Hungerford Women’s Institute was formed in 1931 as part
of the Berkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes, which this year is
celebrating their 90th anniversary. Women’s Institute was founded in
Great Britain in Anglesey in 1915 after starting in Canada in 1897. Our W.I.
meets at the Croft Hall on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm and
we are always pleased to welcome new members or visitors.
We started 2008 with a very successful lunch at the Three Swans Hotel where
members and guests enjoyed excellent food and good fellowship.
February’s meeting was a fascinating talk by our local milliner Jane
Corbett and we were able to examine her wonderful hats she had brought with
her.
March was the month of our Annual Meeting when the President and Committee
for the following year are elected. Mrs. Betty Morrison was elected President
to lead the Committee of nine members. We enjoy a varied programme and always
welcome local speakers.
In April we listened to Stacy Tuttle who talked to us on ‘’Plants
for Problem Places’’.
In May we discussed Resolutions to be presented at the A.G.M. of the National
Federation. Resolutions are a very important part of W.I. as they are of National
interest, for instance health issues, milk prices, cost of care, have all
been past Resolutions.
The June meeting arranged by previous committee members was a cooking demonstration
by one of our own members Ann Martin and we were able to enjoy some tasty
samples after seeing them made.
On a lovely Summer's evening in July members enjoyed a mystery coach trip
followed by a delicious supper at a pleasant village inn.
I n August, September and October we had interesting talks on Travel, Embroidery
and a fascinating talk by local silversmith George Styles.
November saw Caroline Franklin from Ramsbury giving a Poetry Reading which
proved to be both amusing and poignant with both poems relevant to Remembrance
Day.
A talk in December by a representative from R.S.P.B. concluded a successful
year of speakers for the 2008 meetings.
The monthly walks arranged by June Stroud have proved popular as have the
two book groups.
We have a Notice Board under the railway bridge where details of who to contact
can be seen.
M.W