WI Centenary Celebration Day

In 2015, Womens Institutes around the country are celebrating the formation of the Womens Institute movement. On Saturday, September 12, Cropthorne with Charlton WI held a day of celebration when around 90 ladies, including WIs from the area, gathered in Cropthorne Village Hall. The guest speakers were Reg Moule - the gardening guru of Radio Hereford & Worcester fame and Frances Benton - a well known jewellery and pearl expert who lectures at Denman WI College. Reg answered a myriad of questions on garden problems - ranging from pests and diseases on fruit trees to the control of Himalayan Balsam and how to rid the garden of unwanted cats ! This involves water-filled balloons and a light covering of soil with surprising results for the cat. Frances delighted us with Tears of the Dragon - a history of the pearl from formation through to the beautiful jewellery she had displayed for us. A Mega Raffle with prizes donated by many local businesses and various Craft Stalls did a good trade during the lunch break, before guests enjoyed the excellent Ploughmans Lunch. A very happy and enjoyable day and many thanks to the members of Cropthorne with Charlton WI and the President of Fladbury WI for their help. Thank you Sue Bentley for organising the whole day so efficiently.

Sunday, September 13 at 12 noon, on the Radio Hereford and Worcester gardening programme, Reg Moule congratulated us, saying what a great time he had had with an entertaining and receptive audience. We would all like to return the compliment. Thank you Reg and Frances.