The Allington Women’s Institute is affiliated to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes which was first formed in 1915 in the summerhouse of the garden of the local doctor in Llanfair North Wales. The Allington Women’s Institute was formed in 1919 and apart from three years during World War II, when it closed due to blackout difficulties, it has met every month on the first Wednesday for the past 92 years!!
The organisation was first formed to educate and improve life for women living in the rural areas, in fact the first members used to walk over fields to get to a meeting, sometimes even bringing their own chairs, cups, water, kettles and even kindling to light a fire when they reached the meeting place. There are stories of women who asked their husbands to light a candle in the window to help them find their way home. The most popular talk and demonstration in the early days was how to sole and heel shoes. The organisation spread rapidly throughout England and Wales. It was recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture at the time as a wonderful opportunity for the harvest, preparation and circulation of fruit and vegetables, hence our reputation for jam making!
The WI still campaigns to improve life for women in particular. We have played a large part in saving the Honey Bee as the Government has supported the research required to protect the species. We are also campaigning regarding domestic violence, retaining local Libraries, and better public transport in the rural areas.
The Allington group is very diverse, we have members whose interests lie in arts and crafts, baking and preserving and, of course, public affairs. We have enjoyed over the past twelve months an afternoon river cruise, an excursion to London visiting Buckingham Palace, and Chatsworth House for their Christmas Decorations. Once a year we join with neighbouring WIs for a joint meeting. The previous two years the speaker was Sue Cadman talking of her life in entertainment. The first part in 2010 was how she became involved in the theatre and the second part in 2011 was her life as a member of the Roly Poly dance group, appearing in the Les Dawson Shows and Morecombe and Wise Shows.
WHERE?
We meet in the village hall at 7:30 pm for 7:45 pm on the first Wednesday of each month, except January, finishing about 9:30pm. If you would like to give us a go then please come to the hall any 1st Wednesday, visitors fee is £3 – 50 or for more information please contact any of the committee members listed on the right-hand side of this page
