A VILLAGE women's group has been forced to call it a day after 53 years.
The last surviving members of Astley Women's Institute were saddened that their December meeting was the last.
The demise has been attributed to falling membership and the increasing cost of speakers.
Betty Bailey, WI president, said: "It is regrettable we have had to finish, especially when we think back to the 1980s when we were 75-strong. We only had 11 members left.
The women celebrated their golden jubilee year by planting a rowan tree in the grounds of Astley's Dam House. At that time, the group were appealing for new members to keep the group alive. They found it hard to attract members because older people are afraid to go out in the evenings.
Mrs Bailey said the members were hoping to organise a New Year get together - and maybe form a women's group.
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