OVER 100 Women’s Institute members flocked to Cleator Moor for a celebration of the organisation’s 100th anniversary.

More than £350 was raised to tackle Alzheimer’s over three events which also marked the Cleator WI’s 87th birthday.

The milestone was celebrated with a coffee evening at the Masonic Hall in Wath Brow and two coffee and cake days at Cleator Moor Library.

The events celebrated the WI’s heritage in arts and crafts with a display of locally-produced pieces. One of the members, Marie Lightfoot, made a replica of Cuthbert the rabbit, a soft toy that was on display at the very first WI crafts exhibition 100 years ago.

Mary Taylor, president of Cleator WI, said that the events were a fantastic way to bring the the WI together and that she was impressed with the turnout.

A month-long exhibition is being held at Cleator Moor library featuring old newspaper clippings, photographs and information about the WI to commemorate the occasion.

The longest-serving Cleator WI member, Ella Watson, who has been with the group for more than 57 years, was enjoying herself at the celebrations.

One of the coffee days also featured a musical performance from entertainer John Carol who sang songs from the 1940s and 1950s.

“It was a lovely occasion which reunited a lot of old friends,” said Cleator WI member since 1970 and Wath Brow resident Doreen Hocking.

“The WI has changed a lot over the years and it’s becoming more and more modern but, at its heart, it is still very traditional and has the same values and principles.

“It has always championed issues such as women’s rights and keeping Britain clean, and it still does to this day.”