Escombe WI turns 80
Each month, the ladies meet and have a time of fellowship and morning tea with delicious eats.
ESCOMBE Women’s Institute turned 80 this August and to celebrate, members gathered at the Congregational Church of Queensburgh for a party.
There, the women enjoyed activities that included playing games, singing along and participating in other activities. The institute for women by women that coincidentally celebrates its month of establishment with national Women’s Day first started in 1935 with the intention to be of service wherever possible. Ten year’s prior to its establishment, a similar group for women was formed in Dumisa, subsequently inspiring about eight women in Escombe to also form a group for social interaction and to do good to others, learn new skills and to better their homes and country.
President of the institute, Jean Meaker, recalled some of her fondest memories over the years as a member: “During the 1940s, my mom was secretary and I used to be taken by pram to meetings, so I started very young,” she said cheerfully. “In the olden days, Congress was extremely formal, we had to wear hats and gloves and long dresses for evening functions,” she continued, adding that on one incident she wore an identical dress to that of her colleague. “Fotunately, in different colours.”
Each month, the ladies meet and have a time of fellowship and morning tea with delicious eats. Different talks on health issues, travel and other topics to widen knowledge are some of the institute’s attractions. Cookery and floral demonstrations are also given. Competitions are held where each member can enter and learn how to improve their entries in the handicraft, baking, craft, floral, agriculture, adult education, and work of the month sections which are judged by qualified judges.
There is even a sections for veterans to compete. The Escombe Women’s Institute monthly meetings are held every second Thursday of each month at the Congregational Church of Queensburgh hall on Coronation Road in Malvern. New members are welcome. For queries, contact Jean Meaker on: 031 464 2225 or Avril Fegen on: 031 708 4556.
