SWI celebrates 100 years of friendship, fun and forever learning!

Originally founded by forward-thinking women to provide opportunities for learning, finding friends and sharing skills, the Scottish Women’s Institute in Orkney is celebrating its centenary year. 

An exhibition, ‘Orkney SWI Centenary Exhibition’, featuring items from throughout the years is ongoing at the Orkney Museum as part of the anniversary celebrations. Displays feature examples of handicrafts made by members over the years, photographs and trophies. 

There are 14 (11 Mainland and 3 Outer Isles) branches within Orkney made up of 236 members ranging in age from those in their 20s to 90s. 

Orkney Federation President, Alison Aitken, has been a member of the SWI for over 45 years in Deerness – following in the footsteps of her mother, aunts and grandmothers before her. 

She said: “I love the fun and laughter we have at meetings as well as the opportunities to learn new skills and crafts. I have been fortunate to take part in competitions, study tours and summer schools south where I have made friends with many more like minded ladies. You get out of the SWI what you put in. You don’t have to take part in competitions if you don’t want to; you don’t have to be an expert baker or jam maker - just go along and join in the fun!” 

Margaret Hinckley has been a member of the WI and SWI for just over 40 years, firstly with the WI in Warwickshire and latterly with the SWI on returning to live in Orkney. 

She said: “I went along to get to know the people in my area, although I am Orcadian, I was born and brought up in Kirkwall so didn't know too many folk in the West Mainland. I found a very friendly and welcoming bunch of people, and that I think is what SWI is all about, getting to meet new people, learning about them and what they do, and having a good time in the process. 

“We have a wide variety of speakers who pass on their knowledge, keep us informed and always entertain us. We go on visits to find out about new places or what is going on round about us. Being an SWI member means learning all the time and passing on whatever knowledge or skill we might have to others. 

“What I get out of being a member is friendship first and foremost, and of course whatever it is we are involved in, we have lots of fun and laughter along the way.” 

According to the SWI, founder Catherine Blair was passionate about women's rights. A Scottish suffragette, she was an avid campaigner and spokeswoman for rural women and was dedicated to doing "all in her power" to further the interest of women. 

A law-abiding woman – who would go on to be a magistrate in later life – Catherine supported the fight for women to have the vote.  The so-called Cat and Mouse Act of 1913 saw suffragettes who had gone on hunger strike while imprisoned for their activities released when their health failed. Catherine nursed them back to strength and sheltered them on her farm, so they escaped recapture. This made a huge contribution to societal reform. 

Being a skilled potter, Catherine also founded a pottery studio in East Lothian, where socially isolated farm women in the area could meet to learn new skills, make friends and produce items which offered them their own income. The was the blueprint for the first Women’s Institute which she formed in Scotland in Longniddry, East Lothian in 1917. 

Caroline Hide has been a member of the SWI for ten years; is the SWI Orkney Federation Secretary and enjoys being a member of the Sandwick branch. 

Caroline got involved after a recommendation from a neighbour. 
 
"Knowing no-one and having no family in Orkney, the SWI was a great way for me to meet others and the friendships I have made mean a great deal to me. I was made very welcome and feel very much a part of the SWI. 

“I have also learnt a lot about Orkney and what happens on the island. The branches have speakers who come and talk about their subjects from craft, to photography, to sailing, to osteopathy etc and it keeps the mind active learning and trying new things. 

“This milestone anniversary enables us to reflect on what the SWI means to each of us personally but also as a part of the wider Orkney community. It is also a great opportunity for us to remember members who are no longer with us and just how their contributions to the SWI over the past 100 years has enabled us to be a part of a brilliant organisation.” 

The exhibition runs until December. 

The Orkney Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 17:00. Admission is free.