It was the end of an era for the Waitahuna Women's Institute when it celebrated its 80th anniversary last week.
President Betsy Middleton, of Lawrence, said the group had been struggling to attract new members in recent years and was to close soon after reaching the milestone.
The group celebrated 80 years with a special birthday luncheon last Thursday at the Waitahuna Hall, attended by about 20 past and present members.
Mrs Middleton said it was sad the organisation was closing, but other branches were losing members and closing too.
"The Lawrence branch closed a few years ago and we gained a few members then. It was because of people like our secretary Betty Stoddart and our treasurer Irene McNoe that we've managed to hold on this long."
Mrs Middleton, who has been a member of the institute for 38 years, said in its prime, the branch had more than 40 members, but only seven today.
It was hard to attract younger women to the organisation when many had work commitments.
Of the seven members, four were aged over 80, with the oldest member, Mrs Irene Guthrie 96. The youngest were in their 70s.
Members met monthly at the Waitahuna Hall and organised regular fundraisers and street stalls, supporting many community groups and causes, including schools and St John.
"We were a quiet group that did the things that we thought needed to be done."
