One hundred years on, Meifod WI is still inspiring women.

The Women’s Institute celebrated its centenary with a party with seven branches from across Montgomeryshire – Bwlch y Cibau, Castle Caereinion, Guilsfield, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin, Llangynog and Pontrobert – at Meifod Village Hall.

Originally formed in 1915 to support the war effort, the WI brought rural communities together during the First World War.

Marian Craig, president of Meifod WI, said reaching the big milestone is “marvellous and very exciting”.

“What makes Meifod WI different is that there’s a lot of younger people have joined, and we seem to have good fun here. We’re a very friendly group. We get nice speakers and always good food in Meifod!

“It’s about community and there are new younger members coming and its about keeping it going with fresh ideas. I hope it keeps gong as long as it can.”

Beryl Wilkinson, 88, is Meifod WI’s longest serving member after 59 years, but first joined the WI aged 14 in Arddleen.

Mrs Wilkinson says it’s special because it’s at the heart of the community.

“I’ve seen it change so much,” she said.

“It’s special because it’s a community thing, you meet so many people and get varied speakers.

“It’s always been centre of the community. We’re always a friendly place and always welcoming. And everyone who joins seems to enjoy themselves. We get so many opportunities to do a few things – classes, interesting talks.

“When you come to my age you take it as it comes!”

Philip Watkin, son of the late Sheila Watkin who was a prominent Meifod WI member, gave a speech about the club that meant so much to his mother. A silver salver in Sheila’s memory is presented annually to a Meifod WI member for the best arts, crafts and photography.

“It’s kept mum’s memory there. It’s a wonderful thing and it’s lovely that they’ve kept it going.

“It’s a brilliant movement,” he added.

Local five-piece folk group Llond Llaw sang a variety of Welsh and English songs including Plethyn’s Seidr Ddoe which mentions Meifod and the area.

Federation chairman of Montgomeryshire WIs, Jean Hurrell, presented the ladies with a certificate to mark the milestone.

She said: “For them to keep going, it’s absolutely great. It’s like a little family for them.

“It’s somewhere for the ladies to come and enjoy themselves without too much pressure. Apart from coming to their own WI, the county offers different things. We try to put on a varied programme of events.”

She added: “Wouldn’t it be great to see it thriving for another 100 years!”