Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Women’s Institute Federation celebrated its 90^thanniversary this month with cakes and stories.

Sixty-nine women attended the event at the RSA.

The EBOP institute has approximately 45 members. They were joined by former members and institute members from Poverty Bay, Wairoa, Rotorua and East Waikato, including national president Jude Vaughn.

Treasurer Valerie Jenner said it was a “wonderful day”.

“I haven’t seen one grumpy face, everyone’s been talking the whole day,” she said.

“We wanted to invite as many past members and neighbouring members as possible.

“We still have skills very applicable to modern life: cooking, preserving, and loads of handwork skills. Our computer skills may lack in some areas, but we are catching up quick,” she said.

The idea for the party came from the late Jenny Asquith, who was chair of the EBOP federation. An institute member for 50 years, she was part of the Kawerau, Otakiri and Edgecumbe branches, served several terms in leadership, including two as president.

EBOP federation president Diane Harvey said Mrs Asquith had reminded the group of their upcoming anniversary and volunteered to organise the celebration alongside Sheryl Bell, Linda Taiapa and Patsy Lyford. She helped with until her death earlier this year.

PR officer Alice Teddy said Ms Asquith always thought of others in the community to see where WI could help.

“Jenny Asquith was a member who I thought showed the meaning of being Women’s Institute through and through. She was always encouraging new members to join in and have a go at whatever we were doing.”

“The gathering for the 90^th birthday was a lovely way to catch up with our members,” Ms Teddy said.