MEMBERS of two current, and one former Radnor Valley WIs met for an afternoon tea at Dunfield House near Walton to mark 100 years since the WI federation was founded.

Members of Old Radnor and Kinnerton WI plus a former Evancoed member accompanied by their guests and former members had a lavish tea while sitting outside surrounded by beautiful views of the countryside.

President of Old Radnor WI Anne Goodwin welcomed everyone and thanked all for coming before telling everyone a little about the first years of the WI federation. “The federation was founded on September 1 1915 by Lady Denman and within a year there were over 40 WIs in the UK. Now the WI has enormous power, its influence is amazing and it is the largest women’s organisation in the UK, with around 200,000 members and 7,000 WI groups. Old Radnor WI initially belonged to the New Radnor and District WI formed in 1916, with 90 members. Old Radnor WI was later started in 1921 by Lady Duff-Gordon who served as their president for 25 years.

The official anniversary cake was cut by Sir Andrew Duff-Gordon, grandson of Lady Duff-Gordon. He said “I am very honoured to be here. My grandmother was a lovely person who did a lot for the community before she died in 1951." He continued by saying "Thank you very much for asking me here today and I hope the WI continues to go from strength to strength."