BOYTON WI’s 70th anniversary dinner was attended by current and past members and representatives from neighbouring WI groups in Altarnun, Launceston, North Petherwin and St Stephens.

The dinner took place recently at Trethorne Leisure Park, Kennards’ House.

President, Shirley Bell, welcomed everyone, especially the guests of honour, Barbara Corbett, chairman of Cornwall Federation of Women’s Institutes, and her husband, and WI adviser, Kathy Reid. She asked Barbara Corbett to say Grace. There was a marvellous spread of cold meats, salmon, salads and hot potatoes to choose from.

Before inviting Barbara Corbett and Kathy Reid to cut the beautiful celebration cake, Shirley said: “Sadly, we have no founder members present with us today but they are still very much in our memories. We are lucky to have four recent past presidents here, Sylvia Duke, Betty Martyn, Rachel Ellacott and Trisha Melzer.”

She thanked the committee for their help in arranging the event and everyone for attending.

Barbara Corbett congratulated Boyton WI on its 70 years and wished it well for the future. Treasurer, Deniese Willis then gave a little of the early history of Boyton WI before proposing the toast, ‘Boyton WI — Past Present and Future’.

On April 23 1947, nine women met together in Boyton Church Hall to discuss whether to form a WI in Boyton. The proposition was carried unanimously and on May 1 1947, the first meeting of Boyton WI was held.

Twenty eight women enrolled as members, a committee and the first president, Mrs Sandercock were elected.

In the early years the members had none of the conveniences of today — a member had to go to the hall in advance of the meeting to light the fire and a Primus stove had to be purchased to boil water as there was no electricity connected to the hall.

Food rationing at the time meant that providing tea, sugar and refreshments involved sacrifices on the part of the hostesses.

One of the first priorities for the members was fund raising and on July 24, 1948 the annual Boyton Horticultural Show was introduced. Over the years the show grew in popularity until there were 65 classes, covering flowers, vegetables, crafts, cookery and preserves, men’s and children’s classes. This annual show carried on for 51 years until 1999.

Over the years, Boyton WI has provided children’s Christmas parties, fundraised for charities and produced concerts and pantomimes for the entertainment of the village.

Seventy years on Boyton WI still holds its summer meetings in the same hall, where members still enjoy a diverse programme of speakers and outings and a friendly chat over a cup of tea.

After desserts, cake and coffee, the guests were splendidly entertained by Ice and a Slice, two sisters, Anita Wells Cock and Isobel King, originally from Holsworthy, who sang a medley of songs from the 1940s boogie to 1970s pop. They ended this special evening by leading everyone in a rousing rendition of ‘Jerusalem’.

The raffle was drawn then Val Bugden-Cawsey, president of St Stephens WI gave a warm vote of thanks to Boyton WI on behalf of all the guests.