From multiple global conflicts to countless technological innovations, the world has seen plenty of change in the last 100 years.

But tucked away in quiet village is an institution that has stood throughout that time and — despite setbacks and huge a decline in membership — is still there.

Hextable and Swanley’s branch of the Women’s Institute was the first in Kent when it was set up in March 1917 with the First World War still dragging on.

It was started by a Miss Kekewich, the vice-principal of Swanley’s Horticultural College, which was the first of its kind in Britain when it opened in 1889.

With local hospitals under strain and bandages and clothing desperately needed for wounded soldiers brought back from France, she was inspired to set up a local WI after hearing of their success elsewhere.

The first meeting took place at Emerson Hall, with 52 women, young and old, in attendance, and then 80 the following week.

Upon joining, each member was handed a card stating: “To do all the good we can and above all to study household and be good in any work which makes for the betterment of our home, the advancement of our people and the good of our country.”

It cost one shilling to sign up and membership boomed, with the institute going on to play a key role in the community during the decades that followed.

“Over the years there have been many activities with gardening groups, book clubs, craft evenings, leisure activities and outings and much more," - spokesman Sue Daniels

More than £300 was raised to buy new equipment at a local hospital in 1969, in 1972 members paved a section of land at the junction of Main Road and College Road in Hextable.

The institute had 120 members in its 60th year, which meant another branch had to be set up at Rowhill for another 90 members all from Hextable. It now has just 36.

Spokesman Sue Daniels said: “Reaching our 100th birthday is a real achievement and has crowned us with the title of being the oldest and longest running WI in Kent.

“We marked this wonderful achievement with a celebratory meal for all of our members, and invited two members from each of the local WIs as our guests.

“Over the years there have been many activities with gardening groups, book clubs, craft evenings, leisure activities and outings and much more.

“If anyone is interested in joining our WI you are very welcome.

“We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Five Wents Hall in Hextable at 7.30pm."

Call 01322 660125 for more information.