IT’S not just about jam making and tea drinking for members of the Women's Institute - as Gwent members have proved over the past 90 years.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Gwent Federation and with 53 branches and around 1,500 members it is still going strong.

Since it was formed at The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny in February 1921 the Federation has welcomed members of all ages.

They meet usually on a monthly basis at branches across Gwent - the largest having 90 members and its smallest having just ten.

Branches organise their own programme of speakers, activities or demonstrations.

Past activities have included a complementary therapist visiting Duffryn Divas, a day in the life of an MP with David Davies at Llangybi WI or a discussion about the abolition of cheques at Gilwern.

One of the oldest branches in Gwent is Llantilio Crosseny which started in February 1919 and still meets every month at Llanvapley Sports Pavilion.

Its newest addition is the Duffryn Divas which was formed in March last year and has some of the Federation's youngest members.

This includes Claire Baldwin and Safia Taylor who were elected as secretary and treasurer respectively last year both aged 21.

Federation members admit there has been a general decline in the number of its branches over the years - dropping from 70 groups in 2001 to a current 53.

The Federation puts this down to competition from other social groups and the fact that many women have busy working and family lives.

But Pam Wightman, the Federation's chairwoman, said: "Even though the number of institutes have declined over the last five years membership has remained pretty constant.

"Where some branches have closed they've joined neighbouring WIs so we haven't lost numbers."

Ms Wightman said the WI can be a particularly good way of meeting new people especially when moving to a new area.

The WI, which is a recognised charity, organise fundraisers for local charities and take part in competitions at regional and national level such as the Wales Inter-Federation Sports Festival in September and the Real Jam Festival in November.

The Gwent Federation of the WI is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a family picnic day at Chepstow Racecourse on June 15 from 12pm till 4pm.

For more information, call 01633 864456.