The Women's Institute (WI) is well known throughout the country for its role in giving women with the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to raise the profile of issues that matter to them and their communities.  In many ways, their ethos is very similar to that of the WAGS in how it empowers women and provides support so we were delighted when we were asked to help the Durham Federation celebrate the WI's centenary by performing at concert to mark the occasion.  

The concert was held in the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe, a modern venue with great facilities, and was compered by the editor of the Northern Echo, Peter Barron.  Also performing were local children's choirs Shine and Revolution, who were both magnificent.  

After a rousing opening with all 3 choirs singing the WI anthem Jerusalem, we performed  our first set of the evening which consisted of a number of popular songs including the much-loved 'Wherever You Are' and an Andrew Lloyd Weber Medley.  The second half saw us enjoying our 'Sister Act' Medley (complete with actions!) and Elton John's 'Your Song' before we were joined on stage by Revolution to sing a collection of World War 1 songs which also showed off the audience's vocal abilities!

It was a great evening of entertainment to a packed auditorium and definitely marked 100 years of the WI in style.

Photo courtesy of Keith Taylor, www.cameracraft.co.uk