DORSET resident and celebrated journalist Kate Adie hosted a talk at Salisbury Cathedral.

The Kate Adie Lecture on ‘Christian Women in the First World War’ recognised the role of women on the Home Front.

The subject is the focus of her recent book ‘Fighting on the Home Front – the legacy of women in World War 1’, written to commemorate the start of the First World War in 1914.

Sarah Mullally, canon treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral, said: “2014 marks 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. “One of the lasting legacies of that war is that women began to take up essential roles and these pioneering women who helped win the war also won for women rights of their own and the possibility of an independent income.

“As a woman who represents this legacy we are delighted that Kate Adie has chosen to talk about her compelling work on these pioneering women here at Salisbury Cathedral – the first medieval Cathedral to have a female Dean, the Revd June Osborne, appointed in 2004 and one of the most senior women in the Church of England.” Visitors were invited to donate £10, with proceeds supporting the work of Women and the Church (WATCH), of which Kate Adie is a keen supporter.

Hilary Cotton, chair of WATCH, said: “Kate Adie impressed us all as a news reporter in dangerous and difficult circumstances around the world. She is an example of strength and truth-telling whilst ‘under fire’. “We are thrilled she gave this lecture for WATCH as we work for a church that values women, in daily life as well as valiant service.”