WI commemorates 90 years (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

WI commemorates 90 years

THE Alderbury branch of the Women's Institute has commemorated the 90th anniversary of the WI's first meeting by knitting 90 garments for use in Salisbury District Hospital premature baby unit.

The first WI meeting was on the Isle of Anglesey in 1915. To mark the 90th anniversary, the movement's headquarters originally asked all its members to walk 90 miles between January and December 2005.

While the sentiment was shared at the local level, it was felt that, given the frailty of some members, there should be an alternative activity in which everyone could participate.

Alderbury treasurer Daphne Potter's suggestion in April that the group make baby garments for the hosppital was greeted with enthusiasm by all 46 members, who set about knitting tiny clothes and bonnets, incubator blankets and carry-bags of all shapes and colours.

Such was the response that new items are still being produced, despite the target of 90 having been well surpassed.

Mrs Potter said: "Families of premature babies either haven't had a chance to buy baby clothes, or else the clothes they have bought are much too big.

"Many parents borrow from the hospital, which only has a limited supply.

"The garments we have made can be given to the families to keep, which helps everyone out.

"At the moment, we have about 120 garments - but by the time we present them to the hospital next month, that number may be higher."