The Women's Institute remains as active and vibrant as it ever has in our communities across South Cumbria. We have had a look back at events over the last 30 years to mark this vital organisation.
The Mail has gone through our archives to remember some of the great work done locally by WI groups, recalling many memories of fundraising, campaigning and crafting – as well as the traditional jam and Jerusalem.
The WI movement started in Britain during the First World War as a way of encouraging women to grow, make and preserve their own food to help increase the supply of food in the country.
The Women's Institute was originally brought to life to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in community life.
The first WI branch was formed in September 1915 in Anglesey, North Wales. Since then, the number of branches exploded, with groups set up across the country, with the majority firmly linked into rural communities.
There are now more than 220,000 WI members in more than 7,300 branches.
Locally, there are several WI groups, including Barrow, Rampside, Ireleth with Askam, Urswick, Scales, Kirkby, Thwaites and Silecroft.
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