Centenary Lunch

Wednesday 16 September marked one hundred years since the first Women's Institute was set up in Britain.  All over the country, Institutes have been marking the Centenary with a range of different events.  Harlow WI held a buffet lunch for its members with invited guests from the local community, previous Presidents, and a trustee from the Essex Federation of Women's Institutes. 

The buffet was provided by Walker Catering who regularly supply our excellent Christmas lunch, and it proved to be another splendid spread. 

 

Brief speeches before and after the meal paid tribute to the diverse range of WIs through the years, and a toast was drunk to "fun, friendship and education", which neatly summarises the many facets of the present-day WI.







Two celebration cakes - one fruit, one sponge - were cut and handed to members and guests. 

A history table, holding photographs and memorabilia from Harlow's own ninety-six years of existence, provided much interest and occasional laughter.














Altogether, a very happy and enjoyable time.  Here's to the next hundred years!