To celebrate 100 years of Country Markets (previously known as WI markets), the Pembrokeshire Shareholders are organising an afternoon tea.

Old and new shareholders are invited to Lamphey Village Hall on Monday, January 20, from 2.30 to 3.30 pm.

Come along and you will be able to chat and reminisce about all the changes that have taken place over the years.

WI Markets were started as outlets for surplus produce from members’ gardens and smallholdings, and allowed women (and men) to supplement their incomes.

On December 14, 1919, a WI Market was set up in Lewes in East Sussex. This was a collaborative effort between a number of WIs and is usually recognised as the first WI Market.

The WI Markets were registered as co-operatives under the Industrial and Provident Friendly Societies Act. Producers (both men and women) became shareholders by buying a share for one shilling (5p)

Finally, in 1995, Markets separated from NFWI, adopting a new name ‘WI Country Markets Ltd’.

It moved into separate offices and became self financing. In 2004, the use of the WI initials was discontinued.

There is a network of about 250 Country Markets across England and Wales, selling homemade baked goods, preserves, garden grown fruit and vegetables, eggs, honey, plants and a wide variety of handmade crafts.

The organisation encourages the public to buy local, supporting the skills and talents of bakers, gardeners and craftspeople in a convivial atmosphere.

Unfortunately, over the last few years, there have been closures of several Pembrokeshire markets.

However, there are still five thriving in the county, those being - Pembroke, Tenby, Manorbier (in Jameston), Haverfordwest and St. David’s.