Lottery funding helps Chatteris women’s institute prepare for centenary

The Chatteris Women’s Institute (WI) is gearing up for its 100th anniversary.

Like many community organisations, the WI experienced a decrease in membership following the COVID-19 pandemic, which also affected its finances.

However, in March 2025, a member successfully secured a grant of over £9,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The funding has helped raise the WI’s profile, attract new members, and support centenary celebrations.

Chatteris WI has hosted various workshops, subsidised members’ subscriptions for two years, and supported community projects.

Funding boost helps WI prepare for centenary celebrations (Image: Chatteris WI)

These include funding Christmas tree baubles for the town’s festive lights display and donating an olive tree to Chatteris in Bloom.

The olive tree, planted next to the bandstand in Chatteris, was accompanied by a commemorative plaque crafted by apprentices at the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre.

The tree now stands as a lasting symbol of the WI’s contribution to the town.

As the WI prepares for its centenary celebrations in 2027, it is hoped that these projects will encourage more people to join and become part of the next 100 years.