CELEBRATIONS to mark the centenary of the National Federation of Women's Institutes were in full swing across the country last Thursday — none more so than in Launceston's Town Hall.

Twenty-three WI branches came together for the occasion and watched a live streaming of the national WI annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which was attended by The Queen.

The members in the town hall were also treated to performances from the award winning St Joseph's School choir and a local family brass band ensemble, called JADACC.

Val Bugden-Cawsey, chairman of the centenary sub-committee, spearheaded the planning and organisation of the day, representing the 23 branches from across North Cornwall and West Devon.

She said: "Due to where we are in the county, I felt that we were quite far from the county offices in Truro and Exeter, so in May last year we formed the sub-committee — it started with only six WIs but it has just grown and grown.

"We are far more than the 'jam-makers' we can often be thought to be."

Stalls from 14 of the WI branches showcased all their crafts and skills, and there was a large raffle, a display of centenary cakes and posters and banners representing the branches.

Val said: "I was expecting around 300 people and it looks certain that figure has been well exceeded."

The day started in the town square where WI members, joined by mayor Cllr Brian Hogan, town crier Rob Tremain and the town piper, proudly raised their respective branch's flag high and began the procession to the town hall.

In for the first stint selling raffle tickets were Jo Rider and Sue Oatey from Lezant WI, who said each branch had donated a prize for the table, ranging from a large fruit bowl to champagne among many others.

Also in the foyer was the crafts and skills table which was the hub for demonstrations throughout the day, given by various branches, ranging from card making and needle felting to jewellery making and sewing.

Sheryl Burroughs, head of foods, crafts and skills, said: "The types of demonstrations being shown in half-hour slots are the types of things members learn to do within their WIs throughout the year, but it's important to remember we do stand for very important and serious causes too — each year for instance the WI always choose a resolution to aim towards and we try to make a real difference."

As news circulated that the Queen had arrived at the Royal Albert Hall, excitement grew and members gathered into the main hall to join the London crowd by all standing proudly for 'God save the Queen'.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.