SHERSTON Women’s Institute is celebrating its 75th anniversary and has also raised a cup of tea to mark the national body’s centenary.

But there is more to the WI than the traditional image of jam and Jerusalem, they insist.

“The WI plays a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills,” said Jill Woodward Secretary Sherston WI.

The WI was founded in September 1915 during the First World War and it was 25 years later that Sherston WI held its inaugural meeting.

Today Sherston WI has 35 members with an average age of 74.

Mrs Woodward said: “We are no longer just known for jam and Jerusalem. The WI nationally has taken part in many campaigns on a wide range of issues.

“Sherston WI offers companionship, it gets one out, it makes you do things, it makes you talk to other people.

“We have workshops and an annual cookery competition.”

To celebrate the founding of the WI, the Sherston group invited members from Lea and Little Somerford WIs to join them for the clinking of tea cups and the eating of cake in the village’s British Schoolroom.