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
105th Anniversary 
Ladies in Hats 
Foundation Stone 
Dinner at Stocks Golf Club 
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II 
Berkhamsted Almshouses 
Stonor Park 
Garden tour at Ashridge House 
Afternoon tea at Ashridge House 
Talliston House 
Misbourne River walk 
Lunch at The Denton 
VE day stall at school fête
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
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. Payment is due by 15th May.
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
October
Thursday 16th, 7.30 pm
LG WI BIRTHDAY PARTY
“The Business of Cannabis” – Speaker: Marika Graham Woods
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
Social Quiz evening
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
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
Committee
President:
Sue Godar
Vice Presidents:
Fiona Masters
Lynne Lane
Secretary:
Fiona Masters
Treasurer:
Vicki Fruish
Assistant Treasurer:
June Abraham
Membership Communication System (MCS):
Lynne Lane
Birthday Cards:
Mill Turner
Competition Co-ordinator:
Alison Townsend
Rotas for Raffles/Teas/Flowers:
Lynne Lane
Archivist:
Chris Mawhood
Programme & Outings Secretary:
Fiona Masters
Publicity & Social Media
Co-ordinator:
Lynne Lane
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