Page 77 - Phonebox July 2013

Newport Pagnell
Towards the end of April, three members travelled to Aylesbury to attend the Buckinghamshire Federation Annual Council Meeting which was held in the Waterside Theatre.
We heard the latest Federation news, and listened to an emotive talk by Mary Kidd, ACWW World President.
Following the presentation of various cups and certi cates, came the highlight of the day when Michael Portillo took the stage and spoke to us for an hour with no notes whatsoever! He gave us an insight into his background and his days as an MP, later becoming involved in making TV programmes following the now famous Bradshaw’s Guide.
After the Chairman’s closing remarks we were entertained by the Joyful Divas WI Choir who gave a lively performance of well-known songs from various shows. Altogether a really interesting day out. What’s in a name? Well, in May Rita Rainbird came to tell us. She rst became interested in surnames at the age of 14 when her family went from London to Devon and she met lots of relatives who shared her surname.
According to the Domesday Book, in 1087 in Britain only 45% of people had surnames, in 1199 it was 90%, and in 1299 it was 99%.
Broadly speaking surnames can be
divided into four categories: locality, occupation, relationship, or personal description; for example - John Bedford, Simon Baker, Bill Richardson, or David Short.
Traditionally the eldest son took his father’s surname, and further children would be known by their occupation or personal description. However, by around 1480 surnames were becoming more xed as family names, and by 1870 spellings also became xed with the advent of compulsory schooling.
In advance of her talk, Rita had asked for a list of our maiden names. She told us their meanings and gave each of us a printed page with our own details. This was a fascinating subject which we all enjoyed.
The raf e this month was won by Evelyn Mison, 2nd Gill Watford.
The competition was won by Pat Cutts, 2nd June Weston, 3rd Sharon Moyles. Newport Pagnell Women’s Institute meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Club, and is always delighted to welcome new members. Our next meeting on 11th June will feature a talk by Joan Harrington, telling us about her travels to North Island New Zealand. For further information please call Evelyn Mison on 01908 615630.
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