All systems go for SWI centenary

The Scottish Women’s Institute, who have seven groups in the Stirling area, has seen membership numbers rise as they celebrate their centenary year.

Numbers have increased nationally by 300 in the last year after a modernisation designed to broaden the Institute’s appeal to women was implemented.

There are currently 16,001 members attending 716 institutes who, among a range of other activities, take part in arts and crafts, play music and discuss local issues.

New-style meetings have been arranged to reflect a wider range of interests and are held at flexible times and in venues such as pubs and coffee shops.

To mark the 100th birthday special tea parties, dubbed Tea in the Park, have been organised at groups across Scotland – including those in Cambusbarron, Blairlogie, Dunblane, Thornhill, Kippen, Gargunnock and Tillicoultry – on Sunday, July 2.

Christine Hutton, national chairman of SWI, said: “Back in 1917 our organisation was formed to bring women together with a vision to welcome every woman in Scotland to join us.

“The centenary is a great chance for us to remind people who we are about and what we have to offer modern women living in 21st century Scotland.”

For more information go to www. theswi.org.uk or visit the Scottish Women’s Institute on Facebook.