Avon Federation of Women's Institutes Carol Service

The beautiful St Mary Redcliffe Church provided the setting for the Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes Carol Service.  There was not a spare seat to be had as women from across the region came together to celebrate the birth of Christ with a selection of carols, festive songs and readings.  Pictured from left to right are Andy Carruthers (Verger), Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding OBE, Jean Sims (Chairman Avon Federation of WIs), ‎Councillor Karen Walker (Vice Chair of Bath and North East Somerset), The Rev'd Dan Tyndall (Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe), and Councillor Ian Blair, (Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council).  The baubles on the Christmas tree were handmade by members across the Avon Federation.  Her Majesty is the patron of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.  Founded in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War, the WI is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.  It provides opportunities for women to gain new skills, take part in a range of activities and campaign on matters of importance to them and their communities.  Geographically, the Avon Federation covers Bristol, Bath and the countryside and coastlines of South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.