Page 52 - Phonebox Magazine November 2012

Olney Women’s
Institute’s 75th
Anniversary
On Wednesday 3rd October at the Olney Centre the Olney WI celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Members were welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz followed by a fish and chip supper and a celebratory cake.
The competition, a flower arrangement, was won by Chris James with a beautiful table centre of roses and lavender. Barbara Trinder and Lou Rice were joint second and Janet Smith and Judi Boardman joint third. The quiz was won by Jill Cotter and raffle prizes won by Flo Mynard, Audrey Clarke, Beryl Gravett and Janet Millwood.
On display was a vast amount of memorabilia including past minutes, press cuttings, photographs and registers dating back to the first meeting in 1937. At that time there were 90 members and a waiting list. Currently we have 39 members and would be highly delighted to welcome some new members.
Photographs show some of our current members at the 75th anniversary celebration, some of the current committee with the cake, a photo dating from 1960 when the members went on a trip to Josiah Wedgewood in Barlaston, Stoke on Trent and one dating from 1950 showing the committee of the day with Sir Frank and Lady Markham.
On the 25 October we will be hosting a Group Meeting of WIs with entertainment by The Bolivian Sunshine Dogs who, if past experience is anything to go by, will give us an evening of great fun and laughter.
The Olney Women’s Institute meets on the first Wednesday of each month in Room 4 at the Olney Centre commencing at 7.30pm. New members will be warmly welcomed but you don’t have to join right away you can come as a guest and try before you buy. The WI is a great place to make new friends, catch up with old ones, hear speakers on a wide variety of topics and importantly have a laugh and a chat over tea and cake.
On the 7th November our talk will be “Working on the Mercy Ships” and the competition is, Anything Nautical.
If you would like further information please contact our Secretary Alison Wood on 01933 225319.
52 Phonebox Magazine
Some of our current members at the 75th anniversary celebration
This photo dates from 1950 showing the committee of the day with Sir Frank and Lady Markham
This photo dates from 1960 when the members went on a trip to Josiah Wedgewood in Barlaston, Stoke on Trent
Some of the current committee with the cake