Representatives from Northumberland County Council, the Parish Council, neighbouring WIs, our twin Institute from Seaton Valley, and others who have helped us over the years, enjoyed a sit-down meal, lovely songs from the shows with Beryl Amos, her friend Albert from Hexham Stage Society and Freda Philipson at the piano.
Freda played several of her own compositions, one dedicated to the WI which turned out to be a slightly different interpretation of Jerusalem.
We then had the cutting of the beautiful cake, which was made and iced by a friend of Aileen's. Our President, Elizabeth, gave a short talk about the exhibition of events she had prepared from the archives taking us from 1917 to the present day.
The Knit and Natter group in the village had secretly prepared a banner wishing the WI a very happy 100th birthday. This was strung across the back wall as a lovely surprise to many.
We also had prepared a modern 'banner' for the occasion with names of all present members embroidered on a leaf and attached to the branches of a metal tree. This can be seen displayed on the wall of our hall.
Gifts were received from other Institutes, for which we are extremely gratefuland will be put to good use. At the end of a very successful evening we presented everyone with a memento mug. The committee can now breathe out and relax after months of preparation.