Lochaber joins SWI centenary celebrations

LOCHABER will join the celebrations to mark the centenary of the Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI).

The much-loved organisation marks its 100th birthday with a number of events this year.

The Lochaber Federation of the SWI will be hosting a tea party for past, present and honorary members in July.

Their president said: ‘ We’re proud to be a part of an organisation that has stood the test of time and one which is known and loved across the country. We’re looking forward to joining celebrations nationally in addition to what we will be doing locally to mark the occasion.’

The first women’s institute was formed in East Lothian in June 1917 after a farmer’s wife recognised a need for rural women to gain the benefits of education and training in home skills, family welfare and citizenship.

The movement spread and now there are 16,001 members across 716 institutes.

As well as tea parties across the country, there will be a host of other celebrations taking place this year including an exhibition in Edinburgh this month; a ceremonial tree planting and garden party and a new recipe book featuring celebrity chefs and SWI demonstrators.

National chairman Christine Hutton said: ‘The centenary is a great chance for us to remind people what we have to offer modern women.’