Members past and present took a stroll down memory lane last week when Falmouth WI held an exhibition as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.

Journals, scrapbooks full of press clippings and photographs from throughout the years and other archive materials proved a draw with current members, past members and even members from neighbouring WIs spending time scouring the pages.

The exhibition, staged at Falmouth Methodist Church, was the first event held as part of the WI's celebration of its 100th birthday. The next event will be held on February 24 when the ladies will meet up at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel in Budock for their centenary lunch when the guest speaker will be councillor and former mayor, Geoffrey Evans MBE.

After that, the WI will be taking a stand at the Falmouth Spring Flower Show at the Princess Pavilion from March 24 and 25.

Falmouth WI was formed in February 1918 and is one of the oldest within the Cornwall Federation of WIs. It first met at a building on The Strand, which had been opened by Lady Falmouth and in 1928 it moved to its former home in Webber Street.

Five years ago, the group moved out of the Grade II listed building and now meets in Falmouth Methodist Church on The Moor every Friday afternoon from 2.30pm. It current has about 30 members, but is hoping its centenary celebrations will encourage more ladies to join them. Anyone interested is welcome to just turn up on a Friday afternoon and meet the ladies.

"The WI has moved with the times and is very different to 100 years ago but its ethos remains the same," said one member. "Joining the WI is a relaxed way of learning new things; sharing new opportunities and experiences and making new friends."