Adderbury & District WI was well represented at Barford St. Michael’s Coffee Morning for the Centenary Baton handover by Banbury WI to Barford St. Michael at Barford Village hall whose members put on a very welcoming event, well supplied with delicious cakes and shortbread.
Stella Oaks, our new WI Adviser was there and so too members from other nearby WI and those who could not attend other Baton Events. I spoke to Margaret Woodgrove, founding President of 1949, who instituted the making of a special tablecloth for use at meetings and social events; how the transfer for the WI motif came through a close family relative and of the Founding Members’ names being embroidered in the centre with members adding their names around the borders. Margaret’s daughter Helen, has also served as President of Barford WI. Margaret Woodgrove is the last remaining Founding member and it was a great pleasure to talk with her.
We were a very lively party waiting for the handover to take place, with many photos being taken of the Baton, the membership and visitors. Finally, we all gathered around the baton for group photos, then processed outside to witness the handover and its farewell send-off, for the forward journey to Bicester. The Baton will visit five other WI groups, picking up delicious homemade WI cakes for delivery to Bicester, being driven in a vintage 1934 Morris van by Mr. Needle of Steeple Aston, with Mrs. Needle charmingly dressed in period dress of the day.
The WI Centenary Baton with celebratory balloons, flowers and Barford St. Michael’ and St. John’s WI Tablecloth at the Village hall
Barford St. Michael and St. John’s WI Tablecloth
Group photo before the handover. Mrs. Margaret Woodgrove is seated centre foreground
The WI Centenary Baton handover outside Barford Village hall.
WI Centenary Baton send-off from Barford St. Michael and St. John’s WI members, guests and friends
Margaret Halstead