A Women’s Institute (WI) near Wellington has celebrated 90 years of community, friendship and service.
West Buckland WI, which was founded in November 1936, marked its milestone anniversary with a special lunch at Oake Manor on Wednesday, July 8, with members and guests coming together to reflect on a long legacy of support and camaraderie.
Christine Wombwell, president of West Buckland WI, said: "It’s a real pleasure to be here today and it’s quite remarkable that we are still going strong after 90 years and my thanks to members for making it a successful branch.
"It all started in November 1936 when a group of like-minded women got together to agree to form West Buckland WI.
"Then the first WI meeting took place in the December, and meetings have taken place ever since, a break during COVID being the only exception."
West Buckland WI is a strong and thriving group with members from West Buckland, Wellington, Taunton and surrounding villages.
Ms Wombwell said she was proud to be part of the WI and pleased that the organisation remains relevant and continues to provide support and friendship to women from all backgrounds.
The group’s success was underlined during the event, with ten members honoured for more than 40 years of service.
Madge Smith was recognised as the longest-serving WI member, having been part of the group for an incredible 73 years.
Other recipients included Anne Sparkes (66 years), Eunice King (55 years), Carole Smith (50 years), and Michele Dorey (44 years).
The celebratory lunch is the first in a series of events planned to mark the WI’s anniversary year.
In August, a themed garden party will bring together past and present members.
On Wednesday, August 22, the group will host an open house coffee morning at the village hall to introduce the WI to the wider community.
Later in the year, a thanksgiving service will be held at the village church, with WIs from the Tone Valley Group in attendance.
The national Women's Institute was formed in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and involve women in producing food during the First World War.
Since then, the organisation's aims have broadened, and the WI is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK.
It plays a key role in giving members the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities and campaigns.
West Buckland WI continues to offer activity groups including a walking group, a craft group, book club, Kurling, lunch club, handbell ringing and regular coffee mornings.
The group recently raised more than £450 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
New members are always welcome, with more information available by contacting Christine Wombwell on 01823 652863 or 07736712273.
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