IT WAS a proud moment at last month’s meeting when all those present were able to offer warm applause and congratulations to member Joyce Raine to mark her 50 years’ membership of the WI.

Joyce was presented with a bunch of flowers.

The speaker at the meeting, Carol Griffiths, gave a very interesting talk on the Cinque Ports. The name derives from the original five ports of Hythe, Sandwich, Dover, Hastings and New Romney, although Rye and Winchelsea were added at a later date.

The ports were created to provide ships and coastline defence for the King in the mid-12th Century at a time when England came under attack from the continent. Many other ports, called limb ports, were also added to provide greater protection. The gradual silting up of the harbours reduced the size of the ships to be called upon and the Cinque Ports ceased to become operational with the creation of the Royal Navy toward the end of the 15th Century. Mayors from the towns of the Cinque Ports continue to meet monthly and, following the death of the Queen Mother, the title of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports is now held by Admiral Lord Michael Boyce.

Some members ran a stall at the Farnborough Village Fair. Despite the rain and with members’ determination to stay to the end, all cakes and garden produce were sold.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm in Farnborough Village Hall. Visitors and new members warmly welcomed. For details, call 01689 820541.