Baton relay passes through Bolsover

To mark the occasion, a vintage themed party will be held at English Heritage’s Bolsover Castle on 18th June to mark the occasion.

The baton is visiting 69 WI federations to celebrate the links of friendship and community developed through the WI, before it completes its national journey.

Rachel Albanese, President of Bolsover WI, said: “Each federation, including Bolsover, is uploading 12 selected photos to a memory stick stored within the baton to represent their members, WIs, and the local area.

“The images will be shared on social media to keep everyone in touch and so that members across the country can join in. The aim is to involve as many members as possible in the biggest ever WI party.”

“Since being set up just last year, Bolsover WI already has 60 members of all ages. As a result of this popularity among women in our community, we were asked by head office if we would accept the WI centenary baton which is travelling around Britain all this year – similar to the Olympic torch but smaller.”

Youngsters from New Bolsover Primary School will open the event with maypole dancing.

The event is one of a series of family events being planned in Bolsover as part of the Town Centre Public Realm project, funded by European Regional Development Funding, plus match funding from High Street Innovation Funding, Bolsover District Council and Old Bolsover Town Council.

The project aims to rejuvenate Bolsover, boost local trade, and showcase the town to visitors, through events, marketing and town centre improvements.