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 has a long history of campaigning on a wide range of issues. Some of the current issues include: Dental Health Matters, Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife, Stop Modern Slavery, No More Violence against Women and Climate Change. 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 also organise regular outings to gardens, historic buildings and sites of interest as well as theatre trips.
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 7.30 pm in the Village Hall, we hear from a speaker, for example having recently learnt about Smiths Coffee Importers, Chalk Stream Conservation and Brain Injury in Women. The majority of meetings are open to non-members.
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
For more information contact: the.wi@littlegaddesden.org.uk
My WI: mywi.thewi.org.uk
WI National Site: thewi.org.uk
WI Hertfordshire Federation Site: hertfordshire.thewi.org.uk
Slideshow images: Members of Little Gaddesden WI
The header at the top of the page is an edited detail from ‘Ladies in Hats’
Little Gaddesden WI
Subscriptions
Membership subscriptions for Little Gaddesden WI are £40.00 pro rata for 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. Members are encouraged to pay on line.
Programme for 2024-2025
Meetings start at 7.30 pm and talks generally commence at 8.00 pm
Visitors welcome for all meetings except Tea at Ashridge, Christmas and the AGM. £3.00
June
Thursday 20th 7.30 pm
“Brain Injury in Women” – Speaker: Pauline O’Connor
Competition – A glass ornament
Raffle
July
Thursday 18th
Afternoon Tea at Ashridge House – Members only
August
Thursday 15th 7.30 pm
“Local History” – Speaker: Roger Bolton
Competition – Flower arrangement in a wine glass
Raffle
September
Wednesday 4th 2.00 pm
2 pm – 4 pm Monthly Meeting in Thomas Field Hall.
Business and Tea
Competition – A napkin ring
Raffle
Thursday 19th 7.30 pm
Group Meeting at Great Gaddesden Village Hall
“Wisley” – Speaker: Sheila Das
Competition – Best flower bloom
Raffle
OUTING – Members only, RSVP your attendance
Wednesday 25th September – visit to Great Missenden. Walk with lunch
We will visit Roald Dahl’s grave, walk along the Misbourne, visit the Plant Specialist garden and shop in Great Missenden followed by lunch at Peterley Manor farm café.
Meet at the Bowl’s Club car park 10.30 am to share cars. Call Fiona if you can’t make it on the day!
October
Thursday 17th 7.30 pm
“Guilty or Not Guilty” – Speaker: Philip McKinder
LGWI Birthday
Competition – A favourite comic poem
Raffle
November
Thursday 21st 7.30 pm
“Campaign for the Protection of Rural England” –
Speaker: Liz Hamilton
Competition – Best holiday souvenir
Raffle
December
Thursday 19th 7.30 pm
Christmas Celebration – Members only
Competition – A Christmas fascinator
Raffle
January
Thursday 16th 7.30 pm
“History of Pinewood Studios” – Speaker: Mike Payne
Competition – A handmade greetings card
Raffle
February
Thursday 20th 7.30 pm
“Design and planning of the Thomas Field Hall” – Speaker: Barbara Sheard
Competition – My teddy bear
Raffle
March
Thursday 20th 7.30 pm
“The Enigma of the Bra World” – Speaker: Jen Misseldine/
Michelle Gardner
Competition – An item of beadwork
Raffle
April
Thursday 17th 7.30 pm
“BBC” – Speaker: Christine Green
Competition – A tea towel
Raffle
May
Thursday 15th 7.30 pm
AGM – Members only
Competition – A sea shell item
Raffle
Meetings are generally held in Little Gaddesden Village Hall, Church Road, Little Gaddesden HP4 1NX, unless otherwise stated.
Additionally, during the winter we meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2.00 pm for afternoon tea in the Thomas Field Hall and during the summer we meet in members gardens.
For more information contact: the.wi@littlegaddesden.org.uk
Pennant created by
Virginia Westmacott
Committee
President:
Sue Godar
Vice Presidents:
Glenda Cooper
Janet Mitchell
Secretary:
Fiona Masters
Treasurer:
Vicki Fruish
Assistant Treasurer:
June Abraham
Membership Communication System
Lynne Lane
Members’ birthday, get well cards:
Lynne Lane
Glenda Cooper
Catering:
Glenda Cooper
Competitions & Rotas for Raffles/Teas/Flowers:
Janet Mitchell
Archivist:
Chris Mawhood
Outings:
Fiona Masters
the WI Anthem
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 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