PAPWORTH EVERARD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Our March meeting started with a robust rendering of “Jerusalem”. This hymn brought together a poem by William Blake with music by Hubert Parry to be the anthem for “Fight for Right” in 1916, which was the equivalent of our “Help for Heroes” – times don’t change much! It was then adopted by the suffragettes for their campaign for women’s rights and then the WI. The meeting proceeded with reports on various aspects and then the election of the officers completed the proceedings. Then we had some fun with the Bingo to complete the evening.
We had a delightful lunch earlier in the month at The Duchess, Fenstanton to celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th March. This organisation began life in 1911 with women from a number of European countries getting together to fight for women’s rights – our suffragette movement was ahead of the game as they started in 1903, closely followed by the WI! Interestingly, all three organisations adopted purple, green and white as their ‘colours’. Purple signifies dignity, green is for hope and white for purity.
The Papworth and Elsworth WI Choir gave great support at the Village Carol Service in December and is now rehearsing for “Music for a Spring Afternoon”, a concert which will be in the village hall on Sunday, 18th May from 2.30.
Our Federation organised a morning with the CEO of Cambridge Women’s Aid. She gave a most enlightening talk about the various types of domestic abuse, which was a surprisingly wide range that many of us had not previously considered. The Federation will be continuing to support the CWA in future in whatever ways that we can help.
Aren’t the Courtyard gardens looking lovely! Daffodils are such cheerful flowers and as they fade away hopefully the forget-me-knots will be coming into flower to keep us enjoying, with the bees, the continuing display.
Which leads on to our April meeting when our favourite flower arranger is coming to demonstrate Easter Flowers, the results of which will be raffled as usual. This is, as usual, on the third Wednesday, being 16th April from 7.00 pm in The Studio and it would be an ideal meeting for visitors to experience a taste of the WI. Look out for the posters that will soon be up in the village.
ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 15TH MARCH 2023
Thank you Joan, as always a great reflection over the past year with a full programme from our Committee.
Following the pandemic we were very unsure how we would progress into 2023 but thanks to the hard work of the Committee we have had some great meetings, wonderful theatre trips, picnics in the park, not to mention the ‘1950s theme Vintage Tea’ to celebrate our beloved late Queen Elizabeth’s life.
We have continued to enjoy monthly lunches and afternoon teas – always a favourite, and we look forward to many more this year.
Many of you will know and have noticed the wonderful garden outside the library which in part is the WI Memorial Garden and also part belonging to the Community. The latter was quite run done, but due to the expertise of our very active member Jenny Wilson, she has turned this into the most beautiful area, planting and re-planting over the months, and much admired by the local people passing by. Thank you Jenny you have certainly put a WI mark on the village with all your hard work.
Our choir continues to meet on Wednesday evenings (except for WI evenings) under the guidance of Joyce, Lyn, Rita and Penny. Singing for joy and performing during the year with a Concert for friends and family in aid of the Ukraine War and also performing at a joint Concert at the Village Hall. Even though I say it myself, we make a wonderful sound!
On a special note I would like to thank Gill who has served on the Committee for many years and who has been a great Vice President to me. She has continually welcomed members and visitors at the door with her warm personality and has always given that extra something which I know you will miss in the future. We wish you well Gill.
Thanks to all the Committee, Joan, Charlotte, Gill, Daphne, Lyn and Eunice – you have kept us going throughout thick and thin of the Pandemic and I know you will continue to make our WI one of the most (I think the most!) welcoming, friendly and caring Institute’s anyone could hope for. I will miss our monthly meetings and chats but I know we will continue always to be friends and keep in touch.
Finally, my resounding thanks to all you members, without whom there would be no WI. We share a fantastic friendship and I know it will continue well into the future.
My very best wishes to you all for the future and thanks for everything.
Patxxx