919 with many places being familiar with our members. Later in the month a visit was made to the National Needlework Archive at Greenham Common where the Country Wife Mural made in stumpwork embroidery is being renovated with the hope that one day it will be put on public display.
In July we had Afternoon Tea at Esseborne Manor where members received prizes for a WI Centenary Quiz and a missing vowel competition. We also heard extracts from past minutes detailing Christmas parties, sending parcels to the armed forces during the second world war, making brawn, a magic lantern show and holding a stall in Newbury Market. At the end of July we had a Coffee Morning in a member’s lovely garden raising funds and socialising.
In August members visited Old Camps Gardens at Headley. Approximately ten years ago the owners excavated roman tiles and their possible connection with other Roman settlements in the area. The stunning garden has its own micro climate and a tour with the owner, Adam, became a memorable afternoon. In September we will be in the East Woodhay Hall for our annual harvest competition and Auction.
Later in the month we will be planting 100 daffodil bulbs round the East End War Memorial. East Woodhay belongs to the North Downs Group of Womens Institutes and we get together during the year for meetings with speakers/demonstrations, quizzes and craft.
To find out more contact the Secretary, Jean Ransom (telephone 254070)
