Abermule WI has been celebrating its very special milestone of inspiring women in the village community for a century.

100 years on from the first meeting held at the Memorial Hall on February 27, 1922 to “consider the advisability of forming a branch of the Women’s Institute in Abermule”, the WI is "still here, still going, still doing all sorts of things", said secretary Eira Humphreys.

"It’s quite wonderful really. Especially after Covid and getting back together again. It’s that friendship and seeing people, having a chat and getting out and about."

Thirty-two members, including the WI's first president Mrs Whitley Owen, attended the first demonstration on 'raffia basketry' which was given by Miss Riddell on March 9, 1922.

“I know with WI, people think jam and Jerusalem. Yes, some people cook, some people can sew. Most of us go because we want to be sociable. We still do all the sporty things, the darts, dominoes and croquet, and you get to mix with other WIs from other areas as well.

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“It’s fun. It’s not about boring things but at the same time you learn something new at the some time. You meet different people, learn something new and there's the opportunity to do all things within the county whether it be trips out. It can be what you want it to be. You can as much or as little as you want."

To mark the branch's special centenary year, members gathered for a celebration meal at The Abermule on the night before the WI's birthday. Members were each given hand crocheted sunflowers by President Cathie Poynton, which has become a symbol of the WI.

The celebrations continue this summer when past and present members gather for an afternoon tea at the Abermule Community Centre on Sunday, August 7, from 2pm to 5pm.

"All those people who have through Abermule WI can come and look at our scrapbooks going back over the decades, and come along for a cup of tea and chat," Eira added.

For more information and to book afternoon tea, please contact Eira on 01686 630331 or e-mail info@greenlaneburialfield.co.uk.