Newport Minster recently played host to a fascinating flower festival and displays put together by all the Island’s 31 Women’s Institutes.
Some rather special photographs depicting WI members undertaking their numerous activities over the years evoked memories for many, and other memorabilia showed how the members have helped communities over the years.
Susie Sheldon JP Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant (pictured middle above) attended a special church service held in the Newport Minster where the resplendent flower displays added to the atmosphere.
On arrival the Lord Lieutenant was greeted by Sue Biss (pictured right), Chairman of the IW Federation and the Island’s Archdeacon The Venerable Peter Leonard who conducted the church service.
Last cry from Town Crier
As the Lord Lieutenant entered the Minster, Steve King (Town Crier) gave a cry of welcome.
This cry was one of Steve’s last as he is retiring from his Town Crier position.
Archdeacon: A pleasant experience
In welcoming everyone to the service the Archdeacon said he had learned a lot about WI activities and recalled that as a very new curate, some years ago, he had attended a WI Flower Festival, so it was a pleasant experience to attend this one.
Centenary of formation of the IW Federation
Sue Biss said that by having the service on 25th November it was exactly 100 years to the day since the formation of the IW Federation.
She particularly thanked the festival organising committee especially Dorothy Maskell MBE, who had chaired the committee, and Carol Jones.
Song, writing and art
Forming part of the service there were songs by Vaughan Williams performed by the Centenary Choir and presentations to the winners of a writing competition and an art competition.
Reading her winning poem, Nicola Saunders from Ningwood and Shalfleet WI received warm applause whilst the joint winners of the art competition Pat Russell (Yarmouth WI) and Georgina Moon (Bembridge Belles WI) will have their works on display at WI House, Newport.
News shared by Suzanne, in her own words, Ed
