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

Facebook page: Little Gaddesden WI

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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Scone Workshop – summer event

Come along and learn how to make AWARD WINNING SCONES with one of our expert WI bakers. Alison Townsend will teach you how to make plain, fruit or cheese scones (other options by arrangement) in small groups. Children also welcome if accompanied by an adult. Great way to get to know other members. Contact Alison for more information.

Available dates: Mon 4th August; Wed 6th August; Thurs 7th August; Fri 15th August; Mon 18th August; Fri 22nd August; Wed 27th August

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Programme for 2025-2026

Meetings start at 7.30 pm and talks generally commence at 8.00 pm

Visitors welcome for all meetings except Christmas and the AGM. £5.00

June

Wednesday 4th, 10.00 am – 3.30 pm, Thomas Field Hall
NATIONAL AGM – Members only
Speakers: Angel Strawbridge and Emma Bridgewater
All members are invited to attend. Some members may choose to attend in the afternoon to hear the speakers. Members from other WI’s have also been invited to join us
Salad lunch £5.00 to cover costs

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

Saturday 21st, 2.30–4.30 pm, Village Hall
RIGHT ROYAL TEA PARTY
Fundraising event

Thursday 26th June – Outing to Bletchley Park
Contact Fiona for details

July

Thursday 17th 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Afternoon meeting at President’s house

August

Thursday 21st, 7.30 pm
“DENS” – Speaker: Charlotte McCarthy
Competition – best charity shop find
Raffle

September

Thursday 18th, 7.30 pm
“Rossetti’s Stunners – a one woman show” – Speaker: Elaine Britten
Competition – a romantic poem
Raffle

Wednesday 24th September – Outing to Eythrope Walled Gardens, Waddesdon Manor
Contact Fiona for details

October

Wednesday 1st, 7.30 pm
Group meeting at Bovingdon Baptist Church, £4.00

Thursday 16th, 7.30 pm
LG WI BIRTHDAY PARTY
“Entertaining a choir” – Candia McCullogh
(“The Business of Cannabis” – Speaker: Marika Graham Woods – POSTPONED to January 2026)
Competition – momento of the 70’s
Raffle

November

Thursday 20th, 7.30 pm
“The Royal British Legion” – Speaker: Sean McCarthy
Competition – poppies in any medium
Raffle

December

Thursday 18th, 7.30 pm
CHRISTMAS PARTY – Members only
Competition – a Christmas photograph
Raffle

January

Thursday 15th, 7.30 pm
“The Business of Cannabis” – Speaker: Marika Graham Woods)
Competition – a tea cup and saucer
Raffle

February

Thursday 19th, 7.30 pm
“Hearing Dogs for the Deaf” (TBC)
Competition – a heart in any medium
Raffle

March

Thursday 19th, 7.30 pm
“Plague Houses” – Speaker: Alison Wall
Competition – my photo of an historic house
Raffle

April

Thursday 16th, 7.30 pm
“Writing Workshop” – Speaker: Morgen Bailey
Competition – a book I love
Raffle

May

Thursday 21st, 7.30 pm
AGM – Members only
“A change of career” – Speaker: Pippa Hunn
Competition – a flower from my garden
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 months we meet in members gardens.

For more information contact: the.wi@littlegaddesden.org.uk

Pennant created by Virginia Westmacott

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Subscriptions

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.

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Committee

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Header image: Little Gaddesden WI