January 1st 2014 saw the start of a year long road trip for the WI Centenary Baton, starting in Angelsey, the birthplace of The WI in Britain in 1915, and visiting every county in England and Wales.

On Wednesday the 19th the Baton arrived in Lancashire from the Isle of Man, making land in Heysham having travelled on the Ben-my-Cree, the Steam Packet’s flagship ferry.
It would then spend 7 days touring around the county so as many WIs would have the chance to see it, with a lucky 7 WIs being chosen to host a reception for the baton and Federation committee members.

Salford Angels was one of those lucky 7, and it was with great pride that we made our way to The Lowry Theatre, on a bright, but chilly, Friday morning.

Now, we Angels have a bit of a reputation when it comes to catering, we like our cakes, and we were to host Federation Committee members, invited members from other Lancashire WI groups and, of course, Federation Chairman Mary Gibson. We did ourselves proud! Fruit cakes, sponges, scones, Eccles cakes, and the best Tiramisu this side of Napoli (thanks Maria).

After everyone had sampled the cakes and Salford hospitality, Chair gave a speech and then the photo-shoot took place. That bright early morning had turned typically Salfordian, overcast and bloomin cold. So, a group of 60 mad women, stood in a circle, freezing, singing Jerusalem while the Baton round was started off by our Angels next generation Amelia MacDonald, age 2 and daughter of our excellent photographer Janine, and she did it style! We are so proud of her, thank you Amelia!

There are many other Centenary events planned for the next 12 months and we hope to be involved in as many as possible, including the choir competition, keep following us for regular updates.