"Would you be prepared to steward for the WI stand at the Kent Show this year?  requested the Federation.

Were novice members usually initiated in this way or had they heard the rumour that we were likely to turn up to the opening of an envelope?

"Do you have to produce a display and wear a sash?" we responded.

"No.  The Federation will dress the stand.  The theme is Eighty Years Old.  You wear a badge and talk to visitors".

"Oh I think we can do that".  At least our combined ages qualified us for the theme.  And talk we did.  To mothers and daughters, wives, singletons and husbands too.

Some came to view the history exhibits.  Some came to watch the practical demonstrations of floral, culinary and artistic skills of our members.

Many came to seek out why they couldn't find the WI refreshment tent this year.  Many protested that they were too young to join the WI.

To the former, we offered consolation chocolate brownies whilst explaining the more altruistic direction our domestic skills were taking us via the "Let's Cook" initiative.

To the latter, we hoped we were dispelling the myth by being a few years off our Bus Passes and offered encouragement to some potential members to seek, or even start, a group of like-minded ladies.

Thanks to the Federation team  and associated members for their hard work in co-ordinating this event and the warmth of their camaraderie.  Our experience since joining the WI has confirmed that age is not what it says on your birth certificate but a state of mind.  Overall, we laughed a lot and to our minds, that's always a good day out.

                                                                                      The Two Gillians, Horsmonden TWI lite.