THIS year marks the centenary of the WI. As well as taking part in national and county events, we have held our own local celebration with a Garden Tea Party. This was held during one of the sunnier days in August in the garden of our President. Most members were able to attend and were welcomed into the garden with a glass of Pimms and enjoyed an afternoon tea of delicate sandwiches and cakes. Special thanks go to Kiele, Jonty and Abi who waited on the ladies during the afternoon, to Di for making our celebration cake cut by our President, who also hosted the party in her garden and finally to Colin who was our 'photographer' for the afternoon, recording the event for us.

Earlier in the year, we mentioned that Eckington WI were joining in the Moonwalk Mission being co-ordinated by the University of Worcester. The challenge has now finished with enough miles gathered to complete the Moonwalk Mission. Overall 556,777 miles were completed and we are proud to report that Eckington WI contributed 658.5 miles to the overall amount. An impressive 439 miles were collected by Alex with a combination of walking and cycling!

Some of the walking done by the WI was sponsored and we collected £485.03. Together with monies raised through raffles this year, we are now sending a donation of £700 to Acorns.

BARBARA EVANS