TODAY marks 100 years since the first meeting of the Women’s Institute in Britain, and groups from East Lancashire have been sharing their thoughts on how it has grown over the years.

The first meeting was held in Llanfairpwll on Anglesey, Wales, in 1915.

Since then, the organisation has grown to become the largest women’s voluntary organisation in the UK with more than 212,000 members in 6,600 WIs.

It was established to educate rural women and encourage women to get involved in growing and preserving food for the war-torn nation.

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However, Judith Jenkins of Withnell Fold WI, said the organisation is evolving all the time with young people becoming more deeply involved.

She said: “The WI has always been very political, in the sense of making sure the government hear what we have to say and I think that young people are very politically aware and they get involved in our resolutions which we put forward to the government every year.

“We have got a lot to offer and you can make new friends and it’s a great way to meet new people.”

The popularity of the WI soared locally when Nelson-born Christine Clancy starred in the Calender Girls, a true story of a WI group which raised money for a local hospital by posing nude on a calender.

While meeting venues might have changed from the village hall to cafes, the ethos of the WI remains the same and women now join to meet new friends, learn new skills and make a difference on matters that are important to them.

Burnley WI was set up just over a year ago by Jean Ringham and two friends and she said what she values the most is the way you can make friends.

She added: “I have made good friends and learnt new skills.

“Within the WI there is a scene of camaraderie and where ever you go, if you meet a fellow WI member you will always receive a welcome reception.”

Above all, the WI has been something for women to treasure and Ms Jenkins said that was her favourite aspect.

She added: “I think it has always given women something of their own. It is such a wide, embracing organisation and there’s so much variety going on. It has also helped women to become more educated.”