West Chiltington WI marks club’s centenary by planting tree

The tree was placed outside West Chiltington Village Hall on Monday, March 8, where the club usually holds its monthly meetings.

Russ Fry, a member of the club, said: “The tree – Crataegus of the Hawthorn family – will eventually bear a profusion of fragrant pink flowers, which look like roses and are particularly loved by 150 different insect species; particularly butterflies.

“In the autumn the scarlet berries (useful for pies, preserves and WI jam making!) are enjoyed by birds and other animals. These hawthorn berries, young leaves and flower buds also support ingredients towards herbal medicine for heart conditions. The tree has a lot of symbolism going back to Celtic culture such as a symbol of love, protection, beauty, balance, duality, fertility and in the union of opposites. The Chinese yin and yang of today’s Women’s Institute – long may she prosper!”

Members of the club last met in person on March 12, 2020 –just a month after celebrating the club’s 99th birthday – where they set out plans to mark the club’s centenary year which are now on hold.

Russ said: “Little did we know that we’d be on hold for at least that time and would be unable to meet in person but, due to excellent planning and management from our dedicated committee, have had the opportunity to remain in touch via Zoom interests which, for ladies of a certain age, has proved to be somewhat challenging!

“We did enjoy our latest meeting which featured Sharon Lewis, accompanied by her partner Paul, who sang songs from the 1920s and brought along some interesting items from the era, including some dinky hand - made bras!

“Looking back over time it’s interesting to note that, whilst the WI Movement originated in Canada, the first WI in the UK was formed in 1915 in Anglesey, North Wales. We can boast that the first WI in England was formed in Singleton and East Dean, West Sussex and the first county federation was our very own in West Sussex! West Chiltington WI followed soon after and initially met at the old Museum close to St Mary’s Church where the first minutes mentioned a demonstration of parasol making – the rest is history!”