Work on our own banner began in 2018 and it features some of those things that are closest to our hearts about our own WI and our locality including wine, tea and cake, our day trips and Manor House Gardens! Our super banner was designed and made by Donna, Deborah, Lucy-Anne, Kath, Pat D, Annie and Janet and the finished banner was revealed at our meeting in January 2019. Since then our banner has accompanied us to many functions.
So, we were absolutely delighted and very proud when our banner was selected by the National Federation of WI to be a part of a project with Anya Hindmarch, the bag and accessories brand. The project celebrates the rich history of the WI and it launched Friday 17 February and runs until 26 March.
Anya’s brand aligns with the WI ethos and campaigns. In the early 2000s, Anya had the “Be a Bag” range that raised money to support breast cancer awareness. She also raised money with her ranges to help rehabilitate female prisoners. She created the “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” as one of the first reusable bags and is also a Greenpeace Ambassador. The focus of the brand is very much on sustainability, circularity, and the reduction of the plastic consumption.
Anya has several boutiques on Pont Street in London’s Chelsea, along with a café – known collectively as The Village. For this project that we are doing together, all Anya shops will be yarn bombed and one of the shops has a display of WI banners.
In the concept store, the NFWI has a collection of bags with Anya Hindmarch, which will be sold exclusively in the shop until 26 March and part of the proceeds will go to the NFWI.
We hope that if you have a chance, please do visit the Village on Pont Street to see our banner along with many others illustrating the history of the WI.
Opening times are 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.