To celebrate 110 years since the first WI was formed, Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes is showcasing a collection of archives from across the county at the Staffordshire History Centre, Eastgate Street, Stafford.
The first WI was Llanfair PG on Anglesey, which was formed in 1915 – on September 16 This date is now known as WI Day. From that very small beginning, there are now 5,000 WIs; it is the largest women’s organisation in England, Wales and The Islands.
Archives on display include Minutes of meetings, photographs, leaflets, books, banners and crafts which all give incredible insights into social history and in particular how the role of women has changed since 1915.
Helen Mancey, Chair of Staffordshire Federation, said: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at the Staffordshire History Centre and our grateful thanks go to our hosts Helen Johnson, Community Engagement and Partnerships Officer and Sarah English, Engagement and Access Manager for Archives and Heritage.”
She added: “WI membership offers the opportunity to meet other women, to make friends and to make a difference in their communities. I often think about those women who started the WI, these things were as relevant then as they are now and above all The WI remains the space to meet where we can be ourselves.”
The WI is an educational, social, non-party political and non-sectarian organisation. Members play a central role in defining policy and bring issues that matter to them onto the organisation’s national agenda through a democratic resolutions process and campaigns.
The WI’s current campaign is Bystanders can be Lifesavers and encourages everyone to learn how to react if someone appears to be in cardiac arrest.
To find out more about Staffordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes and WIs in your area, go to sfwi.org where there is a link to their Facebook page and Instagram.
The Not Just Jam & Jerusalem – 110 Years of the WI exhibition is open until November 1, 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free..
For further information on the exhibition, go to staffordshirehistorycentre.blog/not-just-jam-jerusalem-110-years-of-the-wi
