October 2016: 5th Birthday Party

Our October meeeting was a very momentous occasion for all the Spa Sweethearts, as we were celebrating our 5th birthday! It seemed fitting to have a party to celebrate this amazing achievement with the usual games, laughter and fun, rounded off with a delicious buffet, accompanied by a glass of fizz. We were honoured to have our North Yorkshire West federation president, Pauline Bowman, present to preside over the festivities. After a warm welcome from our current president Lucy, committee member, Cat, lead us in the singing of Jerusalem, a Capella. It was a very moving experience, as everyone raised their voices to sing in unison the anthem of the WI. Cat then progressed onto a series of lively games which were received with much hilarity and amusement. A Spa Sweethearts favourite, the chocolate game, was enjoyed by all, with the competition to roll a six on the dice and consume the most chocolate possible using a knife and fork, whilst dressed in hat, gloves and scarf, extremely fierce! Pauline then took to the floor to congratulate the Spa Sweethearts WI on a phenomenal first five years and spoke about our place in the the Women’s Institute on a regional and a national level in the months to come. The original Spa Sweethearts, who had been members since the very first meeting in October 2011, led by founding president, Bex Hartley, were presented with special commemorative certificates. A special birthday bursary lottery was then drawn in memory of committee member, Jane Grey. The lucky recipient, Lizzie, received a £300 subsidy from Spa Sweethearts WI to put towards a course at Denman College in Oxfordshire to learn a new skill. A grand birthday raffle with prizes from several local businesses was drawn with many lucky winners. It was then time to socialise with the many friends we have made through being part of our wonderful WI. Everyone had contributed to a faith supper, which was an amazing spread befitting of such a special celebration. Here’s to many more wonderful years of the Spa Sweethearts WI in Harrogate.