But despite the wind and the rain, members of the town's Women's Institute had a "wonderful" time celebrating its 80th anniversary.

To mark the occasion, the women dressed up in 1920s-style clothing before riding in a sightseeing coach of the same era to take afternoon tea at a hotel.

Club president Sheila Goatley said: "None of us had been on a charabanc before and it was quite an experience.

"It was windy and the rain lashed down on the way back, but we had great fun and everyone enjoyed the tea."

After sandwiches and scones, Ann Perkins cut a birthday cake she had baked and decorated for members to share.

Rosemary Trussler, 80, joined the WI when she was 16 and decided to travel in Southam's community bus instead of the charabanc.

She said: "Some of them got a bit damp, but didn't seem to mind - they're a hardy bunch.

"It was a wonderful day and it would be nice if the group kept going for another 80 years."

Mrs Goatley hopes more women will join them and says that while the group is modern in many ways, they still enjoy singing Jerusalem and eating home-made cakes at meetings.

They meet on the first Tuesday of the month in St Mary's Primary School hall at 7.30pm.

Talks are given on a range of subjects and members take part in trips, holidays and regional and national competitions. Visitors to the town's celebrations on May 5 will be able to buy WI cakes on a stall in the library grounds.

* To join the group call Mrs Goatley on 811645. APR97