BULPHAN Women’s Institute is 84 years old – and we celebrated in style with a cabaret evening that had everything: very smart members and guests from other institutes in Thurrock and further afield; a delicious 3-course meal with all the trimmings prepared and served by the committee; excellent venue (Bulphan Village Hall – one of the best halls around); very smooth entertainment from Rat Pack tribute singer Peter James; guests who joined in enthusiastically, whether it was buying raffle tickets, singing or dancing; and of course our own dancing girls who turned up in cheeky basques, fish nets and feathered headdresses.
On behalf of guests, Pat Cross thanked the committee and other helpers for a splendid evening.
St. George’s Day was celebrated with a very ladylike afternoon tea at Marygreen Manor: thanks to Sally Wall for arranging this.
The Thames Group of WIs annual Spring Group Meeting was held at glamorous venue, Orsett Hall this year, with Olive Clay and North Stifford WI members in charge of arrangements. Another splendid evening, again with Peter James entertaining us.
Next month is our Annual Meeting, when we will also be debating the WI’s national concern: the demise of the local high street. I think our members will have plenty to say on that subject, and Mary Wellman will travel to Cardiff in June to represent our views.
Our wine-tasting visit to New Hall Vineyard on Wednesday, 12th June is open to non-members/anyone and will cost £10. Please book with Sally Wall on 01268 542129. We pile into cars at the village hall at 7pm – it should be a brilliant evening out.
Programmes for our WI are available in Bulphan Village Shop and guests are always welcome to our meetings – first visit free, then £3 a time. We realise that women these days often have a great number of commitments outside the home, so if your circumstances make it difficult to become a member at this time, we would still be really pleased to see you from time to time as a visitor.
