HOPES for the return for a historic group in Launceston are high as plans to reform the local women’s institute gathers momentum.  

Residents within the North Cornwall town are aiming to re-launch the WI and bring back to life a group which had served the community and brought residents together for over a century, having launched after the end of the Great War in April 1919.   

However, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic restricting the involvement of members, despite playing an integral role in the life of the town over many years, the group’s activities were suspended in June 2021, months after the neighbouring WI group ceased after 83 continuous years.  

Kathy Reed, WI advisor for the area, explained what had happened to the Launceston WI prior to its suspension in 2021 due to a fall in membership. 

She said: “A few members had managed to keep together during the COVID pandemic, but numbers had sadly diminished.”

Kathy continued: “In its time the WI had joined in many community activities and was an ever-present exhibitor in the Launceston Agricultural Show.  There were always many crafts, cookery and floral arrangements on show.  In recent years they had a very successful quiz team and several times carried off the trophy at the County Federation Quiz.”  

The previous suspension of the WI in Launceston brought to a pause a group which had been part of the fabric of the town’s community for just over a century. With its launch in 1919 coming four years after launching nationally in 1915, the women’s institute aims to “give women a voice and be a force for good in the community”.  

More than 100 years later, the organisation is now the largest women’s organisation in the UK, offering the opportunity to make friends and make a difference in communities. They campaign nationally on a wide range of issues and provide life-long learning and self-development opportunities for women in England and Wales.  

Kathy is a strong believer in the importance of WI groups within communities and this is one of the reasons for wanting to welcome back the organisation in Launceston. 

She said: “WI’s are an important part of any community. They offer many opportunities for learning new skills and making friends.

“The WI has also been a strong campaigner over the years, including campaigns against loneliness and violence against women, social housing, breast screening and much much more.  

“We are always looking for opportunities to open new WIs and reforming those that have suspended or closed.  Following several enquiries it has been decided to re-form Launceston.  Sadly, a second WI, St Stephens by Launceston WI, also suspended in 2020 after 83 years.  Therefore, to get one up and running again would definitely be a big plus.”  

To get involved in Launceston WI, visit St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Wednesday of the month commencing on August 16 at 7.30pm.