A new Surbiton Women’s Institute (WI) group will hold its first meeting this week, with flamenco dancing and wine tasting.

The monthly meetings, designed to introduce Surbiton’s women to a range of recreational activities and educational opportunities, will begin on Monday, December 7.

Abigail Sainty, who set up the Surbiton WI group, said, “A few people have been put off by the name ‘WI’ as they think of old ladies and pearls.

“But WI embraces a diverse range of members and subjects. The Fulham WI recently had a male escort as their guest speaker!”

The WI was originally set up in the UK to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.

The meeting will be held at 8pm at Rubicon in Maple Road on December 7. For more information email surbitonwi@googlemail.com.

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