NFWI 2015 Centenary Annual Meeting

NFWI 2015 Centenary Annual Meeting

The Royal Albert Hall - Thursday 4th June

It was 6.00am on a beautiful sunny morning as the first ladies boarded the coach at Sixfields, Northampton. The excitement grew as the coach filled after stops en route to the M40 for our journey to London. We arrived in good to time, the Albert Memorial looking its best in the sun as we queued to enter the Royal Albert Hall along with over 5000 other ladies. There was a buzz of expectation as we passed security, found our way through the scrum of media photographers and reporters and climbed the stairs to our seating area. We were delighted to find that Northamptonshire Federation had been allocated some of the best seats in the boxes forming the Grand Tier with a perfect view opposite the stage.

We were welcomed to this historic occasion by Janice Langley, our National Chair. She, and all the other members of the Board of Trustees, looked stunning in their colourful outfits and hats. There was an adapted agenda due to the later arrival of our Royal Guests with the appointment of tellers, adoption of standing orders and the Hon. Treasurer’s statement starting the proceedings. It was interesting to note that the membership fee in 1915 was 2/- (10p) which represented 0.2% of the annual income at the time. The current fees of £36 equate to just under 0.2%.

It was time for the arrival of our Royal Guests – HM The Queen, HRH The Princess Royal and HRH The Countess of Wessex. They were greeted with loud applause and a roar of approval followed by the National Anthem – an emotional and memorable moment. HM The Queen was asked to receive the WI Federation Centenary Baton which had travelled 18,000 miles and was placed on a cushion surrounded with the badges representing each federation. The first of the Live Links to Anglesey was another historic moment for the Annual Meeting, although the 5 second sound delay caused some initial concern. The Royal Guests were then asked to present the various annual cups and awards before we all stood for the singing of Jerusalem. This had to be something that all present will remember for ever as the Hall resounded – it was incredible.

HM The Queen was invited to speak. Her address focussed on the historical progress of the role of women in society and the continuing work of the WI to empower and inspire women from all cultures, going forward into the next century. There followed a delightful moment when three young granddaughters of NFWI trustees came forward to present our Royal Guests with posies, each containing the centenary rose, Inspiration. Our guests were then escorted from the stage to cut the Centenary cake.

In her address as Chair, Janice celebrated the growing membership of the WI and applauded the work of all members to promote the ethos of women working together. She then welcomed our first guest speaker –the historian Lucy Worsley. Lucy spoke about the history of the WI, introducing us to Cuthbert the Rabbit, reminding us of Calendar Girls and the infamous visit of Tony Blair. All these, and more, will be revealed in her new series Cake Bakers and Trouble Makers on BBC 2.

The last action before a late lunch was the Resolution. The process was complex and lengthy due to the nature of the Resolution and proposed amendment. After much discussion, there was a Move to Next Business by Wendy Dunkley of Hackleton & District WI which was agreed by members and resulted in the resolution not being adopted.

During the lunch break, thousands of ladies poured out of the Hall and sat on and around the steps of the Albert Memorial, enjoying their picnic in the warm sunshine and being entertained by a newly formed WI band called The Brassy Tarts. All this colourful activity created quite a stir with a wonderfully happy atmosphere.

During the afternoon session, we were entertained by the winners of the Singing for Joy competition and our second speaker, Baroness Grey-Thompson, a truly inspirational woman. Technology enabled us to enjoy two more Live Links – to Devon and Cheshire Federations – and we welcomed our new NFWI Board of Trustees. Our third speaker of the day was Helena Morrissey, an inspirational business woman who set up the 30% Club, which aims to promote 30% women on the boards of businesses throughout the world.

Janice concluded the business agenda by outlining the exciting challenge of moving forward into the next 100years. Through new initiatives such as established WI’s working with new WI’s, partnerships with educational establishments and businesses showcasing the work of the WI, we hope to go from strength to strength.

There was one more surprise before we finished. We were treated to an amazing fashion show by the students involved in the Kingston Fashion Project. The students had worked with WI members to design and create their outfits which they modelled for us. The male model was greeted with extra enthusiasm! This was an exciting example of wonderful young talent and the WI working together.

Following the final singing of anthems, thousands of weary ladies left to travel home. The NFWI 2015 Centenary Annual Meeting had been a triumph – a once in a life-time experience enjoyed by all. We came away having been moved, encouraged and inspired. Special mention must be given to Janice Langley who led the day in such a professional and organised way. Her energy was incredible – she was an inspiration to us all. It was a privilege to be there. It is a privilege to be a member of such an awe-inspiring, and as Lucy Worsley said ‘a seriously influential’ organisation.

Linda Brett (Delegate)

Little Billing WI