Christmas Coffee Morning 2010
Avril Goldsworthy, Hackleton & District WI receives the Scrabble Winner's Trophy
from County Chairman Lynda Beck
2010 County Challenge - A One Act Play
Winners - Cranford WI with "Laundry Girls"
County Chairman, Lynda Beck is invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
A phone call to ask if I was free on 22 July followed by an official looking envelope dropping on the doormat meant I had been lucky enough to be representing Northamptonshire Federation at a Royal Garden Party. What a privilege!
I told my WI about a month before and they asked about my outfit. A dress and jacket, shoes and bag all purchased I replied but no hat yet. Well, who would have believed it? the very next evening I received a phone call saying that a group of the members at my WI, Hunsbury Hill, had decided they would make me a fascinator. This I knew was not going to be any ordinary fascinator and I was right. It was delivered the night before I was leaving for London – I had promised to wear whatever they made!
NFWI had arranged a room at The New Cavendish Club near Marble Arch for the lucky seven Chairmen, from around the country, to dress and have a light lunch. The torrential downpour at 11.30am did not bode well for the rest of the day but we had all brought umbrellas and nothing was going to dash our spirits. Lunch finished followed by a quick brush-up saw us outside hailing a couple of taxis. My taxi driver had a huge grin on his face when he saw my hat! A special ticket meant that our taxis could drive right up to the Palace where we were met by WI Life Editor Neil Maidment and Pete the photographer. Pete had a wonderful time trying to photograph the special feature in my fascinator. WI Life will be sure to print a picture so please watch out for it!
The queues to go into the Palace grounds were very long but everyone stayed calm and a few tourists even took my picture. I think they were amused by my headgear! Anyone in uniform or disabled was ushered in ahead which was a thoughtful touch. Once inside the grounds our group took a tour of the beautiful gardens and lake. Everywhere looked lush and green; a real change from the lawns at home. The National Anthem played promptly at 4.00pm and the Royal Party arrived. The Queen looked splendid in a light turquoise dress and coat with a turquoise and white hat with her black bag and shoes. The Gentlemen at Arms selected people from the crowd to meet the Queen who looked radiant with a sparkle in her eyes and beautiful skin. She smiled and chatted to everyone who was introduced to her as she made her way towards the Royal Marquee with its regal red and gold chairs.
This took around 75 minutes. Standing in one spot for this long was hard going, especially if you are trying to prevent your high heels spiking the ground, but I would not have missed it for the world. The Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York, the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joined the Queen to take tea. Our little group took tea in a more informal marquee, nonetheless beautifully decorated with flowers. We were given a small rectangular plate with a space for a drink; apple juice, iced coffee or hot tea, and just enough room for a couple of sandwiches and a cake. Cucumber sandwiches and chocolate squares decorated with a gold crown were the order of the day.
After our tea we wandered through the grounds listening to two Household Brigade Bands playing alternately - a good variety of easy listening music. Ice cream was served during the afternoon and before we knew it the Queen was on her way back to the Palace itself. Luckily our little group were standing in a perfect spot to see her go by. This time we were in the front row.
At 6.00pm sharp the National Anthem was played once more and the Queen went inside the Palace. What a wonderful day. Oh and the weather stayed fine, no need for the umbrella after all and the fascinator? Well do come to the ACM as it will be on show there!
This was a day that I will remember for the rest of my life and how was it all possible? – because I am a member of the WI, a very proud member of the WI.
A Selection of entries from members of The Northamptonshire Federation at The East of England Show in June 2010 - Weston Favell Evening WI awarded 3rd place in the Co-operative Class "Happy Birthday" and Brigstock WI awarded The Sue Hartley Trophy in the same Co-operative Class.
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