Devon Federation Autumn Meeting

There was a full house at the meeting yesterday, held in a lovely, light and spacious venue in Bideford. There were some great crafts on display and for sale, along with delectable cakes and preserves. Several of the 100 year old WIs had put up some very interesting stands depicting their own history. Members always used to wear a hat to meetings! OK if you are sitting in the front row, I suppose! Still, it gave a certain presence and atmosphere to the meetings, not to mention helping to keep warm when village halls maybe weren’t so well heated. 

I was very interested to spot someone knitting throughout the meeting! She was using cocktail sticks, so there was no noise, and she almost finished a teeny tiny sock! Old photos of WI meetings showed members knitting during the proceedings, so yesterday’s knitter was remaining true to our heritage! 

Our first speaker told us all about the Silver Greyhounds.... which turned out to be the Queen’s Messengers! As far as they know, this was instigated by King John in 1100s, and King Charles II is responsible for the name. He had a bowl decorated with silver greyhounds, and when sending his first messenger, he broke off one of the silver greyhounds to be carried with the messages, so that the recipient would be certain of their authenticity. 

Plans for the Devon Federation centenary: the Spring Council Meeting is on 22 April in the Great Hall in Exeter, with the original Calendar Girl as speaker. The actual date of the 100th Birthday is 14th June, and the plan is for WI Groups across the County will get together to celebrate. Kingswear Group (that’s us!) are making plans, so save the date! On 8th July Blundell’s School in Tiverton has been booked for a day of activities, fun and ending with a fabulous (cream first!) cream tea in an attempt to make a new Guinness World record for people eating a cream tea altogether! They are planning for 2,000! Another important date for your diary!