More than 50 past and present members celebrated the club's 80th anniversary with a roast lunch, special cake and speeches at the Mosgiel Railway Station yesterday. Among those at the celebration was 92-year-old Lois Aburn, who has been a member of the institute for 51 years.
Women travelled from as far as Christchurch and Central Otago for the celebration.
President Heather Fisher said although it was getting harder to recruit new members, the group remained a popular social option for Green Island women.
In its heyday, it had about 110 members, but that has dwindled to about 25.
Each month, women get together for a bit of friendly competition, whether it be baking or knitting skills put to the test.
Mrs Fisher said members also knitted clothing and accessories for charitable organisations and hospitals.
Meetings were kept "short and sweet" to allow more time for fun activities and socialising, she said.
Recently, the group recognised long-serving members who had been involved for 50 and 60 years.
