AFTER a 32-year presence in the town Tavistock WI is to suspend its activities for three years because of a lack of new members.

The WI will discontinue in December but hopes to re-launch in years to come if there is renewed interest.

Founder of the branch Carole Maytum said she was very sad about the decision but with insufficient members to form a committee there was no alternative.

'We have seen a drop in membership recently and to find six people within our 20 members who have not been on the committee before and are willing to give their time to it is not easy,' she said.

'As with a lot of organisations we have been trying to get some younger people involved with some new ideas. A lot of our members are long standing and getting older and it would be good to add some new blood.'

Mrs Maytum, who is also a member of Gulworthy WI, said there was a lot going for WIs, especially in Devon, at the moment and nine new institutes had been opened in the county, mostly for woman in their 30s and 40s.

'Over the years we have had regular meetings and speakers but many more opportunities to socialise with walking and book groups, craft classes and outings.

'The group we have now will continue to meet informally but we hope that in a couple of years Tavistock WI will be re-launched.'