SWI Caithness Federation celebrates 100 years with special event

This year the Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI) Caithness Federation celebrates its 100th year of "bringing women together for friendship, to campaign, to learn, and to socialise".

The first institute in Caithness was founded in 1918 by Mrs Jackson of Keiss Castle. Keiss institute was closely followed by Canisbay and Dunnet institutes. To form a federation there had to be at least four institutes and by 1921 there were six institutes in Caithness. The Federation was then formed in 1922 and by 1928 there were 19 institutes registered. At its height there were 33 institutes registered in Caithness. Now there are 13.

Lysette Butler, president of the Caithness Federation of SWI, said: "Therefore, as part of our centenary celebration we are having a celebratory meal on Wednesday, November 2, at the Norseman Hotel, Wick. We would like to invite previous members to join us at this meal.

"We would also like to ask anyone who has copies of any photographs, or memorabilia, to contact us, as we are going to stage a small exhibition on the night of the meal. We will of course keep them safe and return them after November 2."

For more information about the event please contact Mrs L Geddes, federation secretary, who will be able to tell you all the arrangements, including time, costs, menu details and programme for the evening – email andrew5151@btinternet.com or telephone 01847 821752.

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