Our History
and our future
In June 1918, Felton WI was formed and membership grew with many ladies from the village enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship with each other. Being post war, times were tough.
The ladies of Felton WI were instrumental in promoting the building of the Village Hall as a memorial to all the men who served &/or lost their lives during WW1. No mean task. Once completed it provided a centre for village events which couldn't be held in the Stag's Head pub. Despite times of austerity, this didn't prevent the ladies from offering entertainment. They performed dramas and concerts and arranged Christmas parties for the children of the village. Photographs & programmes of these are now in safekeeping in the archives at Woodhorn Museum.
Gradually over the years, numbers dwindled and in 1984 Felton WI was suspended. Three years later, it was re-formed. This time under the name 'Felton & Thirston WI'. This was no doubt to include our members who lived in Thirston, just yards across the river. Apparently we are unable to include those early years in our history due to the change of name!
Membership has grown year by year. Various groups have formed which provide activities for the ladies. The largest of these is the walking group which was re-started in 2005 with five or six ladies. There are now over twenty walkers.
Their achievements include completing Hadrians Wall, Northumberland Coastal Path, St Oswald's Way & the River Coquet from source to sea.
Ladies who Lunch is a bi monthly event and we have occasional trips to the theatre.
Felton & Thirston WI provided a bench on Main St to celebrate the millennium and an oak tree was planted in the lay-by at the north end of the village to celebrate the millennium. Another bench has been placed in the village to celebrate the centenary of the Women's Institute. The children at the First School are to receive a celebration mug from our WI for the Queen's 90th birthday and of course we will be very involved with the village party!
We help with the annual village litter pick and plant out tubs and borders around the village.
The main event of the summer is Felton Fair and our ladies are particularly busy at this time. Never a dull moment!
The centenary of the WI was a very special year with many celebrations. The annual general meeting at the Royal Albert Hall was attended by committee member Joy Bates while other members watched the live stream at the Tyne Theatre. The Buckingham Palace Garden Party was attended by Barbara Butchert, our former President.
Each year we look forward to an interesting and enjoyable programme. As our membership grows, new friendships form. We welcome new members and look forward to more exciting times in the future.
​
​