Essex Women’s Institutes Centenary Anniversary

Crowds of ladies flooded through the doors at the Five Lakes Crowne Plaza Resort on Friday morning (17th March) to attend the Essex Women's Institute Centenary Annual General Meeting.

A packed audience of 2000 ladies listened attentively during the meeting, but there was also an opportunity for retail therapy with a bustling shopping area situated next to the Conference Hall. There were a variety of retail stalls and exhibitor stands in attendance including the Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) Wills and Estates team who chatted with delegates about the 'Planning Ahead' services TSP offer.

One of the highlights of the event was afternoon guest speaker, Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke, who kept the ladies thoroughly entertained with his witty and amusing anecdotes. During the event TSP held a free prize draw for a Lindt Easter egg and the lucky winner was Mrs Patricia Jarman who is pictured below with the head of the TSP Wills and Estates team Fiona Ashworth.

This year is the 100^th anniversary of the Essex Federation of Women’s Institutes. The ladies will be celebrating their anniversary with an extra special County Annual Meeting on Friday 17 March from 9.00am at the Crown Plaza Resort, Five Lakes, Tolleshunt Knights.

The meeting will be full of interest. It will feature a pageant and the guest speaker will be Strictly’s Anton du Beke!

There will be Country Markets and stalls for retail therapy and also a bumper raffle.  There is plenty of parking available at the venue.

Thomson Smith and Puxon will have a stall at the meeting. You will be able to meet members of our Wills and Estates team who can chat to you about the variety of services we offer and answer any questions you may have about Lifetime Planning, Wills and Powers of Attorney. TSP will also be sponsoring the raffle tickets for the Essex WI Centenary Anniversary Raffle later in this year.

There are 215 Women’s Institutes (WI) in Essex holding 9,000 members.  Each WI holds their meetings each month either in the morning, afternoon, or evening. As well as the monthly meeting, many WIs have extra interest groups such as: rambling, book club, craft group, drama group, choir, lunch club; any group that a particular WI would like to run. The aim of the WI is to have fun, friendship and education. Please click here for more information on the event.