KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre has revealed its latest exhibition this week, which follows the Women’s Institute’s rich 100 year history.

The latest attraction entitled ‘Inspiring Women for 100 years’ traces the development of the WI organisation from its birth in 1915 to its centenary this year.

Told from the perspective of ten local WI groups, the exhibition demonstrates the various skills and crafts of members of each group.

The ten groups, Boothsmere, Byley, Cranford, Cross Town, Lach Dennis, Lower Peover, Mobberley, Ollerton & Marthall, Over Peover and Plumley, were invited to stage the exhibition by Heritage Centre trustee, Val Bryant.

Diane Coulton, of the Cheshire Federation of WIs, said: “The opening night was excellent. We were very pleased. We have been delighted to have ten institutions involved in the first place.

“The Heritage Centre has been extremely supportive. They all deserve a lot of credit. They appreciate the WI.”

The exhibition, which was organised by the Knutsford group of WIs co-ordinator, Judith Shirley, was unveiled to a list of dignitaries and special guests at an event on Tuesday August 4.

The preview evening saw guests including David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire; Hilda Gaddum, the Mayor of Cheshire East; Jan Nicholson, the deputy Town Mayor of Knutsford, and Lord and Lady Ashbrook as well as trustees of the Heritage Centre and Frances Woollam, the CWFI chairman.

“It is fantastic,” said Diane about the exhibition. “All the crafts and all the banners have been made by the members. It is well worth a look.

“The idea was from a member of Cross Town WI who had worked as a volunteer at the Heritage Centre.

“Val didn’t know very much about the WI or about the centenary this year but of course she is very experienced in knowing what is worthwhile and interesting.”

Val and Judith worked together on the exhibition, which is to educate people about the work of the WI as well as the 100 year anniversary.

Diane said: “A lot of people make jokes about the WI. We hope that people who see it see that it’s a valuable organisation and attracts a lot of people, many of whom get a great deal from being members.

“The exhibition is fantastic. It is a great thrill to see it come together.”