Cockpole Green WI

ON Wednesday, December 12, President Adrienne welcomed members and our Berkshire WI representative Judy Palmer. The hall looked delightful, bedecked with Christmas decorations.

Members enjoyed chatting over a glass of wine or a soft drink before settling down to enjoy a delicious festive meal prepared by a local caterer, Nikki Alston.

Crackers were pulled in line with the tradition of wearing paper crowns! The children arrived, with their instruments, from Crazies Hill School, led by Headmistress Philippa Chan and their music teacher Jo Shell.

Their timing was perfect as members were relaxing over coffee and ready to enjoy being entertained by the youngsters. They chose a delightful program, the first one was playing musical instruments, called hand chimes.

The children waiting to sing, then came onto the stage. Their ages range from seven to 11. Since they performed for us last year, more children have joined the choir, including more boys!

There are now 30 children, who give up their lunch break on Fridays to join the Choir Club. With so many children now enjoying singing they had to be split into two groups, since the stage could not accommodate them all!

The children were then given a soft drink and biscuits before then mingling and chatting with us, all with big smiles. Before returning to school the children sang one final song “We wish you a Merry Christmas” with great enthusiasm and gusto!

When they left, Richard Lloyd entertained us, as in previous years, by playing popular carols on the piano.

Many thanks were given to Anne Whittaker for making the delicious Christmas cake; to Richard for entertaining us and to the Committee members for their organisation. Thanks were also given to Judy, who will be retiring after 24 years’ service as Berkshire’s WI representative.

Our first meeting of the New Year will be held at Crazies Hill Village hall on Wednesday, January 16, at the early time of 12.30pm, so we can then all enjoy a fish and chip lunch.