The History
The WI movement began at Stoney Creek in Canada in 1897 when Adelaide Hoodless addressed a meeting for the wives of members of the Farmers' Institute. The first British WI meeting took place on 16 September 1915 at Llanfairpwll on Anglesey in North Wales. The WI was originally set up in the UK to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War
Shelford WI's first meeting was held on Thursday February 8th 1928 in the School with the help of East Bridgford WI who gave a gift of a pound and 4 shillings to help get us started. Their President, Miss Fox came along to explain about WI's and how things were done. 32 new members were welcomed. 3d was to be paid for refreshments. Yearly membership fee was to be 2 shillings.
A Garden party, one of many over the years, was to be held at the home of the President Mrs Clark at Shelford Manor in August , proceeds to be sent to Nottingham General Hospital and St Dunstans, admission to be 3d With salmon and cucumber sandwiches and cakes, and to include sports and games for the children, side shows such as Clock Golf, Skittles for a Pig, Hidden Treasure, Pegs and Clothesline, Jacks in Wood, Gift Stall, Guessing the dolls name and the weight of the cake.
In time outings by bus were always on the programme, Chatsworth, Cadbury's Cocoa Works and York to mention a few.
On January 1st 1931 the Institute suffered a great loss when their Treasurer, Mrs Henstock collapsed and died of a heart attack. Her daughter, Mary carried on till another Treasurer could be appointed. By 1932 Shelford had 43 members.
In 1933 nursing appliances were purchased to be loaned out at a very small charge to those in need in the village. Aluminium Bedpan, Cane Bed-chair -rest,
Waterproof sheeting, thermometer, 2 Hot Water bottles, Air Ring Cushion etc., these lasted many years, and were much appreciated.
As the years went on, Concerts, organised by Mrs Walker became a regular event, held in the Methodist schoolroom, as they had a stage, by this time meetings had transferred there from the school. Seed potatoes were purchased, which members planted and sold the end-product in aid of the General Hospital.
It was during the Second World War that the Institute came into its own.
In 1939 WI's were urged to continue their monthly meetings, despite many difficulties with food rationing, air raids etc. and in December the first monthly raffle for "our boys" in the forces raised FOUR SHILLINGS. This was the beginning of the village COMFORTS FUND sponsored by the W I. Every person from the village serving in the forces would receive parcels from the W I three times a year. Parcels that first war-time Christmas contained
2 handkerchiefs, knitted helmet, mittens, and socks, 50 cigarettes, chocolate and chewing gum. This continued until 1941 and was then amalgamated with the Lord Mayor's comfort fund. The first of many salvage campaigns was started with the support of the W I , scrap iron, old torch batteries, hot water bottle stoppers, books, old light bulbs, and waste paper. In February Shelford's contribution to the Bingham RDC scrap materials campaign was 6 ton 16cwt
1 quarter of metals,1cwt of bones, 2cwt rags, 2cwt rubber, 1 ton 17cwt
2 quarters of iron and 1 ton 14cwt of paper.
The need for Women’s Institutes to take the lead in making the most of whatever food was available led to the setting up of preserving centres so that none of the fruit would be wasted. In 1941 our Institute lent funds for the purchase of equipment and jam jars were collected. Some of the members met every week for jam making in the old cheese room at Beech Farm. The jam had to be passed by an official at the Ministry of Food and then sold to shops for rationing. By November 1941 a phenomenal 2,037lbs of jam had been made from that season’s fruit. Potatoes were sold for the General Hospital and surplus onions sold to the Government. Proceeds for the comfort fund. The range of other food production was considerable Nettles and foxgloves were collected for their medicinal properties, rose hips were collected being rich in Vitamin C, and bacon-curing. The W I took on the distribution of orange juice and cod liver oil to the village children.
The Women’s Institute continued to be at the centre of village activities after the war and took upon themselves the maintenance and supply of fresh flowers for one soldier and six airman war graves in the churchyard. This still continues today.
We welcomed new members from Radcliffe many years ago and they have played a very important part in the progress of Shelford WI over the years. We also have a few members from other villages and they give wonderful support. We still take part in the Newark & Notts County Show and over the years have had some successes. We remember particularly the brilliant needlework of Mrs Joan Fisher and the embroidered strawberries that brought us a FIRST PRIZE. We still support other County events, Charities and the community. At present we have 40 members
We maintain our Link with CWI at Matakana New Zealand which we have had for well over 60 years and exchange cards and gifts at Christmas. They too celebrate their 80th birthday in September this year.
In March2008 we celebrated our 80th with a party and were joined by The Mayor of Rushcliffe, two County W I vice Presidents our W I Adviser and some of our past Presidents and former members.
