IT was smiles all round as the Theydon Bois ranch of the Womens Institute threw a party to mark its 90th anniversary this week.

The group has seen many changes over the past 90 years with the institute itself moving from the more traditional "Jam and Jerusalem" status to a more modern outlook.

At the party held today (Wednesday June 17) at the Theydon Bois Village Hall, member swapped memories and anecdotes about their time in the WI.

There was also a display of some of the first group shots of the branch, and minutes from their first meeting in 1919.

Guests included officials from the Essex Federation of W.I.’s, vice-chairman of EFDC Ann Grigg, the chairman and Secretary of the Village Association, Sue Jones and Parish Councillor Jacq Dodman.

Many members- now in their nineties also attended the party and raised a glass of wine to the group.

Theydon W.I. President Kay Rush gave a short welcome speech before Martyn Harrison entertained the crowd with songs from the last 90 years.