First woman applies to join men's club

Elizabeth Day became the first woman to apply to join the Society of Dorset Men

A woman has become the first female to apply to join a 120-year-old men's club.

Elizabeth Day applied to join the Society of Dorset Men after the club voted to open up its membership to women in August.

The Society, which was founded in 1904, said partners of members had "always been welcome" but the "time was right to formally open membership to everyone with Dorset connections".

"This change marks an exciting new chapter, welcoming more voices to celebrate Dorset's enduring legacy," it said.

The Society was originally founded in London to provide the opportunity for Dorset men who had moved to the capital to socialise.

Its first president was the celebrated surgeon Sir Frederick Treves, famously known for his friendship with Joseph "John" Merrick, the so-called Elephant Man.

The decision to open the membership to women was approved at a Special General Meeting.

The Society said it had "fostered a sense of pride, friendship, and enthusiasm for Dorset’s history, traditions, and culture" over the last 120 years.

The change would honour "inclusivity while respecting tradition", it said.