Happy Birthday Wendover Evening WI

On Friday 30 April 1971, at 7.45pm, the first meeting was held in the New Library, Wendover to consider the formation of Wendover Evening WI.

Mrs Sunley, a Voluntary County Organiser gave an interesting talk on the history of the WI Movement, which was started in 1897 in Canada by Mrs Hoodless. Later in 1915 Mrs Watt came over to England and formed the first WIs here and it was Lady Denman who did so much to bring about the inauguration of the National Federation. Mrs Sunley also explained the aims of the Movement and the ideals of Fellowship, Truth, Tolerance and Justice.

There were 29 prospective members at the first meeting and an annual fee of 50p per member was agreed. Mrs Fiona Poole was elected as the first President.

The Wendover WI was already formed and they met in the afternoon. At first they were concerned about numbers but their membership stayed the same. Eventually the Afternoon WI closed and some members joined the Wendover Evening WI.

The membership rose to 100 by the second year and has fluctuated up and down during the years but we are now on an upward spiral and have 53 members. Our annual fee is now £43 and our WI is very active and positive, even during the lockdowns. We have met on Zoom with speakers throughout the pandemic and have recently been able to start our Gardening Club, Cookery Group and Walking Group which have been outside activities. In September we will resume the Playreading Group and the Craft Group.

If you are interested in joining our WI please contact Sheila Hemmings on 07743 133963.