Filkins WI Members Presented to Her Majesty

Many months ago, a letter was received by Pat Clark, OFWI Science Coordinator and member of Filkins and Broughton Poggs WI with a tentative suggestion from Oxford Trust and Diamond Light Source about a possible co-operative venture between themselves, their scientists and the needlewomen of the WI.

They envisaged a huge textile art piece to be on permanent display in the atrium of their new facility housing the synchrotron and thought the members of the WI would possess just the skills needed to complete this project.

The rest is, as they say history the result was a set of 30 panels which have been on display at different venues throughout the county and also at the open day at Diamond Light itself.

It was a great honour when Pat and Anne Griffiths, lead artist on the project, together with 9 other Oxfordshire WI members received their silver invitations to the official opening of the synchrotron building. Imagine our delight and excitement when it was discovered it was to be in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

Hats, no, but posh frocks a definite yes. It wasn't to be a whistle stop tour either. The Queen and Prince Philip were to spend about four hours at the facility and we were to be introduced! Then came the nerves, instructions on protocol - don't offer your hand, wait for hers to be extended in case she decides not to shake your hand. Just a bob if one preferred, not a full curtsey and of course we all knew how to address her from the Helen Mirren film!

A very nervous Anne was given the task of explaining the reasoning behind the panels and introducing the ladies together with a representative from Oxford Trust and two of the scientists to Her Majesty. She smiled warmly and admired the panels, with her Lady in Waiting bringing up the rear, followed by Hugo Brunner the Lord Lieutenant. She was absolutely delightful, very upright with a glowing complexion and everyone present was impressed with her animation and stamina. Hard to believe this was a lady of 81.

Then she was gone, drinks and lunch was served in an elaborate marquee where scientists from Diamond Light, who were extremely enthusiastic about this powerful new tool and happy to explain it in layman’s terms, hosted each table.

Everyone re-assembled in the atrium where there was a short speech by the Chief Executive Officer and The Queen officially unveiled a sculpture. The Queen and Prince Philip were then presented with a textile piece made by Anne Griffiths which represented photosynthesis, to mark the occasion, and they were gone!

All moved outside to watch the Red Devils parachuting down and then it was champagne and cake cutting, each guest collected a commemorative book of Diamond Light. It was truly a day to remember and treasure for all concerned.

The first photo shows Anne Griffiths, Filkins & Broughton Poggs WI introducing HM The Queen to Pauline Goddard, Federation Chairman, and Pat Clark, Burford & Fulbrook WI.

Other information about Diamond and the project can be found on www.diamond.ac.uk and www.pocketmouse.co.uk 

Photos by kind permission of Diamond Light Source (Click image for larger version)

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