A Garden party, one of many over the years, was to be held at the home of the President Mrs Clark at Shelford Manor in August , proceeds to be sent to Nottingham General Hospital and St Dunstans, admission to be 3d With salmon and cucumber sandwiches and cakes, and to include sports and games for the children, side shows such as Clock Golf, Skittles for a Pig, Hidden Treasure, Pegs and Clothesline, Jacks in Wood, Gift Stall, Guessing the dolls name and the weight of the cake.
In time outings by bus were always on the programme, Chatsworth, Cadbury's Cocoa Works and York to mention a few.
On January 1st 1931 the Institute suffered a great loss when their Treasurer, Mrs Henstock collapsed and died of a heart attack. Her daughter, Mary carried on till another Treasurer could be appointed. By 1932 Shelford had 43 members.
In 1933 nursing appliances were purchased to be loaned out at a very small charge to those in need in the village. Aluminium Bedpan, Cane Bed-chair -rest,
Waterproof sheeting, thermometer, 2 Hot Water bottles, Air Ring Cushion etc., these lasted many years, and were much appreciated.
As the years went on, Concerts, organised by Mrs Walker became a regular event, held in the Methodist schoolroom, as they had a stage, by this time meetings had transferred there from the school. Seed potatoes were purchased, which members planted and sold the end-product in aid of the General Hospital.
It was during the Second World War that the Institute came into its own.
In 1939 WI's were urged to continue their monthly meetings, despite many difficulties with food rationing, air raids etc. and in December the first monthly raffle for "our boys" in the forces raised FOUR SHILLINGS. This was the beginning of the village COMFORTS FUND sponsored by the W I. Every person from the village serving in the forces would receive parcels from the W I three times a year. Parcels that first war-time Christmas contained
2 handkerchiefs, knitted helmet, mittens, and socks, 50 cigarettes, chocolate and chewing gum. This continued until 1941 and was then amalgamated with the Lord Mayor's comfort fund. The first of many salvage campaigns was started with the support of the W I , scrap iron, old torch batteries, hot water bottle stoppers, books, old light bulbs, and waste paper. In February Shelford's contribution to the Bingham RDC scrap materials campaign was 6 ton 16cwt
1 quarter of metals,1cwt of bones, 2cwt rags, 2cwt rubber, 1 ton 17cwt
2 quarters of iron and 1 ton 14cwt of paper.
The need for Women’s Institutes to take the lead in making the most of whatever food was available led to the setting up of preserving centres so that none of the fruit would be wasted. In 1941 our Institute lent funds for the purchase of equipment and jam jars were collected. Some of the members met every week for jam making in the old cheese room at Beech Farm. The jam had to be passed by an official at the Ministry of Food and then sold to shops for rationing. By November 1941 a phenomenal 2,037lbs of jam had been made from that season’s fruit. Potatoes were sold for the General Hospital and surplus onions sold to the Government. Proceeds for the comfort fund. The range of other food production was considerable Nettles and foxgloves were collected for their medicinal properties, rose hips were collected being rich in Vitamin C, and bacon-curing. The W I took on the distribution of orange juice and cod liver oil to the village children.
The Women’s Institute continued to be at the centre of village activities after the war and took upon themselves the maintenance and supply of fresh flowers for one soldier and six airman war graves in the churchyard. This still continues today.
We welcomed new members from Radcliffe many years ago and they have played a very important part in the progress of Shelford WI over the years. We also have a few members from other villages and they give wonderful support. We still take part in the Newark & Notts County Show and over the years have had some successes. We remember particularly the brilliant needlework of Mrs Joan Fisher and the embroidered strawberries that brought us a FIRST PRIZE. We still support other County events, Charities and the community. At present we have 40 members
We maintain our Link with CWI at Matakana New Zealand which we have had for well over 60 years and exchange cards and gifts at Christmas. They too celebrate their 80th birthday in September this year.
In March2008 we celebrated our 80th with a party and were joined by The Mayor of Rushcliffe, two County W I vice Presidents our W I Adviser and some of our past Presidents and former members.
Miss F E Mee’s report on the Early Years of Shelford WI
I think those early years closely resembled a child’s first years at school, it was a new experience to gather together each month, to hear talks, watch demonstrations and to enter into the social activities which were a real feature of those early days.
When the war came a very busy era began for the Institute. This was the only organisation functioning in the village at the time and all appeals were dealt with by the body. It would be difficult to enumerate the various tasks undertaken by the Institute during those dreadful years.
The village Comforts Fund, sponsored by the Institute and registered under the Charities Act was worked for continually.
