Christmas 2018 at Kew Gardens

Wednesday 28th November 2018 - Evening

Although it was a very wet evening it was well worth seeing.  The lights and lasers were amazing with glorious displays of colour.  Everyone enjoyed this and we 

                                                                              finished with a warm drink and snack.  

Houses of Parliament

Thursday 11 October 2018 

On Wednesday 11th October a small group of Harold Wood members met at the station to travel into London to visit The Palace of Westminster.  The invitation had been issued by Julia Lopez who is the sitting MP for Hornchurch and Upminster following her election in 2017.

On arrival at Westminster we walked to Portcullis House and entered after passing through airport style security.  We were met by Julia and her aide, who supports her in her work as M.P. both in parliament and the constituency.  They took us into the very impressive large reception area which contained 12 Fig Trees, 2 Water features and a controversial glass roof. This area also contained a cafe and ample sitting areas.  We continued upstairs to a meeting room where we could get to know one another. Julia was interested to find out about the Women's Institute and then in more detail about the Harold Wood Branch and our reasons for being members.  We were told by Julia that 2017 was especially memorable for her as not only was she elected to Parliament, she also got married and made her maiden speech in Parliament.  After a good half hour of questions and answers we moved downstairs again and walked through a tunnel, eventually arriving at the entrance to Westminster Hall.  

This vast austere hall which is the oldest building on site was used in earlier days for trials, notably Guy Fawkes and Charles 1st but is now open to the public.  It is also used for commemorations, lying-in-state of Royalty and famous public figures.  Passing though the length of the hall we climbed the steps to St Stephen's Hall.  This passageway is decorated with paintings and statues of past Members of Parliament and leads into the Central Lobby where members of the public can meet their MP's.  At this point the Commons' Chamber and the Lords' Chamber go in different directions but as we were unable to enter the Lord's Chamber we continued into the Commons through the Member's corridor and chamber.  Here most of the media are to be seen reporting and interviewing MP's.  Statues of David Lloyd George, Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee and Margaret Thatcher are also displayed.  We entered the green upholstered Commons' Chamber, past the Speaker's chair and Julia answered all our questions relating to protocol within the Chamber.  We also saw where the Mace usually sits on the vast wooden table and found out that only about two thirds of all members can be accommodated at one time.

We past through several more rooms but my descriptions do not do justice to their beauty so I would suggest that a visit is the best way to experience what is a really fascinating day out.  The experience of travelling with fellow WI members who we may not have spoken to previously was an added pleasure.

Spring Group Meeting

Sunday 20 May 2018 at 2-6 pm
The Walled Garden, Stubbers Adventure Centre

Ockendon Road, Upminster RM142TY

A 'Pants' Afternoon  cost £12 plus a pair of pants

This was a very enjoyable afternoon meeting up with friends old and new from all our local branches.  The sun shone which was a bonus.  There were stalls for retail therapy, we were entertained by a very good singer rounded off by a very scrump0tuous cream tea.  A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  

Dames That Dine

Thursday 26 April 2018 Jubilee Restaurant Quarles 

Another lovely meal and time to catch up with fellow members.  The food was amazing and very enjoyable.  

Barn Dance

Memorial Hall, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood

Wednesday 21st March 2018 at 7.30 

We had a great turnout for this event.  The ladies Dosey doed their partners

at the Harold Wood WI Barn dance.  This was followed by a lovely spread which included burgers, hot dogs, salsa dips, nachos and popcorn all washed down with sarsparilla and other soft drinks.  It was great fun and enjoyed by all.  

Spring Group Meeting 6 May 2017

On the evening of Saturday 6th May 2017 many of our WI members joined other local WI groups for our Spring Group Meeting.

100 Years Celebration

Picnic in the Park 17 June 2017

On Saturday 17 June members met in Harold Wood park for a picnic in celebration of our 100 years, and to have a community day out. 

The weather was glorious, and a good spread was shared from salads, meats, sandwiches and of course Cakes!!  It was nice to meet up and get to know members in an informal setting and the afternoon was very enjoyable.

Cockney Night 26th April 2017

Harold Wood WI held a social night, were joined by ladies from other nearby WI's and even had a few men join us.  We had a Good Ol' knees up, singing along to many well known and loved songs.  We were given Union flags to wave by our Pearly King and Queen and waved them patriotically when we sang along to Land of Hope and Glory.  

John, the Pearly King sang and played a guitar both before and after the interval he and Terri entertained us all evening and their traditional outfits were a sight to behold.  The pearl buttons made a wonderful sound as they walked amongst the audience.

Pie & Mash or Sausages and Mash were provided for dinner along with drinks.  The pies and mash came from the well known east end shop Cooke's.  The evening was rounded up with a traditional WI raffle.

Dames That Dine 18 April

The next restaurant visited was the Greyhound in Chadwell Heath which was a lovely evening.  The food was very good and the staff were very helpful friendly and polite.  A good evening was had by all.

Dames That Dine Christmas 2016

The Christmas meal was to Du Fratellis in Hornchurch which was a lovely evening.  The food was very good and the staff were very helpful friendly and polite.  A good evening was had by all.

Christmas Meeting 2016

The Christmas meeting was well attended.  A Ukulele band entertained the ladies for most of the evening with a wonderful buffet, as usual – well it is the WI!