We’ve all heard about the WI, one of the most famous institutions in Britain…. but did you know that it was born in North Wales? No, neither did we until recently. A few weeks ago the British WI celebrated their 100th birthday, and the very first meeting was held in the little village of Llanfair PG on Anglesey, not too far from us here at the Oakeley Arms.

The WI was once the powerhouse of British women across the country. It was founded in 1915, and it had two very definite aims. The first was to revitalise rural communities, and the second was to encourage women and their families to grow more food during WWI. Of course, over the century, the aims of the organisation have changed and developed but the core values remain the same – to give women the chance to speak up for their communities and their families. The WI also offer training courses, social events, and of course fundraising – one WI groups attempts at a fundraising calendar was made famous by the Calendar Girls film starring Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie and Julie Walters.

The WI is currently enjoying a resurgence in membership, especially among a younger generation of women. It’s no longer seen as the realm of only pensioners, as women of all ages are invited to get together and socialise in their communities.

And one hundred years ago it seems that the women of Llanfair PG were onto something. Within a few months, news of the new organisation had spread across the country and within two years there were 250 WI groups in the UK. We always knew us Welsh folk were trend setters……

To find details of your nearest WI group or for more information see www.thewi.org.uk