IT was the year Margaret Thatcher became an MP, Juke Box Jury hit TV screens and Cliff Richard and the Drifters were top of the pops with Living Doll.

Harold Macmillan was Prime Minister, the first Cod War with Iceland broke out and UK postcodes were introduced for the first time.

The year - 1959 - also saw Marian Martin, from Black Notley, join Great and Little Leigh’s Woman’s Institute.

Marian, now 92, has racked up an astonishing 63 years with the branch, which celebrated its centenary this year after being formed in 1922.

Marian originally joined the WI to socialise with other women and learn new skills.

She was able to leave her two young children with her partner to attend the evening meetings, where she learned how to arrange flowers.

Marian continues to put that skill to good use today, arranging flowers for St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church in Black Notley.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Throughout her time in the WI, she has been branch president and continues to be vice president after a number of years.

Marian has now received a national recognition award, having been a part of the WI for more than six decades.

Marian says she has loved being a part of the Women's Institute due to its sense of community.

She has learned lots of different skills from visiting demonstrators who show members how to make, bake and craft. 

She said: “Back in the day, the WI was known as 'Jam and Jerusalem', but now it’s a thriving group full of wonderful women who go to learn new skills whilst socialising and having a good time.” 

Marian also enjoys the outings to different places, having been on lots of theatre trips, lunches and walks, which she continues to do today.

She said she loves being part of such a "wonderful" group.

The WI was founded in 1915 to give women a voice and be a force for good in the community.  

Today, it is the largest women’s organisation in the UK.