Staffordshire Federation WI holds celebration to mark 100 years
Members of Staffordshire Federation WI held a celebration to mark 100 years since it was formed.
Around 300 people gathered in The Collegiate Church of Saint Mary for the event, which was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford, and the National Federation of WI treasurer Julia Roberts.
The service was left by the Bishop of Stafford Geoff Annas and by Richard Grigson, the rector of Stafford.
Ros Langford, vice-chairwoman of the Staffordshire Federation WI, said: "A very special anthem had been written for the service called The Smallest Seed which was amazing. It was written by Martin Jones and Sian Jones and was performed by Broughton WI.
"There were refreshments following the service at the Staffordshire County Council building and a cake was cut."
It was on April 11 100 years ago at 10.30am that the seven founding members of the Staffordshire Federation WI met at a pub in Lichfield, so it was at that time that the service was held.
Mrs Langford added: "The event was a big success, the members all thoroughly enjoyed it.
"It was wonderful reflecting back on these 100 years.
"There are now 4,000 members in Staffordshire."
