A WI group has celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Current and former members of Llanfair Caereinion Women's Institute (WI) gathered on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to mark a century since the group’s founding in 1926.
The celebration took place at the Institute in Llanfair Caereinion, exactly 100 years after its first meeting.
Chrissie Menzies, president of Llanfair Caereinion WI, said: "We had a fabulous evening celebrating the centenary of the WI in the town and were delighted to be joined by the Trustees together with current and past members. It was a lovely social evening allowing us all to reflect on the learning, fun and friendships that have been fostered through the WI. May I thank everyone who worked so hard to make the evening such a success and to those who came to support the celebration of this significant milestone birthday for the WI in Llanfair. It is amazing that the Women's Institute is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK and continues to inspire, connect, support and empower women within the community."
The WI movement began in Britain in 1915 with the first meeting held at Llanfair PG on Anglesey, spreading to communities across Wales in the years that followed.
The centenary event was attended by Ruth Hesketh and Jane Rees, Trustees of the Powys Montgomeryshire Federation of Women's Institute.
Guests enjoyed a meal prepared by members and the presentation of a commemorative certificate to Ms Menzies.
Trustees reflected on the WI’s legacy of inspiring women through a century of change, including world war, the vote for all women, the election of the first female Prime Minister, the discovery of penicillin, the ability to send people into space, and women climbing Everest.
Speeches and a toast were followed by the cutting of a celebratory cake by senior member Joyce Davies.
The evening concluded with a traditional rendition of Jerusalem, a WI custom dating back to 1924.
Guests also enjoyed a raffle and a baby photo guessing competition.
Music from each decade since the 1920s set the tone for the night.
Ms Menzies said the group welcomes new members and visitors.
The Llanfair Caereinion WI meets at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month at the Institute.
The next meeting will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
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