Pinchbeck Women’s Institute celebrate 100th anniversary

Special celebrations were held over the weekend to mark the 100 year anniversary of Pinchbeck WI.

The well attended afternoon tea brought back memories and tales from over the years as members enjoyed a trip down memory lane.

President Margaret Moyses said: “The afternoon went very well, we received lots of nice compliments and everyone had a really enjoyable afternoon.

“We are so pleased with how it all went, everyone really enjoyed it.”

Guests enjoyed the unlimited tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches and other sweet treats throughout the afternoon whilst appreciating all of the floral decorations and china crockery.

Margaret said: “We received compliments from people saying it was a lovely atmosphere. Everyone got involved on the day as members of the WI were busy preparing all of the food.”

On the day, visitors also enjoyed browsing through the big display of archive materials of the past 100 years, some of which featured different scrapbooks and photo albums.

Margaret explained there was a lot of interest in this from members and other visitors. “It was a trip down memory lane as some members have been in the WI for over 50 years, it was nice as they were passing on their experiences to the newer members.”

Sue Haythorn who attended the event said: “ It was a very enjoyable afternoon – the WI ladies certainly know how to put on an afternoon tea.

“All of the memorabilia that was on display was quite the talking point and I found it all really interesting. I decided after visiting the event along with some of my other friends that we would join the WI as I have always admired them as they do a lot of good, especially in the war time.”

The afternoon tea took place in conjunction with another celebration earlier this year as the group held their official 100 year anniversary in April.

Members enjoyed a birthday meal at Spalding Golf Club where Margaret Moyses and Hope Wells, who is the longest serving member of Pinchbeck WI, celebrated by cutting a cake.

Pinchbeck WI all started in April 1923 however the National WI was formed in 1915.

It was originally brought to life to help revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.

And to this day the group continues to keep this up and still gets involved within the community. The Women’s Institute is also the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.

The Pinchbeck organisation offers free taster experiences for three months for people looking to join.

Margaret said “Every month is different – there’s a lot going on between the monthly meetings, people can take part in as much or little as you want.

“A lady I used to know who was part of the WI once told me, don’t think what the WI can do for you, think what you can do for the WI.”

As well as the monthly meetings members can take part in the lunch club, gardening club, book club, craft group, seated exercise group and a walking group.

If you are interested in joining the Pinchbeck WI their next meeting will take place on Monday, September 11 at 7.30pm at Pinchbeck Village Hall.