
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
Little Gaddesden WI
Subscriptions
Membership subscriptions for Little Gaddesden WI are £40.00 for 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. Members are encouraged to pay on line.
Programme for 2022-2023
Meetings start at 7:30 pm and talks generally commence at 8:00pm
June
Thursday 16th 7.30 pm
Birthday Celebrations – Members only – Stocks
Raffle
July
Thursday 21st 7:30pm
Garden Meeting – Members only
Finger Food Supper – you are asked to bring a supper plate of savoury or sweet small bites and a chair**
Competition – One perfect bloom
Raffle
**contact Secretary or President for more details
August
Thursday 18th 7:30pm
Taste the difference evening
Competition – A Victoria Sandwich
Raffle
September
Thursday 15th 7.30 pm
“Susannah Whatman, Georgian Housekeeper” – Speaker: Adam Smith
Competition – A pill box
Raffle
October
Thursday 20th 7.30 pm
“Refugees’ Experiences” – Speaker: Julia Bolton
Competition – A small momento to take on fleeing danger
Raffle
November
Thursday 17th 7.30 pm
“Journey to Citizenship” – Speaker: Linda Scoles
Competition – Autumn scene
Raffle
December
Thursday 15th 7.30 pm
Christmas Celebration – Members only
Competition – Handmade seasons’ greetings card
Raffle
January
Thursday 19th 7.30 pm
“Needlecraft” – Speaker: Becky Ruck
Competition – ‘I made this’
Raffle
February
Thursday 16th 7.30 pm
“Rivals of the Beatles” – Speaker: Martin Orkin
Competition – 50s/60s favourite LP
Raffle
March
Thursday 16th 7.30 pm
Ticking Brains – Members night
Competition – Paper knife/letter opener
Raffle
April
Thursday 13th 7.30 pm
“Craft Recycling” – Speaker: Amanda Sutherland
Competition – Holiday souvenir
Raffle
May
Thursday 18th 7.30 pm
AGM
“Women’s Refuge” – Speaker: Paula Kerrigan.
Competition – Oldest Cookbook
Raffle
Meetings are generally held in Little Gaddesden Village Hall, Church Road, Little Gaddesden HP4 1NX, unless otherwise stated.
Committee
President:
Sue Godar
Vice Presidents:
Glenda Cooper
Tess Faulconer
Secretary:
Fiona Masters
Treasurer:
Vicki Fruish
Assistant Treasurer:
June Abraham
Members’ birthday, get well cards:
Tess Faulconer
Catering:
Tess Faulconer
Glenda Cooper
Competitions & Rotas for Raffles/Teas/Flowers:
Janet Mitchell
Archivist:
Chris Mawhood
Outings:
Fiona Masters

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