The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

SMILES on a chilly afternoon â€" The Queen. the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret with Mrs Harriet Banstaad vice-president (third lett) and Mrs Doris Parsons. chairman ol Sundrtngham Wi atter arriving tor the January meeting; (RC 4392). A VISIT T0 SANDRINGHAM WI MEETING as (old by Madge Thompson Mrs. Madge Thompson. West End Branch mem- ber in Wellington South District. attended the annual Sundringham meeting when members of the Royal Family were present, The Queen. The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. The Queen Mother is President of the San- dringhum Branch and presides at the January meetâ€" ing; two vice Presidents carry out the duties the rest of the year. it was in 1915 that Queen Mary invited Mrs. Al- fred Wall (the Canadian who introduced the WI to Britain) to organize a branch at Sandringham, This was the second branch organized in Britain and Queen Mary was the first President. When Mrs. Thompson knew she would be in the vicinity of Sandringham she contacted the branch about the possibility of attending the January meeting. enclosing credentials stating she was a bona-fide and active member of the West End Branch. Usually the meeting is closed to visitors. however an exception was made and Mrs. Thompson received a reply from Clar- ence House stating “The Queen Mother is sure it would be perfectly in order.” Arriving at the village hall. Mrs, Thompson was met by the vice presidents, ushered to the front row and introduced to the guest Speaker. Joan Foreman. author of “Haunted Houses of East Anglia." There was a flurry of excitement as last minute touches were made to the tea table and exhibits. Prior to their Majesties arrival, some business was discussed. The vice presidents went outside at the appointed time to welcome the guests. upon entering the hall God Save The Queen was sung. Behind the president’s table were chairs draped with Royal Stewart Tartan rugs, The Queen. Queen Mother and Princess Margaâ€" ret seated themselves and the vice president introâ€" duced Mrs. Thompson, a “member from Canada.” 16 Mrs. Thompson rose to acknowledge the introductw and said “I received a gracious smile from the Qu. and a beaming smile from the Queen Mother.“ Various little incidents occurred, one was. when Queen Mother was asked to sign the minutes, As « reached for the book the Queen turned to her wit. rather mischievous look and said, “They haven’t in read yet.” Putting her hands to her face in moment. embarrassment, the Queen Mother quickly laughe. off. and the secretary proceeded to read the mintn Later, signing the book. the Queen Mother turned her daughter with a quizzical look, saying. “Is it right now?" In her presidential report. the Queen Mother to: mended the members for having maintained their Mt: port of worthwhile projects even though everyone Ii to reckon with increased costs. She reminded membi of the necessity of the antiâ€"litter campaign against ht tles, tin cans, plastic bags, sweet wrappers, which .w carelessly thrown around. Urging their support. sl quoted the slogan. “Keep Britain Tidy," and for .l bilee Year. and added “for the Queen” glancu toward her daughter, as she spoke. There was an ll mediate enthusiastic response from the members For the speaker‘s presentation. the chairs behi: the table were moved to face the speaker. as t. change was being made, the Queen Mother came 0to Mrs. Thompson, and with outstretched hand 6 tended a warm welcome to the meeting. She talked I some minutes, and was greatly interested to know M: Thompson lived in Guelph. the Royal City. and [ii there was a Royal WI. . Later in the meeting. when circulating among li‘ members, the Queen spoke to the Canadian guast well. “Madge” offered congratulations on her Silt. Jubilee both personally and for her Branch, Refereni ‘ was made to Prince Andrew attending Lakefield film the Queen said he was happy and it was an CXPCTl' ence. Continued on page 5!