Audlem WI Centenary

Audlem WI Celebrate their Centenary – Part 2

Sometimes I have to put on a crown to remind people who they are dealing with, however on this occasion the sight of my suffragette costume, combined with the loud pop of Prosecco corks, made me an instant target at the entrance door.

The hall had been decked out with colourful home made bunting – up to Embroiderers' Guild standards – alongside displays of photos, hobbies and scrap books, all depicting a century of Audlem WI's history, as well as posters of our more up to date activities such as belly dancing, Tinder (look it up!) and snowdrop planting!

Because some of our members have short memories, three foot tall gold balloons depicting 100 were hung high above a table bearing not one, but three large cakes which would provide sustenance should WW3 break out during our festivities.

Tables were beautifully laid with pristine white tablecloths and exquisite daffodil flower arrangements in posh jam jars, courtesy of the talented Anne Watson, who was wearing a Zandra Rhodes 60's dress for this auspicious occasion.

Jenny Collis-Smith, a past WI member and Musical Director for Audlem Voices, played some light music as excited members holding perfectly balanced Prosecco glasses – it takes years of training, believe me – milled around the hall admiring the exhibits and recalling fond memories of yesteryear. Fortunately Suzie and I rushed around topping up glasses to ensure there was no dehydration as we believe in healthy lifestyles.

A plea for a professional photographer had gone out to our local village residents via AudlemOnline and Josh Sedgely had valiantly volunteered his services to ensure we had a true record of the day – let's face it, none of us are going to be around for our next double Centenary Celebration! He was given full permission to lurk around and catch people unawares, although I did observe the odd bout of posing!

Normally my trusty iPhone takes happy snaps of our meetings, after all photography is one of the only hobbies where you can shoot people and cut off their heads without going to prison. However today was so important that we felt professionalism was required and my phone was banished to the depths of my handbag – I'll probably never find it again.

At 12.45 precisely, Lin Nicholas, dressed in the most beautifully coloured top coat outfit, courtesy of Ann Pearce, and very much looking her Presidential part, rang Pat Winfield's gong which was gleaming after an hour of brisk rubbing the previous evening.

Lin gave a warm welcome to all our members and esteemed visitors and remained standing as June Perry, head held high as befitted her musical talents, glided over to the piano, looking very much like a younger version of Elton John but with less bling and more hair, tickled the ivories with familiar notes causing all our members plus guests to burst into song, belting out a tolerably good version of 'Jerusalem', mostly at the same time.

Having sat down, they noticed that several members, mainly the WI and Centenary Committees, had remained standing – even after their Prosecco – and worse, they had props!

To the amazement of the gathering, this group sang a third verse of Jerusalem, written by someone who had spent many a night tossing and turning, creating even more grey hairs ( we like to call them 'wisdom highlights' ) trying to come up with an Audlem themed verse to please all! It provoked spontaneous laughter and applause, so I think they succeeded!

Luncheon places were dictated by name cards, selected by Suzie Warren who, being a fairly new member, had no pre knowledge of friendship groups, so could be relied upon to ensure a good mix and limited squabbling – although as a member of ADAS as well, I think she can hold her own!

Committee members rose to the challenge of their new roles as waitresses, two courses of delicious food were swiftly served. The huge pavlovas and chocolate pots ensured we kept our glucose levels high ready for the next flurry of entertainment.

Lynne Stubbings, our National Chairman, gave a heart warming speech, with the odd bit of advertising encouraging us to join the members website, and presented Lin, on behalf of our WI, with a wooden plaque to celebrate our special day.

Jenny Collis-Smith played some old familiar favourite songs and our gathered throng joined in lustily before 'Lady' Sue Davies, dressed in an aristocratic fur trimmed dress, complete with an imposing black hat and cigarette holder, strode up to the lectern, adjusted her microphone, and launched into an unbelievingly absorbing and detailed speech with great aplomb.

This speech had been written after hours of painstaking research on the history of the WI and included tales from some of our past members whom Sue had interviewed. It was a huge success, many members recalling some of the memories and names mentioned and Sue received a well deserved and rousing round of applause.

Now we came to one of the high spots of the party – the cake cutting ceremony. Nothing less than a solid silver cake knife was produced to do the deed, courtesy of Pat Winfield.

An amazing three part numbered cake, stunningly created by our own Mary Berry (Joyce Clydesdale) was reverently sliced into by Lynne Stubbings and Anne Huntbach who is our longest serving member. A second cake, baked by Lin Nicholas, was then cut by Jean Harding, our Cheshire Federation Chairman, and Ann Pearce, our oldest member who epitomises the fact that ageing is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.

To mark the significance of the day, both Jean Harding and Chris Bailey gave speeches which were received with warm applause, before Jenny took to her keyboard once again, playing old favourites interspersed with poetry readings. Our resident poet, Jessica Trudgill had written a 'Centenary Poem' especially for this occasion and Doreen Hubbard read it out on Jessica's behalf. I followed with an amusing poem aptly named 'Punch & Judy'.

Finally tea and cake was served, and, as a final welcome surprise, all our members, were presented with delicate, beautifully inscribed and locally made Centenary mugs – just in case they had forgotten why they were at the party!

Lynne Stubbings and Jean Harding judged the ' Best Costume' and it took very little encouragement for us all to shimmy down the catwalk proudly displaying our outfits. The winner was Anne Hollins, who cut quite a dash in her 1920's nurse outfit.

Birthday flowers went to Anne Hollins, Jane Stevenson, Marie Warburton and Sheila Webster

Finally, after 'The National Anthem' was sung, Lin wished everyone a safe and speedy journey home whilst the rest of her Committee sighed heavily and girded their loins to remove all the evidence that a party had ever taken place! Such is life.....................

Please click on the photos to see the full image

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.