A visit from Adelaide
As part of the centenary celebrations for the Berkshire Federation of WIs, two special dolls were made, and each set out on a round of visits, to go to every WI within Berkshire during the course of 2019. Our WI had a visit from Adelaide, who was based on Adelaide Hoodless, founder of the WI in Canada.
Whilst Adelaide was with us, we ensured she got a good flavour for the many things we do as a WI. Here's a copy of her diary from the week she spent with us!
Whilst Adelaide was with us, we ensured she got a good flavour for the many things we do as a WI. Here's a copy of her diary from the week she spent with us!
I joined Redlands WI on Wednesday 16th October. Ruth took me to a bar for Cocktails with other members of Redlands WI and I got quite tipsy. All these wonderful new cocktails to try! The ladies were very welcoming and we had a lovely chat. Victoria very kindly let me stay with her for the night.
Thursday 16th October – Victoria took me to Hilary’s for an Icing masterclass. We learnt how to make beautiful Icing flowers including roses, gerberas, daisies and cherry blossom. It was great fun using the paints and dust to colour our flowers.
Tonight I am staying with Annie, who is the President of Redlands WI.
Tonight I am staying with Annie, who is the President of Redlands WI.
On Friday afternoon Annie & I met Lorraine, Marlene and Judith and went to the Maternity Department at The Royal Berkshire Hospital where we were given a guided tour by Gill Valentine, Director or Midwifery.
I was wearing my scrubs and was ready for action but I soon discovered that things have changed since my day!
I took some of the placards showing WI Resolutions supporting midwifery over the years.
I heard about the new ways that analgesia is provided to mums. The aromatherapy oils smelt wonderful.
We were shown how the little hats we knit are used – red hats mean the baby needs closer monitoring. We heard how our campaign for more midwives in 2012 was successful.
Our quilts are used on Buscot ward for premature babies to take home and our knitted boobs are used to help new mums with breastfeeding. All the staff at The Royal Berkshire Hospital were lovely and obviously try to make the experience of giving birth as calm and tranquil as possible but are ready to jump in if there are any problems. They help to deliver over 4700 babies every year.
I was wearing my scrubs and was ready for action but I soon discovered that things have changed since my day!
I took some of the placards showing WI Resolutions supporting midwifery over the years.
I heard about the new ways that analgesia is provided to mums. The aromatherapy oils smelt wonderful.
We were shown how the little hats we knit are used – red hats mean the baby needs closer monitoring. We heard how our campaign for more midwives in 2012 was successful.
Our quilts are used on Buscot ward for premature babies to take home and our knitted boobs are used to help new mums with breastfeeding. All the staff at The Royal Berkshire Hospital were lovely and obviously try to make the experience of giving birth as calm and tranquil as possible but are ready to jump in if there are any problems. They help to deliver over 4700 babies every year.
On Saturday morning Ruth, Victoria, May, Annie, Judith and I took part in The Peach Quest on BBC Radio Berkshire.
In honour of my visit they named the team Adelaide’s Angels.
There were some tricky clues but we did manage to solve them all and get the Peach but with only 2 minutes to spare!
In honour of my visit they named the team Adelaide’s Angels.
There were some tricky clues but we did manage to solve them all and get the Peach but with only 2 minutes to spare!
Sunday 20th October
Today I went to see the rainbow crossing in Reading town centre with the Redlands Secretary, Ruth. Then I spent some time reading up about how important it is for women to go for regular smear tests, which relates to one of the current WI resolutions, Don’t Fear the Smear
Today I went to see the rainbow crossing in Reading town centre with the Redlands Secretary, Ruth. Then I spent some time reading up about how important it is for women to go for regular smear tests, which relates to one of the current WI resolutions, Don’t Fear the Smear
On Monday 21st October Annie took me the Bridge Club where
Lorraine taught me how to play.
Later that evening Annie took me to the October Redlands meeting. I was reunited with the friends I had met throughout the week and I was able to tell them what an exciting time I’ve been having. The Speaker was Tina Lanin, who told us all about forensic lip reading – it was really interesting.
Ruth and I made friends with Tina’s support dog, Bailey.
Lorraine taught me how to play.
Later that evening Annie took me to the October Redlands meeting. I was reunited with the friends I had met throughout the week and I was able to tell them what an exciting time I’ve been having. The Speaker was Tina Lanin, who told us all about forensic lip reading – it was really interesting.
Ruth and I made friends with Tina’s support dog, Bailey.
On Tuesday I went to the Crochet, Craft & Cake group where lots of the Redlands ladies meet up and sew, knit and crochet. We had some delicious coffee cake made by our hostess, Sue.
After that Christine took me to church with her where I met Michaelmas Daisy, who was ordained with Christine 25 years ago and then I helped with the food share
Then Christine took me to Judith’s house where I enjoyed making vintage style cards using scrapbooking methods.
After that Christine took me to church with her where I met Michaelmas Daisy, who was ordained with Christine 25 years ago and then I helped with the food share
Then Christine took me to Judith’s house where I enjoyed making vintage style cards using scrapbooking methods.
After another night with Annie we went into Reading and she handed me over to Lynne, President of Maiden Erleigh where I am to spend my next week. I will miss Annie’s cat, Alfie