A NEW Women’s Institute has been established in Newton and Bywell.

And with a broad range of ages signed up, the group is keen to move away from the ‘jam and Jerusalem’ cliche.

On Monday, June 27, the 14 new members of Newton and Bywell Women’s Institute attended their first official meeting in Newton Village Hall.

Andy Pogson from Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service spoke at the debut meeting.

The group plans to invite a new guest speaker to every monthly meeting, which take place on the fourth Monday of the month.

Committee member Stella Sayer said: “We are hoping to attract more members as the word spreads. We have a broad span of ages and we don’t want it all to be jam and Jerusalem.

“From my point of view, it’s about making new friends and finding new interests.

“And because of the varied age group it’s a good sharing network of knowledge and experience.”

Various activites will be organised throughout the year, which will be voted for by the W.I members.

On July 31, the group is holding a strawberry cream tea at Newton and Bywell Village Hall between 2pm and 4pm.

And plans for a trip to Edinburgh Christmas Market are well under way.

For more information, or to inquire about membership, visit the Newton and Bywell Women’s Institute Facebook page or contact Stella on (01661) 844060 or via email on stella.sayer@btinternet.com