This year the Gloucestershire Federation of Women's Institutes celebrates its 85th anniversary. From its formal, regimented beginnings the WI is now a place of fun, friendship and opportunities as Diana Colbeck reports.

BETTY Boothroyd enthralled a packed audience of members and friends at Cheltenham Town Hall recently.

The familiar cry of "Order, order" began her anecdotes of life as first woman Speaker of the House of Commons with her renowned assertiveness, wit and humour.

The new Bishop of Gloucester, Bishop Michael, will be giving the address at the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service being held at Gloucester Cathedral in October. These are just two of the many events arranged during this celebration year. The Gloucestershire Federation of Women's Institutes (GFWI) was formed in 1919 from the 25 existing WIs in the county.

And from those humble beginnings the numbers have grown to 175 with a membership of 5,100.

The first county chairman was Louise, Duchess of Beaufort. The present chairman is Barbara Lucas, a member of Sheepscombe WI.

The fun, friendship and opportunities enjoyed by those pioneer members still attracts new members today although the activities on offer are now very much of the 21st century.

Gone are the monthly lectures on subjects such as hay box cookery and glove making.

The formality of those early WI meetings has given way to relaxed, friendly meetings where speakers are more likely to be talking about Chinese Gardens, Cotswold Butterflies, the work of the Trading Standards Officer or the European Parliament or encouraging participation in Tea Bag Folding or Keep Fit.

The educational benefit WIs could offer women in remote rural communities was first recognised in 1926 by the County Council which gave financial support.

A tutor would spend a fortnight travelling around the county offering her expertise. Today classes are organised by individual WIs and by the Federation in a variety of subjects and are open to non-members including men.

Self defence, belly dancing, rock climbing and abseiling have challenged those more active participants while IT classes and digital photography as well as more traditional craft, home economic and musical classes appeal to the actively minded and nimble fingered.

Campaigning both locally and nationally has provoked and kept alive debate. As part of the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK the WI's views and ideas are highly regarded by Government and other national bodies. Each year members are given the opportunity to discuss and vote on three resolutions of national importance.

If these are carried at the National AGM, executive members write to the relevant Government departments or agencies drawing attention to these issues and members' concerns.

WI members can be seen out regularly on litter collecting sessions. In the 1920's a charabanc trip to a private garden or local cathedral would have been on the agenda but today, the federation coach outing will be heading for places such as Bletchley Park, Tate Britain, the Ballet or Opera. Holidays abroad and monthly walks around the county are also extremely popular.

During the early war days, women were encouraged to produce vegetables and fruit in their gardens and allotments. To preserve the gluts of fruit, jam making and fruit preserving on a large scale was set up with Government backing for which the WI became well known.

Today members will be found providing their highly regarded WI cakes and teas at charity events and village fetes, helping the elderly, befriending the housebound or adopting a community project.

The WI depends on every member to express new ideas and thrives on the vitality of its members.

If you would like to learn more about GFWI visit the county website www.gfwi.org.uk or phone WI House tel. 01452 523966 to discover your local WIs, there is usually more than one to choose from, try them all before deciding.