Findhorn Scottish Women’s Institute celebrate 91 years with reminiscing and a meal at the Crown and Anchor
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LADIES from Findhorn celebrated their group’s 91st year with a meal in a local restaurant.
Nineteen of the current 25 Findhorn Scottish Women’s Institute (FSWI) members met up in the Crown and Anchor to reflect on times past and enjoy each other’s company.
Newest member, Jane Kelso, confirmed the evening was more of a social gathering rather than their typical meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at the James Milne Institute.
She said: “It was all about having a meal together - served by the lovely staff and enjoyed by everyone - and to celebrate the birthday with time to mingle and chat. Eileen Daniels, one of our ladies who is in her nineties, cut the birthday cake before FSWI president Carol James thanked everyone for attending.”
The first Women’s Institute was formed in Scotland in Longniddry, East Lothian in 1917. Now, with headquarters in Edinburgh, 30 Federations throughout Scotland and 514 Institutes, SWI brings women together to connect, share, teach and meet.
FSWI held its first meeting in February 1932 following a public meeting held the month before to gauge interest. There were initially 43 members. In October 1933, the members were honoured when their meeting used electric lighting for the first time.
Jane recommends anyone thinking about joining a SWI in their area gives it a go.
She added: “This is my first year as a member and I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of activities and the comradeship.
“The SWI organises events for members to take part in such as craft fairs and bowling competitions. Members also have access to the magazine SWI Women Together with numerous articles on craft making, online lessons and many more topics.”
Jane has organised a fundraising quiz and raffle in the Crown and Anchor on Thursday, February 23 to fund a trip to a school in Uganda that is supported by donations from Forres organised by local optical assistant Marlyn Somers via the Uganda Aid – Person to Person charity.
Email jwallace105@gmail.com for more information about FSWI.
