NFWI Cententary Baton comes to Dorewood
The birth of the Women's Institutes organisation in the UK will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2015 and as part of the National WI Centenary celebrations, a baton is making its way across England and Wales, visiting every federation along the way. The baton began its trip in January 2014 at the site of the first UK Women's Institute at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and will end its journey at the Royal Albert Hall in time for the Annual Meeting on 4th June 2015.
In Nottinghamshire it was agreed that each Institute should be given their chance to hold the baton during the Nottinghamshire week of ownership, a major project but one we were all keen to support.
The week began on Wednesday 11 June at Hill Holt Wood, the border between Lincolnshire South & Nottinghamshire Federations where the baton was handed over to Nottinghamshire, being received by our Chairman, Jane (Maid Marian) and Treasurer, Jenny (Robin Hood).
Later, at our County Headquarters in Newark the Horn was blown by Jenny (Robin Hood), the Hornblower Editor, to start the procession from our County Headquarters of Maid Marian, Robin Hood, Fair Maidens, Merry Men, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham - our Trustees and office staff dressed in character.
The very first handover was to the Newark Fountain WI and then its journey across Nottinghamshire began. Tuesday June 17th arrived and it was Dorewood’s turn to receive the baton.
Click here for Nottinghamshire Federation web pages and click on the Baton Relay tab.
In Nottinghamshire it was agreed that each Institute should be given their chance to hold the baton during the Nottinghamshire week of ownership, a major project but one we were all keen to support.
The week began on Wednesday 11 June at Hill Holt Wood, the border between Lincolnshire South & Nottinghamshire Federations where the baton was handed over to Nottinghamshire, being received by our Chairman, Jane (Maid Marian) and Treasurer, Jenny (Robin Hood).
Later, at our County Headquarters in Newark the Horn was blown by Jenny (Robin Hood), the Hornblower Editor, to start the procession from our County Headquarters of Maid Marian, Robin Hood, Fair Maidens, Merry Men, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff of Nottingham - our Trustees and office staff dressed in character.
The very first handover was to the Newark Fountain WI and then its journey across Nottinghamshire began. Tuesday June 17th arrived and it was Dorewood’s turn to receive the baton.
Click here for Nottinghamshire Federation web pages and click on the Baton Relay tab.
Our President, Ann, arrived at St Giles Parish Church, in the heart of Balderton village, aboard a 1960 Lincolnshire Road Car bus.(this bus company used to run local services between Newark and the surrounding villages.) The bus suitably displayed the route details BALDERTON CHURCH service 81. Twenty three of our members, all dressed in posh frocks and hats, welcomed Ann and then gathered around our Dorewood Millennium seat, sited in the church grounds. Not expecting to receive our handover until 4pm there was plenty of time for group photographs. Thanks to Janet who was our official photographer for the event. Ahead of schedule Shirley, (President of The Newark Palace WI ) dressed in period costume, accompanied by her institute members arrived at 3:45pm. Greetings were exchanged and the handover took place. Time was still on our side which gave way to more friendly chatter between both institutes until finally at 3:55pm Shirley wished us a fond farewell and gave her best wishes for the on-going journey. Conscious of keeping to the schedule, we returned to the bus, route card now changed to read CODDINGTON, service 7A, and took our seats. We were accompanied by Steve (Ann’s husband), our conductor, and our driver (also named Steve and owner of the bus) for the afternoon and took to the road to Coddington. During the journey there was much mirth and laughter and, yes, time for more photos.
Dorewood's President, Ann, receives the Centenary Baton from Newark Palace WI President, Shirley and Secretary, Glenda. Shirley is dressed in clothes of a century ago, including a family heirloom skirt more than 100 years old.
Arriving in Coddington with all of us furiously waving and smiling, we received a very warm welcome from the Coddington WI president, Glen Sheppard, and her members. After being ushered into the hall to share a cream tea with our hosts there was ample time for the Coddington institute to view the baton before the official handover, which took place at 4:30pm. Photos were taken for both our institutes archive files and then Ann wished the baton well for its ongoing journey to the Newark Bridge WI.
President Ann and Treasurer Pauline prepare to handover the Baton
The handover takes place to Coddington President, Glen and members
Thanking Coddington for their very warm and friendly hospitality, we returned to our bus at 5:15pm - with the route display now changed back to BALDERTON CHURCH service 81, and we took to the road again. A pleasant surprise was in store as the two Steve’s decided to take us for a ‘spin’ through Coddington up to and through Newark before arriving back at St Giles Church at 6pm. We continued to give regal waves to pedestrians as we passed through Newark, their faces were a picture!
Our treasurer, Pauline, gave thanks to both Steve’s for giving up their time to enjoy the afternoon with us and presented them with a donation for the Lincolnshire Transport Museum.
A truly memorable afternoon. One we shall, no doubt, talk about for some time.
A truly memorable afternoon. One we shall, no doubt, talk about for some time.