The Grove WI, which meets monthly at Hallcroft Community Centre, Retford, recently celebrated its 100th birthday!
The Centenary Meeting on Thursday 21st November was, as expected, a very special afternoon of fun and enjoyment for the members, honoured guests, and visitors who attended.
Much hard work was put in by the committee and members of Grove WI in organising the event and providing high-quality food (prepared by the members) to ensure the celebration would not only be a success but also remembered for years to come.
The event was very well supported, with honoured guests from the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs in attendance, along with members of four other local WI groups: Clarborough and District, Ranskill and Torworth, Sutton and Barnby Moor, and The Mayflower.
Proceedings commenced at 2.00pm with a welcoming address by Grove WI President Barbara Henderson, followed by a brief history of the Grove WI’s 100 years since its inception in 1924. This was followed by a response from Dr Helen Rose, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Federation of WIs.
The gathering then enjoyed the first of two musical interludes by the Buspass Buskers, a four-piece band playing a selection of well-known musical melodies.
A special display area of ‘archive’ memorabilia was set up for all to browse and enjoy, and after a short break to cut the 100th Anniversary Cake and take some photographs, there was more music from the band.
To finish the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a traditional WI buffet, this time accompanied by a glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic to comply with licensing requirements) and closing remarks.
Grove WI actively welcomes new members, so please go along and join this friendly group of ladies.
Their meetings are held on the third Thursday afternoon of every month at Hallcroft Community Centre, commencing at 2.00pm.
For further details, please contact Barbara Henderson on 01777 248736 or email barbara107@gmail.com.