Ruby proves you’re never too old to contribute

The WI and its many members is one of the pillars of local communities and the fantastic Ruby Hurst is a stalwart of the WI. She has been a member for more than seven decades and at 92 is still active in her Whittlesey club (see page 3). I have visited and spoken at many WI meetings in my years as a journalist - invariably there is lively questioning and great interest in whatever subject is under discussion. I can’t recall who said it, but one of my favourites quotes about ageing was relayed at one of these meetings... “Age is not important unless you are a cheese!” The WI passed its first resolution just over 100 years ago, it called for a ‘sufficient supply of convenient and sanitary houses’, an issue that’s still relevant today. Ruby is proof that a positive attitude and a healthy interest will carry you a long way and you are never too old to contribute. And the WI may be one of the oldest institutions of its kind but it is as important today as it’s ever been.