We welcomed Chrissie Booth to our speaker evening when she gave an informative talk on the Women's Institute (WI).

Chrissie is the Derbyshire Federation Chair with over 6,000 members within the county in 178 WI's.

The Women Institute was formed in 1897 in Canada and 1915 saw the formation of the first club in the UK. It is a non political organisation and Chrissie said "It can be what you want it to be" and has a motto of Home and Country.

Nationally it is based in London and has a Chair plus 2 vice chairs, a treasurer and a board of trustees. The Derbyshire Federation is lucky to have its own building in Sherwin Street in Derby.

Chrissie spoke about their dedicated staff, being a registered charity, how they have to operate within the constitution and the membership age which is now from voting age upwards.

2015 saw the national celebration of their centenary when a baton was taken to every area in the UK. In Derbyshire it started at Cresswell Craggs then to Bolsover, Chatsworth before reaching Long Eaton and then handed over to Staffordshire at the National Arboretum.

Next year, Derbyshire WI celebrates its centenary with a special event in Chesterfield on Saturday 12th May, an afternoon tea at Chatsworth and many local events.

Chrissie said like many organisations they are looking for younger members although locally it is strong with new clubs being formed.

The club's vote of thanks was given by Ray Terry who said the WI is so much more that tea, cakes, jam and Jerusalem and he wished them continued success.

For more information on Rotary, our speaker evenings, events and the main activities organised by our club please contact our Secretary, Mick White at: rccw1220@gmail.com

Ray Terry
For the Rotary Club of Church Wilne