Pinchbeck WI president appeals for candidates to step forward and take the reins following more than a decade at the helm

The president of a group that has been inspiring women for more than 100 years is hoping to find a replacement to take over the reins.

Margaret Moyses has been involved with Pinchbeck Women’s Institute for more than a decade and would like to stand down.

The 75-year-old has out out an appeal for someone else to take over the role and join the group which is in its 101st year.

Mrs Moyses, who was born and brought up in Pinchbeck, said: “If someone is willing to come forward I am happy to stay another year if I know they will definitely take over in 2026.

“It is a very time consuming role but has helped me to gain confidence.

“You have to stand up there in front of people and it is your responsibility and you hope that you are doing a good job.”

Being the president has various responsibilities, which includes running committee meetings and delegating jobs.

She said: “The role is about keeping everything together and preparing for the monthly committee meeting.

“You are the first port of call for anyone interested in joining the WI.

“I was just a member at first and after a year joined the committee and eventually became president.”

The tenure for the president role is usually a maximum of three years for the Pinchbeck group.

During the pandemic the group met online in virtual groups and kept the connections going throughout so that members were not isolated.

Mrs Moyses said: “It has obviously evolved.

“It has changed with the times and women make friends through it.”

Friendship is one of the enduring aspects and there are smaller groups that offer activities such as walking, crafts, seated exercise and gardening.

Mrs Moyses said: “When people arrive it can feel that there are a lot of people.

“The smaller groups are a way of getting to know people in a smaller environment and you get to know people better that way.

“If something happens - such as someone losing their husband there is a support network.”

It is testament that Mrs Moyses has quadrupled this time in post as according to members she is ‘just so good at it.’

Member Tracey Wells said: “We have such a broad spectrum and we want to try and attract younger women

“I am on the committee and my official role is refreshment lady and I bake the cakes.

“It’s women’s awareness and brings people together through camaraderie, helping the community and that is what women are all about.”

Lorna Webb, who will be 100 this year, is the oldest member of the group and the longest standing member is Hope Wells, who has served for 54 years.

The national WI was founded in 1915 and is one of the largest women’s voluntary organisations in the UK.

With currently 68 members on the books the group is looking for women to join and continue to raise funds for charitable causes.

The group meets monthly every second Monday at Pinchbeck Village Hall.

FloraLinc has a sponsored lorry cab for the Pinchbeck WI which they used in this year’s Spalding Flower Parade and features images from as early as 1923.

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