1 day Ago By [email protected] (Jenny Beake)
Two highly-respected women are celebrating milestones due to their years of commitment to a community organisation. Pinchbeck WI has been operating for more than 100 years and its president Margaret Moyses will be entering her 12th year as president before she retires next year. Alongside her is Pam Portas who at the age of 89 — she will turn 90 this Christmas Day — has received a certificate for 40 years of service to the group, making for a double celebration of long service.
Margaret said: “I have agreed to do one more year. “We do have a committee member who is willing to stand in 2026 so I am going to work with her. “It doesn’t seem that long really and it has been a busy time.
” She lists visiting Buckingham Palace to mark 100 years of the WI internationally as a treasured memory. Meeting royalty including Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, previously the Countess of Wessex, at the event was a ‘once in a lifetime experience.’ Margaret said: “Going to Buckingham Palace to the garden party in 2015 is one day that will last in my memory forever.
“Our float in the 2023 flower parade was a massive challenge for everyone involved, and a day none of us will forget. “But the main thing about being in the WI is meeting new ladies, making friendships, experiencing new things, and being part of a supportive, friendly group.” Margaret suggests the longevity of the WI is down to ‘meeting like minded women and widening horizons.
’ The Pinchbeck group celebrated its own centenary last April by planting a cherry tree in Pinchbeck Memorial Garden and performing a concert . Margaret, who will continue to volunteer when she retires, steered the members through the challenges that the pandemic presented She added: “We've been through covid where we couldn't meet and so we did lots of things to keep in touch. “Each committee member had people to telephone and we delivered notes and gifts to try and keep everyone feeling part of it.
“We had smaller groups who met when we were able to meet in gardens.” These smaller groups have continued to flourish as Pam has noted in her time spanning four decades — and the leadership from Margaret and previous ‘good’ presidents has played a significant role. Pam said: “We wouldn't be going now if it wasn't for Margaret - she has kept us going.
“It was incredible and unbelievable what they did during the pandemic. “My friendship group formed during the pandemic and we are still meeting.” Former PE teacher Pam, who is widowed, joined the group after her children Edward and Jane became independent.
She has played many roles within the group — running table tennis tennis, seated exercise sessions, coffee mornings, drama productions and taking on the role of press correspondent. She said: “When I joined I loved it and I took on a very active role in it - I did the aqua fit and I taught the person doing it now. “There is so much you can do and I play the tambourine and used to lead the swimming.
“Being my age they are letting me have my 40 years.” Pam also organised outings with a full coach visiting Thursford and is always on the lookout for new members. She added: “We have got younger members now and I can understand why younger people don't join as if they start work there isn't much time.
“I have persuaded a couple of ladies who live near me to join and come and try it. “It is hugely about friendship.” What do you think? Post your comments below.
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