Capesthorne Hall – 12th September 2019
Eighteen months ago I was approached by Lady Bromley-Davenport at the Royal Cheshire Show suggesting we held an event to launch our Centenary celebrations at Capesthorne Hall courtesy of herself and Sir William Bromley-Davenport. Following several meetings at the Hall the Board of Trustees decided that as we had 250 places available and 8,500 members, we would invite former Federation Chairmen, Treasurers, Group Chairmen/
Co-ordinators, Sub-Committee members and current WI Presidents to a free thank you event for all their work within the Federation.
The Trustees served tea and cake, always a big hit, followed by a talk on the history of the Hall then a tour of the Hall, the chapel and the grounds with the staff of the Hall.
The Federation’s Centenary Bag was launched and we were fortunate to have with us the winner of the bag design, Shona Amies, Lower Withington WI. The winner notelet designs were also available together with Centenary pens. All these items are priced at £1.50. Every member present was presented with a free bag, those invited members unable to attend will be given their bag at Mere Golf Club.That day will also see the launch of the Federation’s Centenary badge, again priced at £1.50.
The Trustees are determined the Centenary will be about the members and their enjoyment of our special year, hence the low prices for all our memorabilia.
I wish to thank the Trustees for all their hard work on the day, they are a fantastic team who are so supportive, I really do appreciate all their efforts as they work tirelessly for the Federation.
I wish to convey my sincere thanks to Sir William and Lady Bromley-Davenport and their staff for their generosity in allowing us use of the Hall for such a special event. The day was a huge success with all who attended, a marvellous start to our Centenary year 2020.
Jean Harding
Federation Chairman
