Edward has joined the members of the Birstall Branch of the WI for their centenary celebrations in the village. The coffee morning to mark 100 Years of Birstall Women's Institute was held in the village’s Baptist Church Hall and, as you would expect, the WI were incredibly welcoming to everyone, and there was a great turnout from the village, including the Birstall Post's editor, Jerry Jackson, Chair of the Parish Council, Cllr Ann Marshall, with the Mayor of Charnwood as the guest of honour.
The WI provided tea and coffee and a range of fantastic cakes - that made even the most determined resolve to stick to New Years' Resolutions waver! - alongside exhibitions of crafts, and a fascinating exhibition tracing the history of the branch from its formation in 1918, just three years after the first branch of the WI in the country was formed, to the present day.
The branch has been through some ups and downs since 1918, but today it is still as energetic and active as ever, bringing people together, socialising, sharing and learning crafts and skills and, like so many clubs and organisations in Birstall, playing its part in creating the strong sense of community that helps make Birstall so special.
Edward said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to special events like this as your MP, and I want to thank all the members for a lovely morning and wish Birstall WI a very Happy Hundredth Birthday!”