This September will see Tooting WI celebrate the first anniversary of their very successful formation meeting.

In September 2016, 93 women came together to show they were interested in joining a Women’s Institute in Tooting and just 12 months on, they are not disappointed!

The group has gone from strength to strength with over 70 official members, a wide ranging programme as well as a selection of sub groups, including craft and books to get involved in too.

Becky, the Tooting WI President, said: “We’ve had a fantastic start to Tooting WI. We knew that there was a lot of interest in the area, so it’s been lovely to see so many ladies become members. We’ve also had some really interesting and varied meetings so far, with my personal favourite being screen printing in April - I always have a massive smile on my face whenever I see one of our branded tote bags around Tooting!”

Highlights this year have included a wine tasting with Fortnum & Mason’s buyer, a careers workshop, a talk on organ donation (a national WI campaign) and a self defence class. The rest of the year’s programme promises to be exciting too with topics including Foodival, Tooting’s annual food festival and mental health first aid.

Tooting WI membership has grown rapidly in recent months, but the group would still love some new members, being open to women of all ages.

The new Tooting branch are celebrating the first anniversary of their formation meeting on Wednesday 13th September at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Road, SW17 7RH. Guests are welcome to attend with a guest fee of £4. More information can be found at www.tootingwi.org.uk.

Tooting WI will also be taking part in Tootopia on Saturday 23rd September, running stalls at Graveney & Meadow from 12pm - 5pm. Come and Stitch & Bitch, buy some homemade cake or one of their exclusive screen-printed tote bags or tea towels, while stocks last!