Celebrations for village WI's 90th birthday
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by Rachel Hovenden
rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk
With 25 members, their oldest
91, and youngest 53, one village WI group is still going strong as
they celebrated its 90th birthday with a meal, quiz, and birthday
cake.
The Shorne and Thong Women’s
Institute was set up in 1922 and at its peak had 50 members.
Now it has half that number but
members still enjoy regular trips out, craft sessions, and
friendship.
About 60 people from across the
region turned out for the group’s celebrations at Shorne Village
Hall, in The Street, yesterday (February 2).
Marjorie Clark, 91, first joined
the Shorne and Thong WI in 1958 when the membership cost just three
shillings and six pence - it now costs £31.50.
The grandmother, of Burdett Avenue,
Shorne, who is now the organisation’s vice-president, said: "I
moved here from the Midlands in 1955 after marrying Norman about
four years earlier.
"I didn’t know anyone other than
his family who lived in Higham.
"It was very lonely. Some
neighbours invited me along although I was a bit scared of all
these posh ladies and me with my brummie accent.
"I made lots of friends and I have
learnt and done so many things."
Maggie Harris, 53, a mother of two,
is the organisation’s newest and youngest member.
The nurse, of Woodlands Lane,
Shorne, said: "[I joined] to help keep it going.
"If new people didn’t join it might
close.
"I enjoy making new friends and new
experiences."
Friday, February 03 2012
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