THERE is more to Sutton's Women's Institute than "jam and Jerusalem" as members proved when they celebrated the group's 50th anniversary this week.

And founder member Mary Dickinson, 81, who recalls the first meeting in the basement of Sutton-in-Craven's institute, was there to share in the celebratory supper.

She is still an active member and is currently the institute's programme secretary.

Renowned for her flower arranging, Mrs Dickinson told the Herald that the Sutton branch was initially one of 12 forming the Aire Gap group.

The women's institute was one of the first organisations of its kind, giving women the chance to meet up, share and learn new skills and become involved in public affairs.

Mrs Dickinson said that particularly for those women who lived in rural locations it was a chance to make friends and have their voices heard in a society largely dominated by men.

Of course things have changed since the 1950s and so has the organisation but it still remains one of the most influential women's groups in the country - as Tony Blair would testify!

"When we first started we used to hold rallies in St Thomas' Hall and there would be 200 women there in total - the hall wasn't big enough!" Mrs Dickinson said.

Much of the group's activities involves craft work and the Sutton institute is particularly successful - currently holding three trophies from the last annual Cravendale show.

The Sutton branch, which started life with 53 members, has seen many popular and well-known speakers over the years but one of the highlights was a visit from their counterparts in Rylstone.

Though not tempted to emulate the Calendar Girls, president Barbara Taylor said that their venture certainly put women's institutes on the map.

Sutton has been involved in campaigns for the reopening of small auction marts and the preservation of local abattoirs and rural post offices and anything which threatens the stability of rural life.

The branch also raises money for local charities and at one stage put on shows for the local community.

The last 50 years has seen many changes, including the move from the Aire Gap to the Cravendale group. It in turn is part of the North Yorkshire West Federation.

In the past 12 months the traditional singing of Jerusalem at the start of the monthly meetings has been abandoned but was resurrected for the occasion on Monday evening.

Mrs Taylor acknowledged that the future of women's institutes was uncertain - their youngest member was in her mid-50s and there was a dearth of younger people joining the group.

But she said that as the organisation changed and modernised, she hoped that more younger women would join.

And after 50 years there is no sign of the branch flagging in the immediate future - members are off to see Countdown being filmed next week and are planning a trip to Castle Howard to round off their celebrations.