History of Collingtree WI
After the reforming of Collingtree WI in 1951, many activities took place in the village with the WI at the heart of things. The Annual Party held each New Year was considered to be the best event in the village. The committee at the time would prepare and stage an entertainment during the evening which never failed to fill the village hall with fun and laughter.
Sporting members of the WI formed several teams, entering local Federation competitions. These include darts, rounders and tennis.Scrabble was also very popular.
The Programme contained a variety of Speakers and Demonstrators and a Members' Night in May. A committee of members took over from the regular Committee for that evening and is still fondly recalled by those who took part. One such event was an Arabian Evening planned and run by a member who had lived in Iraq for a number of years. Everyone sat on cushions on the floor and were served authentic food. The 'delicacy' for the President was a sheep's eye (fake of course, but very lifelike). Great fun was had at these events which were usually very educational too.
At each monthly meeting, 'tea hostesses' would arrange the WI monogrammed gold, green and red china on the tables and after the business of the evening, homemade cakes and savouries would be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee and the inevitable friendly chat. There was always a raffle.