The Berkshire Federation of the Women’s Institute is celebrating its centenary this year and as part of the celebrations each W.I in Berkshire is having a visit from one of 2 centenary dolls – Adelaide and Emily throughout 2019.
The idea being the group have the doll for a week and show off the best of Berkshire!
I received Emily from our neighbours Wokingham Afternoon W.I on May 8, where she joined us for our resolutions meeting and food waste recycling talk.
On Thursday evening, a small group of ladies met at the Town Hall where we were warmly welcomed with Tea/Coffee and cakes and introduced to the Town Clerk Jan Nowecki, then town mayor Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner, the Mayor’s secretary and civic officer Nikki Payler and the Honourable macebearer and Mayors attendant David Dunham.
We were shown, amongst other things, the Mayor’s robes and chains which his attendant helped him on, explaining each piece, the mace and our favourite piece.
The stunning Mayoresses Chain and badge with enamel portrait miniature of Queen Victoria. We had a really interesting talk on the history of the Town Hall and as a small group had a good opportunity to ask lots of questions and see the items up close.
Our hosts were so welcoming and knowledgeable we all left feeling we’d learnt a lot so a huge Thanks to all who made this event happen.
Emily hasn’t been idle for the rest of her visit either, she’s had coffee in the courtyard café and managed to sweet talk a view of the cells, tried a little Salsa with the Sunny Saturday entertainment before the heavens opened, experienced Yoga at Holme Grange craft village, attended church, been on dog walks – hiding and finding painted rocks, hair and beauty appointments and a trip to legoland to name a few but another highlight came Monday night when she was part of the WOWW.I quiz team that came in second place in the Sedero Lounge Monday night Quiz following a tie-breaker!
It’s been a busy but fun week and now it’s time to hand over to the next W.I and see where she goes from here!
For more information on WOWW.I please contact us at womenofwokinghamwi@gmail.com
Anita Moisey
President (WOWW.I)
