MEDIA coverage in the past few years has made sure most of us know what the Women's Institute is, particularly via the Calendar Girls film.
Headlines inform, so what about this for another one - "90 years young, still going strong and proud of it!"
I am a member of West Yorkshire Federation of Women's Institutes, and together with 215,000 members nationally, would like you to know that the Women's Institute is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. I am sure you will agree this is a notable achievement.
Our image to many seems to be that we are those "Making, baking" ladies. We pride ourselves in these traditional skills and are not ashamed of the "Jam and Jerusalem" image, and will continue to be trustees of the past.
Yet, as contemporary women, with a desire to know more, we are not afraid to reach out into the modern world and explore among other things, its literature, arts, sciences, technologies and medical advances.
We love learning. Our main aim is to educate and be educated in a convivial environment.
Lighting the candles on our birthday cake is a joy, but the icing on it is the message of congratulations we received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, herself a member of Sandringham Women's Institute. Royal greetings for an impressive organisation!
The Women's Institute is open to women of all cultures and ages. It's non-sectarian, non-party political. We benefit from and enjoy, just being us.
Come and join us and widen your horizons too.
It could be the best investment you make, better than any ISA - Inspiring, Stimulating, Adventurous!
Indeed, "Fit for a Queen".
For further information ring Pudsey office on 0113 2550810, Tues 9.30am-1.30pm Wed/Thur 9.30am-3pm. Or email: lizjones@westyorksfed.wanadoo.co.uk. NFWI website is www.womens-institute.org.uk
Happy Birthday fellow members
