MEMBERS of Herefordshire's Women's Institute groups welcomed the foundation's centenary baton into the county this week.

Starting its journey in Anglesey back in January, the baton is currently making its way around the UK's WI federations as part of the organisation's 2015 100th anniversary celebrations.

It arrived into the county on Tuesday after some time in the Gwent Federation - and local groups had plenty of activities arranged to mark the event.

After arriving in Moccas, the baton made its way to the Weobley group before being collected by Lady Darnley and Kathryn Bandfield, chairman of the Herefordshire federation, who delivered it to the Marches Group on Wednesday afternoon.

There, members enjoyed walks around local orchards and shared tea at a celebratory event at Staunton-on-Arrow Village Hall.

Kathryn Bandfield, chairman of the Herefordshire Federation, said: "Having the centenary baton in Herefordshire has given the WI a great opportunity to get together to celebrate and to remind women of all ages that we are here and to encourage them to join us for company, education and fun."

It then went off to the Kingsland group and Kimbolton group yesterday and will travel from Ross-on-Wye to Fownhope today.

The main celebration takes place on Sunday when afternoon tea will be served in the garden of Mr and Mrs Clive Richards.

Members will be dressed in costume and will serve tea and hold stalls, with cakes, preserves and plants on offer.

Anyone looking to get involved with the WI can visit thewi.org.uk/Herefordshire, call 01432 272268 or call in at 90 St Owen St, Hereford between 9.30am and 2.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Hereford Times: Woodland Trust