Every member serving in the H.M. Forces from Shelford, had parcels from the Institute three times a year. At Christmas time each received a parcel containing knitted garments, cigarettes, sweets, shaving soap, toothpaste, brilliantine, notepaper, envelopes and reading matter.
In addition to the knitting done for the village Comforts Fund, the Institute often responded to appeals by the W.V.S for knitted garments for evacuees and displaced people and for the children of Greece.
In all, this small band of workers accounted for the following garments
30 Huge black polo necked pullovers for the Russians
22 pairs for sea boot stockings also for the Russian
214 pairs of socks 7 boys jerseys
48 pairs of gloves 24 vests
70 pairs of mittens 6 pairs operation stockings
26 helmets 20 pairs red socks
44 scarves 6 cardigans
15 pairs of slippers 100 surgical dressings
The institute also sponsored the Red Cross 1d a week collection undertaken by several members. This with various Whilst Drives and mock auctions brought in a great amount of money.
Unusual tasks which were undertaken by some members were as follows:
Collection of old iron, rags and bones
Collection of waste paper
Collection of stinging nettles
Collection of foxglove leaves for medicinal purposes
All these brought in funds for the Comforts Fund.
At the end of the war £142-16s was divided between the service men and women as they returned..
Another war time undertaking was Fruit Preservation. Some of the members met each week during the fruit season in the old cheese room at Beech Farm. They provided the fruit from their own gardens for which they were paid the minimum prices and a weekly allowance of sugar was granted. The jam was passed by an official of the Ministry of Food and sold to the shops to be rationed out.
I look back with amusement to one of these preserving sessions.
The day had been very hot and tiring and thing hadn’t done quite so smoothly as usual. Towards the end of the afternoon the inspector came along and suggested that one special boiling (rhubarb& fig) should be re-boiled to set it. All the jars had to be emptied into the pan for re-boiling and then washed in readiness for refilling. At that moment a swarm of bees invaded the room and settled everywhere – in the pan, on the towels and dishcloth – everywhere.
I remember frantically shutting the window and allowing the bees to gather there, then flinging it open to propel the bees outside. How many bees became part of the jam – I tremble to think. Did the purchases think they were strange figs?
When the war came a very busy era began for the Institute. This was the only organisation functioning in the village at the time and all appeals were dealt with by the body. It would be difficult to enumerate the various tasks undertaken by the Institute during those dreadful years.
The village Comforts Fund, sponsored by the Institute and registered under the Charities Act was worked for continually.
Every member serving in the H.M. Forces from Shelford, had parcels from the Institute three times a year. At Christmas time each received a parcel containing knitted garments, cigarettes, sweets, shaving soap, toothpaste, brilliantine, notepaper, envelopes and reading matter.
In addition to the knitting done for the village Comforts Fund, the Institute often responded to appeals by the W.V.S for knitted garments for evacuees and displaced people and for the children of Greece.
In all, this small band of workers accounted for the following garments
30 Huge black polo necked pullovers for the Russians
22 pairs for sea boot stockings also for the Russian
214 pairs of socks 7 boys jerseys
48 pairs of gloves 24 vests
70 pairs of mittens 6 pairs operation stockings
26 helmets 20 pairs red socks
44 scarves 6 cardigans
15 pairs of slippers 100 surgical dressings
The institute also sponsored the Red Cross 1d a week collection undertaken by several members. This with various Whilst Drives and mock auctions brought in a great amount of money.
Unusual tasks which were undertaken by some members were as follows:
Collection of old iron, rags and bones
Collection of waste paper
Collection of stinging nettles
Collection of foxglove leaves for medicinal purposes
All these brought in funds for the Comforts Fund.
At the end of the war £142-16s was divided between the service men and women as they returned..
Another war time undertaking was Fruit Preservation. Some of the members met each week during the fruit season in the old cheese room at Beech Farm. They provided the fruit from their own gardens for which they were paid the minimum prices and a weekly allowance of sugar was granted. The jam was passed by an official of the Ministry of Food and sold to the shops to be rationed out.
I look back with amusement to one of these preserving sessions.
The day had been very hot and tiring and thing hadn’t done quite so smoothly as usual. Towards the end of the afternoon the inspector came along and suggested that one special boiling (rhubarb& fig) should be re-boiled to set it. All the jars had to be emptied into the pan for re-boiling and then washed in readiness for refilling. At that moment a swarm of bees invaded the room and settled everywhere – in the pan, on the towels and dishcloth – everywhere.
I remember frantically shutting the window and allowing the bees to gather there, then flinging it open to propel the bees outside. How many bees became part of the jam – I tremble to think. Did the purchases think they were strange figs?