LOCHGELLY Centre was full to the rafters on Saturday afternoon as women from Lochgelly and beyond came together to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019.

Some 90 women and some younger children too came together for an afternoon tea event aimed at raising awareness of women’s issues and also to hear about local woman Jennie Lee and her legacy.

Local Community Education Worker, Lorraine Mullen, said: "We tried to mix a good old fashioned social gathering with an opportunity for some informal learning – and I think we just about managed it!

"Tickets sold out for the event within a week and I am grateful to everyone who came along and took part. "We had an input from Christina Reid and Patricia Galfsky, from Fife Council, who spoke about Lochgelly woman Jennie Lee and her worldwide legacy in the form of the Open University.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Royal Charter of the OU and to think that this came about as the result of a Lochgelly woman is phenomenal. Jennie Lee is certainly a role model for woman all over the world and in Lochgelly.

"Feedback from the event has been very positive and the mix of tea and information given seemed to hit the spot.

Added Lorraine: "Thanks must also go to The Lochgelly Centre for use of the hall as well as supplying the teas and coffees.

"Thanks also goes to Cllr Linda Erskine, Nancy Niemczyk, May King and Helen Ross for all their home baking; thanks to the Create and Craft group from Lochgelly Centre for their generosity in organising the raffle, a huge thanks to all the Youth Workers – Lynn, Craig, Nicole and Community Worker from Kelty, Tess Sim, as well as volunteers Callum and Sophie for their help throughout the day, and a final thanks to Benarty Centre Management Committee for the kind use of their tables".

Proceeds from ticket sales and donations on the day amounted to £476.54 which was donated to the girls from the Polar Academy. A huge thanks went to all for their contributions.

If you are interested finding out more about Adult Learning opportunities in Lochgelly please contact: Lorraine Mullen, Community Education Worker, Lochgelly Centre. Tel: 01592 583471 or email lorraine.mullen@fife.gov.uk