Happy days with the Royal Family

Posted on October 18, 2007

Eaton Bray WI's president welcomed the members to their October meeting, and apologies were received from several members still enjoying late summer holidays.

A number of social events are on the calendar, starting with a harvest evening with the theme of 'Scarecrows'. This will be followed by a visit to Hitchin and a guided tour of the British School Museum.

After the business, the institute welcomed guest speaker Ann Parsons who gave a very interesting and humorous talk entitled Royal Connections.

Ann's father was a member of the late Queen Mother's household, and her family moved around with him when the royal household travelled to Balmoral and Sandringham.

Ann spoke of her many happy memories of playing with the royal children and their friends.

She also recalled how much the London servants looked forward to going to the country estates, and what great fun they all had with parties and dances held in the village halls.

The Queen Mother enjoyed dancing and often went along to the dances, making a point of dancing with all the men servants!

Ann's memories gave an insight into a less formal royal family than their public image.

The evening concluded looking at the royal memorabilia that Ann's father and family had been given over the 50 years he was in royal service.

The next WI meeting is on Monday November 5 at 7.30pm in Eaton Bray Village Hall. Friends and new members are always welcome.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 16 October 2007