WI Groups Meet Together At Two Events

Published on: 4 Nov, 2016
Updated on: 4 Nov, 2016

The Wey Out group of Women’s Institutes met at Fairlands Community Centre in October and were treated to a fascinating presentation by Trevor Sapey from the Mary Rose Trust.

Although this meeting took place on the evening on which the final of the Great British Bake Off was being televised, that did not unduly affect the turnout and the talk, accompanying slides and demonstration of artefacts were greatly appreciated.

The sunken warship Mary Rose was the final resting place for nearly700 souls and remained so for over 400 years. Subsequent to the raising of the ship from the Solent, it is now respected as a memorial to those who died.

Trevor Sapey came dressed as one of the crew might have been. He was not of sufficiently high status to have buttons on his clothing, so his jacket was fastened with lacing.

He described the uses of many of the items which had been found on the ship. For example, preserved in the mud were nit combs, which each sailor would have carried, still containing nits.

WI advisor Pip Davis presided and Jacob’s Well WI hosted the event. They provided tea and coffee and an assortment of delicious cakes.

Members of Jacob’s Well Country Market were present with items for sale, including baby clothes, jewellery, peg bags and planters.

After the singing of Jerusalem and the year’s reports, those present heard about the recent activities of the Wey Out group, including a coach trip to Oxford in the summer.

A number of local Surrey Women’s Institutes also met together at Whiteley Village Hall in October.

A competition was held to produce a small display with the theme of the Queen’s reign. Worplesdon WI was the proud winner concentrating its entry on the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Its display (pictured here with the winning cup) was compiled by members led by Jennie Antliff.

The centrepiece of the winning display was a hand embroidered sampler worked by Shirley Reed in 1953 as well as memorabilia including an original programme from the coronation.

If you would like to find out more about the WI in your area, contact the Surrey Federation’s office on 01483 233230.