A market town may become home to one of the region’s newest Women’s Institute groups.

An informal interest meeting is being held about setting up a group in Northallerton on Thursday, June 29 at 7.30pm in the Golden Lion Hotel on the town's High Street.

Any adult woman who would like to know more about the WI is invited to attend. The WI is the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK. Established in 1915, it has a long tradition of campaigning, education and friendship for women of all ages and backgrounds.

Sarah McFarlane, chairman of the North Yorkshire East Federation of WIs, who works with her team to support more than 90 institutes in the region, said: “Since lockdown, WIs in the area have seen a resurgence in popularity and it is hoped that a new WI in the town centre will give even more women the chance to get involved.

Darlington and Stockton Times: North Yorkshire East Federation of WIs has a long history rooted in over 100 years’ worth of

"We plan to hold three informal interest meetings to enable women to find out more about the WI and to help us create a group that meets their needs. We need to hear from interested individuals on all matters, not least what time of day and what day of the week would be best for them to hold meetings if a new WI is formed.

"WIs in towns generally attract lots of members so we are eager to see what level of support the community has for a new WI in the area. I’d urge any women interested to come along on June 29th to have a chat and find out more about the exciting range of activities we offer.”

There are several well-established and much loved WIs in the area around Northallerton. One example is Romanby WI which was established in 1928.

Samantha Jennings, 37, current president at Romanby WI, said: “Like many WIs Romanby is growing in popularity. With close to 80 members we are near capacity. Our members enjoy their time spent with the WI and a new WI in the area would mean even more women can take part.

"Some people think the WI is not for them. But we are a membership organisation driven by the needs and wants of our members. So, by joining you can create the WI your heart desires. At Romanby we are excited to see Northallerton WI get off the ground and look forward to welcoming any new members as neighbours and friends.”

To find out more about the WI in the area, visit the newly created website for the region www.nyorkseastwi.org.uk or find them on Facebook.