DURING the Second World War 11 local women came together to serve their community.

Known as Soroptimists, they helped with the war effort by knitting for the occupied countries and embroidering sheets.

Sixty years later, Soroptimist International of Bury is still serving its community and supporting international projects which help to "advance the status of women and human rights for all" through "awareness, advocacy and action".

To mark their diamond jubilee, members planted a rowan tree in the Memorial Garden off Castle Hill Road, Bury, as a "lasting tribute" to past and present Soroptimists, and called on other women to join the group and further their cause.

A bench was also presented to be sited in the garden, which is a part of the "Life for a Life" project, where families can plant trees in memory of a loved one to create a woodland setting while at the same time supporting charities.

Speaking at the special ceremony on Sunday, president Mrs Susan Holt said: "Today is the culmination of our 60th anniversary and we celebrate this with a lasting tribute to all the Soroptimists by planting a rowan tree, and presenting to the townspeople of Bury a bench for their use in this Life for a Life forest.

"We hope by doing this it will give great pleasure to many generations to come and help the environment. At the same time, we know that a donation will be given to Bury Hospice."

Soroptimist International was formed in 1921 by a group of women in America to "make a difference for women". The word soroptimist is taken from two Latin words meaning "best for women". Today it has special status in the United Nations to act as "global voice for women". Soroptimist International of Bury received its charter in September 1943.

Mrs Holt said: "There is no indication as to how the Bury club was founded, so we can only presume that one or another founder members had connections with Bolton, as ultimately they became our Mother Club."

She added: "However, we do know that the first executive meeting was held on August 30 1943. The president Mrs Johnson and ten members were present and on this occasion the president of the Bolton club was invited to attend."

Mrs Holt described the meetings back then as "quite definitely hat and gloves affairs".

She added: "What is amazing is that this intrepid group managed to organise luncheon meetings in the middle of a war when rationing was at its peak."

Today the club, which remains strong, is made up of members from both business, voluntary and professional backgrounds.

It has been instrumental in setting up Rachel House, a home for homeless young people, which this year celebrates its tenth year.

Other projects supported by the Bury branch over the years include sponsoring girls through school, particularly in Africa; Bury Women's Aid; Bury Victim Support; Bury Citizens Advice Bureau, in which a Bury Soroptimist was a founding member; and Bury Pipeline.

Mrs Holt said: "In addition to its community work, the club arranges a number of fund-raising events on an annual basis such as a friendship evening and charity luncheons, and as a result is able to give donations to a variety of charities with an emphasis upon those working within the local community."

The club has friendship links and organises exchange visits with Soroptimist clubs all over the world, including Canberra, Angouleme, Lahore and Fairfax, Virginia. Monthly meetings often feature a guest speaker.

Long-serving member of the Bury branch, Eileen Howsley said: "The Soroptimists, here in Bury and all over the world, do make a difference both locally and nationally. The women in the club have expertise in a variety of fields. It is a fantastic network in helping local and international causes and pushing and lobbying for change."

Soroptimist International of Bury meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the lounge at Bury Unitarian Church.

Those interested in joining the club should ring Debbie Gregory on 01204 885974.