YOUNG mums in Worcestershire have helped create a new branch of the Women’s Institute.

The group came about after Susan Rose decided to hold a coffee morning at her house in Abberley, near Worcester, for mums with children starting school this year.

Mrs Rose, aged 40, who is a school nurse at private school Abberley Hall and has two children of her own at the school, was already a member of Martley WI.

Her mother, Christine Hickman-Smith, vice chairman of the WI Worcestershire Federation, also attended the coffee morning and suggested the group get together more often. It was then that the idea for a new WI group was formed.

Mrs Hickman-Smith said: “We approached the headmaster of the school and he was extremely supportive. The bursar and school secretary are existing members of the WI. They were able to advise him on what went on in a meeting and what facilities the group would need and they gave us a room.”

The Abberley Clockwatchers WI, who formed in September, now meet at the school once a month at 9am for coffee and a chat after dropping their children off for the day.

The group has 20 official members who have joined the WI but it is also open to non-members. The last meeting attracted 30 women.

The group say they have a modern approach, while still keeping to a planned programme including cooking, craft and flower demonstrations, as well as presentations of particular interest to the group.

New WI groups have also been set up in Bromsgrove, Bewdley and Redditch.