Women of the Forest Gate Women’s Institute were declared Newham’s “answer to Mary Portas” by the MP for West Ham after throwing their first village fete on Saturday.

Newham Recorder: West Ham MP Lyn Brown eyeing up the cakes on offer at the fete.West Ham MP Lyn Brown eyeing up the cakes on offer at the fete. (Image: Archant)

The ladies pulled together to put on a lively afternoon of baking competitions and photography; nail and massage treatments; opportunities to knit and natter and have a portrait taken; tombolas and raffles; face-painting, lantern making and magic shows.

West Ham MP Lyn Brown, who officially opened the Forest Gate WI Village Fete on Woodgrange Road, said: “The WI has taken a keen and proactive interest in keeping our high streets alive.

“Forest Gate WI is our very own answer to Mary Portas. The fete was a huge success and I managed to get a foot massage, manicure and buy a tomato and chilli plant.”

Karen Kershaw, who helped to organise the event, added: “I thought the day went brilliantly - all good groups need a leader and vision and we had that in plenty.”

The next meeting of Forest Gate WI will be a picnic on Wanstead Flats on July 2, weather permitting.

All women are welcome. For more information, email forestgatewi@gmail.com or call Alicia Francis on 07903 377929.