The group, composed of Tavistock, Gulworthy, St Andrews, Bere Ferrers and High Moorland WI's, decided on an Elizabethan theme for the meeting in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations this summer.
Queen Elizabeth was played by guest speaker Elizabeth Thurgood from Honiton, a founder member of the Tudor Dancers and enthusiastic historian.
She made a stately entrance to the meeting in full dress, accompanied by Sir Francis, a court jester, her retinue and two Beef Eaters who were drawn from members of the groups present.
Mrs Thurgood told the meeting that in Elizabethan times, costume was mainly determined by rank and status.
Only the wealthiest could indulge themselves in lavish fur trimmings — the ideal habitat for the fleas and lice which lived on people of the day, no matter how wealthy they were!
Pat Alexander, Tavistock WI president, said: 'From clothing to customs, medicine, cooking, music and dance, the members were shown a fascinating glimpse of life in high society in the reign of Elizabeth I.'
Miss Alexander said all the groups have been researching medicines and illness of the times and each group described three ailments and their Elizabethan cures at the meeting.
'Frequently the cure seemed more revolting than the complaint, although it was interesting how many herbs used then are still used today,' said Miss Alexander.
Refreshments provided at the meeting were in keeping with the perio.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Margaret Lury — next year's annual meeting will be hosted by Gulworthy WI.