Ellen Elizabeth Gibbons (left) cutting an anniversary cake at Helmdon WI's sixtieth anniversary.

Helmdon WI Had Good Reason To Celebrate

Helmdon Women's Institute celebrated its 60th anniversary last week and, fittingly, it was two founder members who cut the cake.

Mrs L. Holloway and Mrs C. R. Gibbons, both of Church Street, Helmdon, were among the few of a 50-strong company who could vouch for the accuracy of the first minutes taken on March 11, 1921, and which were read out by present secretary, Mrs G. Wallis.

Mrs D. Cockram of Stoke Bruerne, president of the County Federation of Women's Institutes, congratulated the Helmdon ladies on their anniversary, and was thanked for attending the party by the Helmdon president Mrs. Edith Shellard.

A nice touch was the unveiling by Mrs. Cockram of an engraved notice-board which will hang in the reading Room at helmdon - the headquarters of the WI throughout their history.

The notice-board was largely the work of a member's husband, Mr. Alan Watson, who renovated an old oak picture frame to splendid effect.

In addition, Mrs. N. Lees, also a founder member, of Falcutt House, Helmdon, presented a coffee service for raffle and a record book embossed in gold lettering which commemorates Helmdon WI 1921 - 1981.

Entertainment was provided by the Shenlow Singers, of Shenington, near Banbury, who impressed with a varied programme of madrigals, Victorian melodies and ballads.

The birthday cake was provided by Mrs. A. Harman who was particularly pleased that celebrations were held "on the exact day of foundation".

Date and source unknown. From the event it must have been the week after March 11th 1981.