A WOMEN’S Institute celebrated its 100th anniversary on Armistice day.

The 30 members of the Sompting Women’s Institute dressed up in fashions of the past as they got together on Saturday to mark the centenary.

They united to remember those who fought in the war but also to celebrate the anniversary of woman getting the vote.

Anne Mead, president of the Sompting Women’s Institute, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 100-year mark for this group.

“It has been good fun preparing for the event and we really enjoyed making the flower arrangements to decorate the hall.

“We used different colour flowers to celebrate remembrance for the soldiers in the First World War and we also used the Suffragettes’ colours to commemorate the women that fought hard to get us the vote.”

The women all worked together to knit a tablecloth especially for the 100 year celebration.

Sylvia Nicholas, 94, one of the oldest members in the group, said: “We all took part in making a tablecloth where each member sewed in a design to illustrate a hobby that they enjoy.

“I just thought that was such a wonderful idea.

“I really love being part of this Women’s Institute.

“I would be lost without my WI. I have been all of the roles in the group from the secretary to the president but this year I have settled with being just a member and it’s been lovely to relax and just enjoy the celebrations.

“It’s amazing to think that a group of women started this institute 100 years ago when times were tough during the war and things weren’t particularly easy for women.”

Sylvia has been to the Royal Albert Hall to represent her branch at national meetings and on one occasion was there at the same time as the Queen

As part of the centenary celebrations, the Women’s Institute welcomed Michael Tristram, great-grandson of Blanche Tristram who was the first president of Sompting village.

Michael planted a commemorative tree at the back of Sompting village hall, where the women meet, to mark the occasion.