The island branch of service organisation Altrusa International has honoured its longest-serving member as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

The club planted two Bermuda rosebushes this month at the historic Verdmont house in Smith’s, one in memory of Peggy Spencer-Arscott and the other in recognition of the anniversary.

A spokeswoman for Altrusa International said: “Peggy joined Altrusa in February 1958.

“She was a teacher, well known for her Humpty Dumpty preschool, and continued to be active with all club projects into her late eighties and attended functions until prior to her passing on February 7 in the centennial year at the age of 94.”

Robin Spencer-Arscott was invited to plant the rosebush in memory of his mother on January 13 and Angela Mocklow, Altrusa’s board member, planted the second.

Ms Mocklow spoke about the club’s projects over the years, including the centennial year service project challenge and the club’s donation towards text books for two Bermuda College students.

Altrusa International was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1917 as an association of women business professionals dedicated to community improvement through personal service with a focus on literacy.

There are now clubs open to men and women throughout the United States, New Zealand, India, Russia, Central America, Puerto Rico and Canada.

The island branch was founded in 1948, with 15 of Bermuda’s leading professional women as its first members.

It received its charter from Ruth Kramer, president of Altrusa International in 1951.