AFTER more than 90 years it was the end of an era for the Witham's Women's Institute.
The group, which was set up in 1919, met for the final time last Friday after a decision was taken last month to stop its monthly meetings.
For their final gathering at the Methodist church in Guithavon Street, the group treated themselves to a catered Christmas lunch and a traditional festive talk.
Eileen Irvine, a member for 10 years and the outgoing president, said: "We had a very good lunch for which we had caterers in so we could sit down and enjoy that. We celebrated in style."
Later in the afternoon, Barbara Faulkner gave a talk called Merry Christmas, where she explained the reasons behind traditions such as having candles on the Christmas tree.
And while some aspects of the meeting were in keeping with the group's usual monthly gathering, it was also a significant occasion.
"It was quite sad, particularly for some who have been members a lot longer than me," said Eileen.
"I think everybody realises that time goes on and that they have done their bit.
"For many, it was a case of age. We were an afternoon meeting and, of course, younger people are working and have families and children."
Sisters-in-law Phyllis and Freda Wheeler are the longest-standing members of the Witham Women's Institute, having joined in 1959.
Phyllis, 92, said: "We both needed something to do and our children were old enough to walk back from school on their own so we decided to join.
"We have had some very good times."
Freda, 87, added: "I think my son was nine or 10 at the time and he's 63 now!
"The group has changed a lot since we first joined. Membership started at three-and-sixpence – I have still got my card – but in January it would have gone up to £30.20 a year.
"We also used to do all of our own entertainment and held a summer show at the public hall but one year we had very few entries, so it stopped.
"And then we used to have a social meal in the evenings but a lot of us are getting on a bit now."
But despite the official WI label being removed from the group, members will continue to meet once a month as the Guithavon Ladies' Group.
"We will still have a competition each month," said Freda, who is also on the committee for Age UK and volunteers at the Witham luncheon club.
"I'm very privileged to have been able to do all these things. And it will only cost £20. We can knit or we can chat – it's going to be a lot easier to run."
