MEMBERS have had a very exciting week, not only for their own WI, but for the Country.

It was a short time ago when each WI in the country held a draw to find the local representative to go to Buckingham Palace to celebrate 100 years of the WI. Vivien Jepp won the draw, but first things first, what to wear? That sorted with new shoes and outfit only worn at daughters wedding, she was ready to go. The coach arrived at the splash at 9am on Tuesday, June 2 (62 years after the Coronation) and travelled to London. What a sight for the holiday visitors seeing 8,000 ladies in their finery making their way to Buckingham Palace, all holding on to their hats because of the wind.

After showing their identity to the police they went through the beautiful Palace and into the back garden. They waited for The Duchess of Cornwall, Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra, all of whom looked lovely in their clothes, but they too had to hand on to their hats. The Royals did the rounds of people, sadly not did not speak to Vivien but it was exciting to have glimpse of them. Later took tea in an enormous marquee with lots of different sandwiches, cake and tea.

Sadly the time went so quickly and it was time to return home, exhausted tired and very happy.

On Thursday, June 4 president Carol Hutchings went to the Albert Hall as delegate to see the Queen at the NFWI Centenary Annual Meeting, a very special occasion and all went well.

To round off a week of celebrations the summer meeting was held in the Presidents garden where members had high tea, so that they could all feel they had a small part in the 100 years celebrations.