Shropshire Star

Philip Dunne MP: Working for you

This Wednesday marked the centenary of the first Women's Institute meeting in the UK.

Published
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne

It was held at Llanfair PG (Lla nfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrn drobwllllantysiliogogogoch to the purist!), on Anglesey, North Wales, on September 16, 1915.

The Women's Institute today remains at the heart of rural British life. Over the past century, the WI has played a vital role in bringing together local communities, encouraging volunteering and developing educational opportunities and skills for women.

Formed from the necessity to grow more food as a war-ravaged Britain struggled to cope with the devastation wrought by the First World War, the WI proved a successful formula for encouraging women to take up hobbies and develop skills.

This proud tradition continued throughout the Second World War. The WI, through a structure of branches put in place over the previous twenty years, played a crucial role in the development of the new Women's Land Army.

The WI also played a major role in the evacuation of young children from cities vulnerable to bombing. This effort began during the 'Munich crisis' in 1938 when war was looming, and while no children needed to be evacuated at that time, the forward planning would prove invaluable once war broke out.

Between 1940 and 1945, the WI produced over 5,300 tonnes of preserves, enough for a year's jam rations for more than half a million people, and ensuring no fruit went to waste.

By the end of the war, the Women's Institute had done work across the country for no less than 11 Government departments.

Timeless values of putting others before self, contributing through collaboration, practising thrift in hard times, and an infectious positive attitude even during crises, has inspired generations – and still lives on today through the continued good work of the WI.

Today, branches across the Ludlow Constituency hold regular meetings, including supper clubs, walks and educational visits, as well as raising money year round for charitable causes. These are sociable groups with lots to offer, and I encourage people across South Shropshire to consider joining.

You can find further information at www.wi-shropshire.co.uk

I understand there are more than 3,000 members of the WI in Shropshire, with 45 branches in the Ludlow Constituency. I hope these branches continue to thrive, and the legacy of the WI to life in rural British lives on for generations to come.

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