Pakenham WI News - August 2025

A busy WI week!  We visited Europe’s first traditional Hindu Temple in Neasden.  We also enjoyed listening to Wendy Smith at our meeting, who recently retired after 40 years as a Chair Umpire and Line Judge at Wimbledon.

The beautiful Hindu Temple - limestone and marble were carved in India then assembled in London.  We were guided through the Foyer, toured the exhibition ‘Understanding Hinduism’, attended a short video presentation explaining how and why the Hindu Temple was built and visited the Inner Sanctum and Haveli Prayer Hall. A lovely, very interesting day out.

Wendy Smith – recalls excitement having her uniform fitted, had to be perfect and replaced if damaged.  Seeing the players and the attention of their clothes, replacing balls, towels and more.  Line Judges are now being replaced by electronic calling, but Match Assistants are still needed in case technology goes down!
Important - champagne, Pimm’s and strawberries remain available!

Our next WI meeting is on Thursday 11th September at 7.30pm in Pakenham Village Hall.  Jayne Bateman, who works at the stables in Barrow, will talk to us about her work helping both adults and children with mental and physical disabilities to experience the joy of horses both riding and non-riding activities.
Doors open at 7pm to enable members to chat. 
Welcome, meeting notices, and our speaker, followed by refreshments and drawing the raffle.  Do come and join us.

We have our monthly ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ – various pubs and restaurants in the area.

Our future events:
Saturday 13th September 2025
Coffee morning 10 am – 12 noon raising funds for St Nicholas Hospice.
Home-made cakes and savouries, tea, coffee and cold drinks and a raffle.

Pat Addington, President of Pakenham WI.