MEMBERS of the Worcester branch of Soroptimist International celebrated their 80th anniversary with a weekend of activities.

SI is a global volunteer organisation that improves the lives of women and girls through programmes leading to social and economic empowerment.

Helping the group celebrating the anniversary were Soroptimists from clubs in the Netherlands, Romania and Germany as well as Soroptimists from around the UK.

The weekend programme included a tour of Tudor House Museum, a workshop held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, a walking tour of the city, and a visit to the Guildhall, including a guided tour given by mayor Jabba Riaz.

On the Saturday evening there was a gala dinner at the cricket club attended by 91 people including the mayor and his wife, the international president of SI Mariet Verhoef-Cohen, president of SI Great Britain and Ireland Sue Biggs, and regional president Jan Bowden.

Pictured are (from left) Mariet Verhoef, Florina Buta from Romania, Ingrid Blaauw and Ineke Van Hofwegen from SI Zwolle from the Netherlands, Jabba Riaz, president SI Worcester and district Anne McLucas, mayoress Sajeeda Begum and Daniela Andrica from Romania Timisoara.