WI group excited for its first birthday bash

ALL smiles . . . the ladies at Chadderton WI, which celebrates its first birthday in June

IT WILL be a very happy first birthday as ladies from Chadderton Women's Institute prepare to celebrate their first anniversary.

Chadderton WI, which formed in June 2016, will celebrate its first birthday with a party for members and guests while also looking back at previous events.

Over the past year Chadderton WI have enjoyed activities ranging from singing and laughter workshops and CPR demonstrations to a presentation from the Pankhurst Centre on the history of the suffragettes.

Offering a regular meeting place for women looking to expand their horizons, learn new skills or simply make new friends, Chadderton WI is one of the new wave of urban WIs cropping up across the country, and is a far cry for the "Jam and Jerusalem" image of years gone by.

President and founder Linda Jones-Hargreaves said: "I have wanted to be part of the WI for many years and was disappointed there wasn't one in my area, so I decided to set one up myself.

"Using mostly Facebook and asking my friends to share, within a few days I had organised an information meeting and Chadderton WI was on its way to being born.

"It's been the best decision I've ever made.

"What I love about the WI is welcoming women from all backgrounds who come together to learn, inspire each other and make a difference in the local community. There's something special in this and the energy and enthusiasm at our meetings is infectious.

"Since forming, my confidence has soared and I've done things I never thought I was capable of.

"It's been so gratifying seeing women who don't know anyone visit us and then leave the meeting chatting to everyone having made new friends and planning to join us and our sub-groups. Our new members don't stay new for very long; they are welcomed with open arms."

With more than 30 regular members and 22 new visitors at their last meeting, Chadderton WI looks destined to grow and will continue to offer a variety of inclusive and informative events.

Future plans include self-defence training, a guide to vintage style and even an introduction to the art of burlesque.

Full members also enjoy access to regular book club, theatre and craft groups while in the wider community they have supported The Monthly Gift Manchester - a local charity providing sanitary products for homeless women - Christ Church Food Bank and have walked alongside other WIs in the Manchester Pride Parade in support for the LGBT community.

The Chadderton WI celebration party and AGM will take place at 7.15pm on Tuesday at St George's Church, Broadway.

There will be tea, coffee, snacks, sandwiches, cakes, wine and soft drinks available and a chance for guests to chat and find out more about the group and forthcoming events including Chadderton Day.

Chadderton WI meets at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of every month at St Georges Church.

Women can enjoy three free visits before choosing to become a full member.

For more information email chaddertonwi@outlook.com or search for them on Facebook.