Little Gaddesden WI
The Women’s Institute was 100 years old in 2015. Starting originally in Canada as a means of teaching and disseminating the better usage of resources with emphasis on home cookery and crafts during the lean war years, it soon spread across Great Britain from the first institute in Anglesey. It provided a focus and friendship for country women who hitherto had very little opportunity for interests outside the home.
Here in Little Gaddesden WI we celebrated our 100th birthday in 2019.
The WI is a force for good and a respected reference in matters which affect the British way of life and has lobbied successfully on issues such as the Keep Britain Tidy campaign through to Fair Prices for Dairy Farmers and Save Our Bees. Of course cookery and crafts are still part of our programme.
Members can join in book, garden and stitch groups and enjoy organised walks, lunch and supper clubs. We are at the heart of the village community, raising funds for local charities.
At most monthly meetings, on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, we hear from a speaker, for example having recently learnt about bee-keeping, gem stones and the Luton hat industry. Many meetings are open to non-members.
We organise regular outings to gardens, historic buildings and sites of interest as well as theatre trips.
We do enjoy welcoming new members to our varied and interesting meetings. Do come and join us. The WI is what you make it.
Contacts
President: Sue Godar
Secretary: Fiona Masters
the.wi@littlegaddesden.org.uk
WI National Site: thewi.org.uk
WI Hertfordshire Federation Site: hertfordshire.thewi.org.uk
Slideshow images: Members of Little Gaddesden Little Gaddesden WI
Latest Programme and Notices
Coming soon…
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Amongst those dark Satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! Oh clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land.
William Blake
1757 – 1827
Header image: Little Gaddesden WI
