A former Tiller Girl is the new president of Watford Beechen Grove Woman’s Institute, as the WI builds up to celebrate its centenary next year.

Pammie Timmis, a former singer, actress and dancer, was elected following the organisation’s annual general meeting.

Mrs Timmis, who was a teaching assistant for pupils with special needs at Watford Grammar School for Boys for 13 years before she retired, said the Watford WI wants new ideas and new members for this important year.

She said: "I’m delighted to have the opportunity to guide the Watford branch into the WI’s centenary year in 2015, which also coincides with Beechen Grove celebrating its 30th year anniversary.

"My focus will be to promote the WI to women of all ages and diversity and with the WI recently involved in the semi finals of The Great British Bake Off, the organisation is certainly topical.

"We are looking to encourage any woman who is looking to meet with a like-minded group where arts, crafts, food, cooking, leisure and science are actively enjoyed with interesting speakers to join."

Mrs Timmis, who has been with the Watford WI two and a half years, was in films and had a stage career before starting a family and her career in education.

She continued: "We do a lot, and have lots of ideas on more things we can do.

"We have really topical speakers every month.

"Our members are fantastic and very welcoming - but we are always looking for more women in their late 30s and upwards to join.

"The WI keeps you active, we’re made up of all types of women across all walks of life, jobs and professions."

Anyone interested in joining the WI can call 01923 225574 or attend one of the meetings, which are held at Beechen Grove Baptist Church in Clarendon Road.

The meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 2.15pm.