WOMEN’S Institute groups from across the region will be gathering to showcase their skills at a major exhibition entitled “100 Shades of Green”.

The WI is this year celebrating its national centenary and to mark the occasion nine Northern Federations will be putting on a large event at Kiplin Hall, near Northallerton in May.

The district areas have collaborated to showcase the skills of their members. On display at the event, which runs from May 16 to May 19, will be exhibits of crafts including silver jewellery, patchwork, tapestry, painting, pottery, dressmaking, beadwork, sugar craft, weaving,parchment craft and embroidery. There will also be demonstrations of various crafts throughout the day.

Jennie Potter, trustee of the North Yorkshire East Federation, said: “The WI has empowered women, supported and encouraged them to expand their minds and their skills; we have fought timelessly to improve all our lives both locally and nationally.

“We have 2,700 members in North Yorkshire East Federation alone; the WI are a force to be reckoned with.”

The federations taking part include North Yorkshire East, North Yorkshire West, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and others in Cumbria and West and South Yorkshire.

The 100 Shades of Green exhibition will be opened by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Barry Dodd.

The exhibition runs from 10am until 5pm and the £8 entrance fee includes entrance to the hall and gardens.