Wendover Evening WI in 2021, what a year that was!

The Wendover Evening WI Committee has taken a proactive approach to maintaining contact with their membership during the entire pandemic, including the challenges which 2021 brought. Wendover WI has remained positive and has capitalised on activities which the restrictions permitted. Prominent publicity in the local press has spread the word that Wendover Evening WI is a good fun WI to join and we have been delighted that during the difficulties of 2021 we enrolled 19 new members, bringing our number up to 63. Membership engagement was multi-faceted, underpinned by a monthly diary sheet, not only for dates, but for the newsy, fun, educational content. Also, all members received Birthday and Christmas cards. For older members, many of whom were house-bound, a rota of regular telephone contact was maintained. At the start of 2021, COVID infections were rising; being a forward looking organisation the group transitioned from the pre-COVID face to face meetings to meeting on-line, fully embracing technology, including WhatsApp and Zoom which enabled:

• Wendover Evening WI WhatsApp Group
• Regular on-line contact with members
• Monthly virtual speakers
• Quizzes
• Committee Meetings
• On line Denman cookery demonstration whilst the WI members cooked. Once the Turkish Cuisine was ready, members sat in-front of screens with a glass of wine enjoying a virtual communal meal.

The Easter Bunnies (President and helper) were out in force again on members’ doorsteps delivering Easter parcels.

From March, each month, 3 walks of between 2-8 miles were organised, catering for member’s mixed abilities. These walks were valued – one member said, “I love walking but I would never do this on my own”.

For those ladies who were unable to participate in the walking groups, small groups of members enjoyed afternoons in Committee member’s gardens and a visit to the gardens at Ashridge House, open as part of NGS.

25 members supported an afternoon tea in recognition of the work and devotion that NHS workers have given to the public. A considerable sum was raised and donated to the Bucks Scannappeal. To actively raise funds the group held a Stall on the Manor Waste selling books, plants and produce and provided the teas at an NGS Open Garden.

The Cookery Group launched its first meeting with a boisterous Spanish themed evening. Spanish food, costumes and dance competition, this was followed by German, French and Halloween themed nights. There is now a second group, also regularly enjoying a wide range of international cuisine throughout the year.

The first face to face meeting in 2021 was held on 13 July in the garden of St. Anne’s Hall. To comply with the COVID restrictions, the membership was divided into two sections and two
meetings were held on the same night. The speaker, Edwin Rye, agreed to give two talks for the price of one. Fortunately the evening was pleasantly warm, the company thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a “proper” meeting and to top this a glass of Bucks Fizz in celebration!

The high point of Wendover Evening WI’s year was the 50th birthday celebration which was held in the garden of St. Anne’s Hall. Fiona Harrison, entertained with songs from the 60’s and 70’s, inspiring members to dance – even those in their 90’s, age being no barrier! Members wore fancy dress in the form of 70s outfits, some of which were originals! Afternoon tea was served by the Committee and the President was joined by past Presidents to cut the birthday cake.

Another 50th year celebration was the Bucks Federation WI (BFWI) Garden Party at Waddesdon Manor. Wendover entered the Scarecrow Competition with “Alan Titchmarsh” as their exhibit. We didn’t win a prize, but it was such fun taking part. 29 members sat down to a shared picnic with Prosecco. The weather was glorious and everyone thought the day was a great success.

Another BFWI 50th year event was the Parade of Banners around Aylesbury. Wendover was represented by two Committee members proudly carrying our banner.

Every year the Parish Council grants Community Awards for out-standing achievement. The WI nominated one of their members and much to our delight, she won the “Life-Time Achievement Award”. The whole group were delighted that this Award had been given to such a very deserving and talented individual.

Members were represented at the Remembrance Service in November by our Wendover Evening WI President Sheila Hemmings. As part of the group’s outreach initiative, WI members generously donated many carefully wrapped Christmas gifts for the ladies and children at the Aylesbury Women’s Refuge.

• Wendover Evening WI remains attuned to world issues, but also aims to keep their focus in the village.
• As part of the Great Big Green Week the WI carried out a litter-pick around the village. Also, in acknowledgement of the Community Climate Action and to commemorate the WI’s 50th birthday, a native tree will be planted in the much frequented area of the Witchell Meadow.
• The announcement this year of the recommencement of the Parish Council Village Quiz has brought increased enthusiasm and, accordingly, Wendover WI has entered two teams.

A second garden which members regularly tend is by the Wendover library, providing a colourful display, adding to the beauty of the village centre.

The Wendover Evening WI Christmas lunch was a grand affair held in the picturesque Chiltern Forest Golf Club. Sumptuous Christmas food was served, charades were played and we all agreed that this was a fitting end to what had been a very busy and successful year!