Magic moments shared at 60th anniversary

Nearly forty ladies commemorated the 60th anniversary of the foundation of Bentley Pauncefoot WI on May 16th.

It has always been traditional for the institute to arrange a celebratory lunch in May with the committee providing the main course and the members supplying desserts. This year, with the coronation of King Charles III in May, it was a double party opportunity too good to miss.

Decked with bunting, Bentley Village Hall became the scene of fun and frivolity. The food was delicious with home-cooked honey roast ham, quiches, and an array of salads. Puddings included roulades, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and strawberries and cream. Glasses of fizz were raised in celebration.

For a competition, members were asked to bring along an item of Bentley Pauncefoot WI memorabilia. There were many interesting entries, but the overwhelming winner was a pretty metal box brought in by Chris Badger, our president. It was made in the village and was used by Mrs Joan Badger, Chris’ motherin-law, in the early days when she was treasurer.

Members were more than happy just to chat and exchange memories, but extra entertainment had been arranged as a surprise. David Jones, magician and conjuror extraordinaire, delighted his audience with a variety of baffling tricks and accompanying banter. First, he visited each table as lunch was ending and performed card tricks. He also made little balls disappear and appear in the most unlikely places. Even at close quarters it was impossible to spot the illusion and Michelle is still trying to work out how one ball emerged from the back of her hair!

Then, with the help of two assistants plucked from the audience, David did more magic. With Jane he demonstrated cutting a rope into pieces, knotting it and then, magically reassembling it. The trick was impressive, but even more impressive was the sight of Jane performing the same trick faultlessly despite not really knowing what she was doing. Sandra then assisted David with a card trick. This involved an invisible pack of cards and an invisible camel called Humphrey. There was a lot of mime and laughter and incidentally David did pick the right card, but you had to be there.

All in all, we enjoyed a memorable celebration in good company totally in the spirit of the WI.