Teesdale WI branches out in force to celebrate federation centenary

A HUNDRED years of the Women’s Institute in County Durham has been marked in Teesdale.

No fewer than eight WI groups turned out at Barnard Castle Cricket Club last Wednesday to mark the centenary of the Durham County Federation of WIs.

Free teas and cakes were served by volunteers from the federation to 72 guests in all.

Groups from Gainford, Stainton, Whorlton, Barnard Castle and Boldron, Staindrop, Denton and Middleton, Ingleton, Bowes and Romaldkirk attended.

Gainford’s branch also marked its 95th birthday last month.

County Federation chairman Judith Alderson said Teesdale’s turnout had been one of the best she’d seen on the centenary tour.