MEMBERS of Bath Women’s Institute invited Bath MP Wera Hobhouse to come along to their regular weekly meeting in St Mary’s Church in Bathwick.

A jam-packed attendance saw most of Bath WI’s 66 members join the meeting to hear the MP talk. She gave a short introduction about herself, her background, how she got into politics and about the life of a female MP, with its rewards and challenges.

The group then put their own questions to Ms Hobhouse, from closer ties with Europe, to prejudice against women in Parliament, and language teaching and learning.

The session ended with the MP updating the group on her current campaigning priorities around inadequate SEND provision, the scandal of spice-spiked vapes in schools, and the unacceptable covert filming of women on nights out.

As the meeting closed for another month, and the group presented Ms Hobhouse with a Bath WI book bag, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented: “What a fantastic institution the Women’s Institute is!

“Nationally it remains an enduring exemplar of a supportive, vibrant organisation that builds friendships, educates, supports, and looks out for the interests of its members. It is a true force to be reckoned with!

“I have been particularly struck by the engaging warmth and friendly, welcoming feel in the room tonight, and blown away by the breadth and variety of activities available to members of the Bath WI. ”

Founded in 1915, the Women’s Institute is the largest women’s organisation in the UK with around 170,000 current members.

President of Bath WI, Kitty Lambah, said: “At the Women’s Institute we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other.

“A WI membership offers the opportunity to meet women in your local area in-person and virtually, to make friends and make a difference in your community.”