At an exploratory meeting in May 2022 it was agreed that a WI group would be set up for Whalton and the surrounding areas. The Women of Whalton WI was Born! Formed in June 2022, the Women of Whalton WI is part of the Northumberland Federation Women's Institute.
In November 1921 the first Whalton Women's Institute was formed, and throughout the group's 100 years they gathered for talks, gardening, craft and baking demonstrations, local and national charity talks, historical houses and grounds, holiday and work experiences from around the world, local businesses, clergy and their work and many more. All were educational and many were very amusing. All these, as well as an annual summer outing, Christmas celebrations, fund raising and supporting other village activities eg. Jubilee parties and teas for the Whalton Show were initiated by the local committee elected each year by the members. In November 2021 the group held their final formal meeting in Whalton Village Hall - it was a celebration of their 100th Anniversary. The members had been keen to meet despite the ongoing difficulties
associated with gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak. It was a poignant occasion and was well attended.
The initial committee officers in 1921 were: President - Mrs Eustace Smith; Vice President - Mrs Whitley; Secretary - Mrs K. Leather; Treasurer - Mrs Robson. The committee officers in 2021 were: President - Mrs M. McDougal; Vice President and Secretary - Mrs P. Grix; Treasurer - Ms I. Bruce.
In November 1921 the first Whalton Women's Institute was formed, and throughout the group's 100 years they gathered for talks, gardening, craft and baking demonstrations, local and national charity talks, historical houses and grounds, holiday and work experiences from around the world, local businesses, clergy and their work and many more. All were educational and many were very amusing. All these, as well as an annual summer outing, Christmas celebrations, fund raising and supporting other village activities eg. Jubilee parties and teas for the Whalton Show were initiated by the local committee elected each year by the members. In November 2021 the group held their final formal meeting in Whalton Village Hall - it was a celebration of their 100th Anniversary. The members had been keen to meet despite the ongoing difficulties
associated with gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak. It was a poignant occasion and was well attended.
The initial committee officers in 1921 were: President - Mrs Eustace Smith; Vice President - Mrs Whitley; Secretary - Mrs K. Leather; Treasurer - Mrs Robson. The committee officers in 2021 were: President - Mrs M. McDougal; Vice President and Secretary - Mrs P. Grix; Treasurer - Ms I. Bruce.
Taken from an extract written by Mrs P. Grix for The Upper Wansbeck News. April / May 2022.