the WI

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

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Slideshow images: Members of Little Gaddesden WI
The header at the top of the page is an edited detail from ‘Ladies in Hats’

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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.

Due to rising costs, the subsidy for membership subscriptions will have to be reduced for the year 2025-2026. Membership for this year will be £49.00 pro rata. Details will be sent out shortly to existing members.

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Programme for remainder of 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

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
“Poles Apart” – Speaker: Roger Yapp
Competition – A tea towel
Raffle

May

Thursday 15th 7.30 pm
AGM – Members only
“Working for Auntie: behind the scenes at the BBC” –
Speaker: Christine Green
Competition – Home crafted jewellery
Raffle

WI GROUP OUTING
Wednesday 20th May – visit to RHS Wisley, 9.00 am Tring
Members and guests, please RSVP your attendance ASAP.

Programme for start of 2025-2026

June

Thursday 19th 7.30 pm
“Women of Bletchley Park” – Speaker: Mike Barbakoff
Competition – An inspirational woman in five lines
Raffle

July

Thursday 17th – TBC
Afternoon Tea at Ashridge House – Members only

August

Thursday 21st
“DENS” – Speaker: Charlotte McCarthy
Competition – Best charity shop find
Raffle

September

Thursday 18th
“Rossetti’s Stunners – a one woman show ” – Speaker: Elaine Britten
Competition – A romantic poem
Raffle

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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

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Committee

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Header image: Little Gaddesden WI