THE 100th anniversary of Slaley Women's Institute was celebrated in style.

Nearly 60 present and past members, as well as others from Shotley and Whitley Chapel WI's and representatives from Northumberland County WI, all came together at Slaley Commemoration Hall to mark the centenary of the WI branch.

"It was brilliant," said Slaley WI president Margaret Rowell. "A real good night. Everybody enjoyed it."

Hexham Courant: Margaret Rowell, president of Slaley WI, cuts the 100th year birthday cake with Moira Bengston from the Northumberland WI Federation OfficeMargaret Rowell, president of Slaley WI, cuts the 100th year birthday cake with Moira Bengston from the Northumberland WI Federation Office (Image: Slaley WI)

Margaret delivered a welcome speech before a cake, made by Catherine Myers and decorated by Margaret Ogle, was cut.

Whitley Chapel Young Farmers served the Slaley WI-prepared meal before turning their hand to entertaining those in attendance.

A special Slaley WI Heirloom Mix variety of sweet pea seeds cultivated 100 years ago was the table gift and Margaret Barron also created a special embroidery to mark the occasion which was much-admired.

Hexham Courant: The 'army' of Whitley Chapel Young Farmers who helped at the Slaley WI partyThe 'army' of Whitley Chapel Young Farmers who helped at the Slaley WI party (Image: Slaley WI)

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Hexham Courant:

 

A meeting was first held on January 27 1923 in Slaley's school to consider the formation of a branch of the Women's Institute in the village.

The idea was greeted with enthusiasm and the president, vice-presidents, secretary and treasurer were all voted in. The original membership fee was 2/- a year.

The first secretary was Ruth Crozier (then Hall), who later served as president and remained a keen member for many years.

Hexham Courant: Ruth Crozier was a founding member of Slaley WIRuth Crozier was a founding member of Slaley WI (Image: Hexham Courant)