Musical entertainment was provided by the Campell Singers while members enjoyed sandwiches, cakes and drinks.

"It went very well," said Lynn Seal, president of the WI.

"It's good people from all the different WIs in the district came."

November 1918

The Sompting Village WI was formed in the Sompting Village Hall in November, 1918, and has had its meetings in the building ever since.

Sylvia Nicholas is the longest serving member of the Sompting WI.

She joined in 1981 and has been the group's secretary for 15 years.

"It's got a long history and it's all that a WI should be – for friendship and fun," said Sylvia.

"It's just friendly and lovely."

Royal Albert Hall

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.

"It's given me a lot of confidence," said Sylvia.

"I would never have thought of talking to a lot of people before but now I know I can do it.

"I would be lost without my WI."

History of the Women's Institute

Around 60 guests came to the birthday party.

As well as the musical entertainment, there was also a display of memorabilia including scrap books of newspaper cuttings from the 1970s, pictures of some of the earliest members, a scrap book made in 1965 and copies of the original rules of the WI.

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