Fressingfield Women's Institute celebrates 100th anniversary

Memories came flooding back for members of a women’s institute at the weekend.

Current and former members gathered at Sancroft Hall on Saturday for the blessing of a commemorative bench to mark the 100th anniversary of Fressingfield Women’s Institute.

The Fressingfield branch was founded on October 22, 1922, a year after the national organisation was launched, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year.

Around 45 people attended the blessing, taken by the Rev Canon Susan Loxton, including former presidents, past and current members, and the public.

“It was a lovely day and we also organised a display of arts and crafts that members has made over the years,” said committee member Rosemary Savage.

“Over the years, members would enter the Suffolk Show and they put a lot of time and effort into their creations, which they have kept. They made for a great display.

“There were all kinds of things, from tray clothes, to sundae glasses decorated with strawberries, and knitted or sown cakes, which, from a distance, looked real.

“They all won very high scores at the Suffolk Show and took a lot of time and dedication to make.”

Mrs Savage has been a committee member for more than 50 years. She says the Fressingfield Institute is always looking for new members and has lots to offer.

“When I was a lot younger, I had two young sons who had trouble sleeping at night,” she said.

“It was my doctor who suggested I take time one a night a week for some me time and so I joined the institute.

“I have learned many things from it over the years and I enjoy the social side, and look forward to it.”

The branch meets at Sancroft Hall on the second Tuesday of every month, with regular speakers, a raffle and a flower competition with prizes.

“I think it’s important to keep the institute going,” added Mrs Savage. “And it was nice to have such a good turnout at the weekend.”