THE county federation of Women's Institutes is in fine feather and finishing the year on a high note - by adding another branch at County Hall to its network.

The County Hall Swans WI was officially launched on Friday, December 15, after a three-month trial to see how much interest there would be among women working at Worcestershire County Coun-cil's head quarters.

Christine Hickman-Smith, vice-chairman of the county federation, said: "We were looking for young women to join the WI and the idea of one at County Hall was met with great enthusiasm."

She said lunchtime meetings had been arranged - which included a talk by Judy Goodman of Goodman's Gee-se, Great Witley - and a Christmas gift-box making session, which had attracted between 20 and 30 people.

"The County Hall Swans will meet at lunchtime because most people there are working flexi-time and they can take an extra half an hour to add to their lunch for the meetings. We have 16 members at the moment but 20 to 30 people turned up to the initial meetings. At the moment most of the members are under 40 years old."

She said one of the advantages of a group at County Hall was that most of the county and national news and information could be e-mailed to members.

Worcestershire now has 145 WIs and Mrs Hickman-Smith added: "Sometimes it is easier to start a new one than expand an existing one. I am really delighted about this new WI and the county council was delighted to be approached."

She said the institute had a lot to offer. "It's a bit more than jam making. There are the campaigning issues we are very keen on and we are the only organisation that has lobby time with the Govern-ment. We sit on government committees.

"Then there are the practical aspects of home-making and arts and crafts."

For more details go to www.womens-institute.co.uk/ worcestershire