Edwinstowe’s Women’s Institute
On Wed. 19th June members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society enjoyed an illustrated talk about the Women’s Institute Movement which originated in Canada in 1887, and was set up in Britain in 1915 to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.
Edwinstowe Women’s Institute was inaugurated in 1920. Lady Sibell Argles became President, a post she held until her retirement in 1950. In 1935, there were over 100 members who continued to meet during war-time learning various handicrafts, having debates, exhibitions of produce or listening to talks by visiting speakers. WI members have passed several Resolutions which have been instrumental in calling upon the government to make changes which have benefited the general public.
1987 was the 70th anniversary of the WI Federation and a County Wall Hanging was made with every WI having a “brick in the wall”. Edwinstowe’s brick depicted Thoresby colliery Headstocks, Edwinstowe Hall, St Mary’s Church and the Major Oak. The wall hanging is kept at Trent House, in Newark.
When the WI disbanded in 2002 money left in the fund was used as a contribution towards the purchase of bricks for Edwinstowe’s new cricket pavilion which opened in 2004.
To add an authentic “Jam and Jerusalem” atmosphere to the meeting, members provided sponge cakes, scones, jam and cream. The Chair, Mrs Moore, thanked Mrs Hawkes and Mrs Share for the time spent on such a detailed and interesting presentation.
No meetings in July and August.
The next meeting will be held on Wed. 18th September when Chris Booth will talk about the Lancashire, Derbyshire & East Coast Railway
Meetings are held in the Church Rooms Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe, NG21 9NJ on the third Wednesday of the month, commencing at 2.00 p.m. and lasting for approximately 2 hours. Tea/coffee and biscuits are available. Annual membership remains at £12 and visitors are welcome at a charge of £3. Further information is available on the website www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk. And enquiries may be made to EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com.