Duchess takes a masterclass at WI college

THE Duchess of Cornwall painted a sunset and learned how to cook a chocolate pudding at a tour of a Women’s Institute (WI) centre. Camilla toured Denman College, in Marcham, near Abingdon, yesterday, and stopped off to take part in cookery, art, book-binding and embroidery classes. The Duchess, who is a member of Tetbury Evening WI, said: “I had a wonderful time; I have cooked, or nearly, and I have painted. But I have not sewn because it is not my forte.” She added: “I have been rivetted by the courses here.” Sonia Edwards, president of Marcham WI, said: “Lots of people from all over the country come for our residential courses in a whole range of subjects from academic to practical and craft. It is a sort of Mecca for WI ladies.” Carole Sands, also from Marcham WI, added: “Camilla wanted to see what it was all about.” It was the first time a Royal had visited the college since the Queen opened the home economics centre in 1979. Camilla sat in on a cookery class hosted by Masterchef 2010 winner Dhruv Baker. Mr Baker said: “WI groups are the real heart of home cooking in the country. She seemed genuinely interested in what everyone was doing and you could see how delighted they were to have her here.” Cookery student Josie Penney, 72, of Charlton WI in Wantage, said: “The Duchess was so natural and seemed very interested in what we were doing. “The WI is a huge part of my life. I have been a member for 30 years plus. So I was excited and very privileged to be asked to come.” Another student, Jean Geary, 62, of Hanney WI, said: “She spoke to me quite a bit. She was telling me a bit about her son Tom Parker Bowles who is also into cooking.” Camilla even had a go at painting a sunset scene in an art class. Art teacher Jill McKay said: “It was quite good. She did very well and I have given it to her to take home.” Anne Harrison, vice chair of the Denman College committee, said: “It has been a great honour for the college.”