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