External Organisations

Cittaslow ("slow city") developed from the Slow Food movement which began in Italy as an indignant response to the arrival of Macdonalds in the centre of Rome!  Towns that sign up as Cittaslows are focusing on the quality of life, rather than just speed and cheapness. 

In 2003 Ludlow was very proud to become the first Cittaslow in Britain.  Since then it has been responsible for developing the Cittaslow concept in this country.  Several more towns have completed the process, and there is quite a queue of others that want to join up.

In a Cittaslow the emphasis is on local produce, sustainability, environmentally-friendly principles, and many other themes that are supported enthusiastically by the WI movement.  Consequently, Ludlow WI has had an interest in the movement, and was represented on Ludlow Cittaslow committee for several years.

Ludlow first entered the Heart of England in Bloom contest in 2005 and amazingly won a Silver Medal for this novice attempt.  2006 brought a Silver-gilt.  The coveted Gold Medal was first achieved in 2007, and has been won several times since. 

As part of the annual event, in addition to encouraging as many Ludlovians as possible to produce lovely garden displays, Ludlow in Bloom organises a range of competitions within the town, for youth groups, householders, businesses, and so forth. 

Ludlow WI funds a planted tub that contributes to the floral displays in Castle Square.  Since 2008 the institute has also staged annual window displays at the Tourist Information Office (also in the square) during the judging week.  The contents of these windows have been linked to topical themes.  For example, in 2009 the theme was bees, reflecting the NFWI's 'SOS for honeybees' campaign which began in that year. 

Long-standing institute member Bettine Howes is on the committee of Ludlow in Bloom, and acts as our link to the organisation. 

Country Markets are what used to be known and loved throughout Britain as WI Markets.  After about 60 years they had to be hived off because of the financial rules for charities, and are now a separate organisation from the WI movement. 

 Needless to say, the majority of the goods offered for sale still come from WI members, although they have been open to non-WI producers for quite a long time, and even while they were still known as WI Markets they had men as members!  The markets sell baked goods, preserves, market-garden produce, plants, craft items, etc.  They have an excellent reputation for providing wholesome and hand-made goods at very reasonable prices. 

Ludlow's Country Market is held in the Women's Room off Church Street on Saturday mornings, from 8.30am to midday.  Ludlow WI member Bettine Howes is one of the organisers, and other members of our institute, as well as members of other WIs in the area, sell their goods through the market.