‘The history is inspiring’ - centenary celebrated as WI mark Norfolk Day

Margaret Collingwood in the WI spoon garden at their Norfolk Day 2019 garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

The Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes (WI) held an open garden party at their Norwich headquarters to mark the county's second ever Norfolk Day today (Saturday, July 27).

Speaking at Evelyn Suffield House, on All Saints Green, chairman Margaret Collingwood, praised the efforts of WIs across Norfolk, and said: "What has been important is as the WI we have all come together to celebrate.

"Today with the open house we have had many members of the WI coming in to enjoy the garden party and enjoy the house - which belongs to the members."

She added: "We're celebrating 100 years of the WI in Norfolk this year, which is all about what women can do working together.

Hazel Jones, Mary Dorrell, Maggie Gallop, Margaret Collingwood (chairman), Vicki Reynolds, Coral Batchelor, Evelyn Ninham and Liz Barker at the Norfolk Day 2019 WI garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

"You're not here in a professional capacity, you're not here as someone's mother or as someone's wife.

"You're here to be yourself. The WI is everything you want it to be and everything you make of it.

"We have high hopes for the next 100 years. The WI member is not put into any category, of age or skill - we're open to all women."

New member Amy Downes, from Lingwood, recently joined the Golden Triangle WI, and said: "It's the sense of community in the WI and the important issues they try to raise awareness of."

Kim Reynolds, Brenda Shirley, Vicki Reynolds and Coral Batchelor at the Norfolk Day 2019 WI garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

The 30-year-old lecturer added: "There are lots of issues where you want to do something about but on your own it's difficult.

"The history of the WI is an inspiring group to be a part of.

"I do crafting and dress-making but it's about having a purpose."

And WI spokesperson Mary Dorrell added: "Our garden is a haven in the middle of the city.

The spoon garden at their Norfolk Day 2019 WI garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

"We have nearly 5,000 members in Norfolk and 155 WIs but new ones start all the time."

Members celebrated Norfolk Day in different ways, from taking part in the WIs 100 Ways With Cake effort, to bell-ringing, or creating the garden of painted wooden spoons, or honey bee friendly 'bug hotel's at the event.

The open house saw teas, coffees, and cake on offer, with BBC Radio Norfolk recording The Garden Party programme live.

For more information, visit: www.thewi.org.uk/become-a-member/structure-of-the-wi/england/norfolk/welcome-to-norfolk

The spoon garden at their Norfolk Day 2019 WI garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Day 2019 at the WI garden party in Norwich (Image: Archant)

Holt WI member Dawn Rose, president Rita Gee and Gillian Pilgram handing out a posie of flowers to the public in town as part of Norfolk Day 2019 celebrations. Photograph: Jonathon Read. (Image: Archant)

Brundall Evening WI celebrating Norfolk Day with a Coffee Morning Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Contributed)

Brundall Evening WI celebrating Norfolk Day with a Coffee Morning Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Contributed)