AROUND 50 WI members gathered for a special birthday party with tea, cake, and bubbly this month.
With invited guests from sister branches of the Berkshire WI Federation, St Sebastian’s WI members sang, chatted and dined together as they remembered 100 years since the Crowthorne group’s beginnings.
Chair Christine Smith said: “It’s lovely to see everyone here, and we’re delighted our visitors could join us too.
“We’re so pleased this group has been going for a century.
“Long may it continue for another 100 years.”
Each month the members meet to hear a speaker, or to play games.
“Sometimes we just sit and chat,” said Christine, “and if there aren’t cakes, then there will be strawberries and cream in the summer.
“And we have entertainers most months too, as well as afternoon teas, a Christmas party, and lunch outings during the year.”
A special birthday cake was made by Sharon Fletcher from California WI, and the group’s festivities will continue later in the month, when St Sebastian’s members will meet for lunch at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club.
And Smokey Joe entertained with a selection of Country and Western music, and 1950s Rock’n’Roll songs, including numbers from Johhny Cash and Elvis.
The WI group was originally set up by Mrs Palmer (of Reading Huntley & Palmer Biscuit factory fame).
The hall where they meet was also built by the Palmer family, to honour local people and estate workers who had died during World War I.
Established for the community, it is still used by locals.
“Mrs Palmer was president of the group in 1929, and in 1933,” said Christine, “as we can see on our Presidents Board in the hall.
“She’s been succeeded by 32 more presidents since then, and I’m very pleased to be number 33.
“It’s wonderful to think the group has been going for such a long time, and we all hope it will continue for a good many more.
“We’re a friendly group, and would love some more people to join us.
“There’s no need to let us know, just come along, and we’ll be pleased to welcome you.”
The group meets at St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall, on the first Monday of each month, at 2pm.
New members will be warmly welcomed, and anyone interested can just turn up at one of their monthly meetings, at 1.45pm.
For more information, visit: berkshire.thewi.org.uk and smokeyjoeentertain.wixsite.com
