Hertingtfordbury Womens Institute

90th Birthday

In 2009, the Hertingfordbury Womens Institute celebrated its 90th birthday in style.

Here is a transcript of the press release:

90th BIRTHDAY MEETING Tuesday 27th January 2009 7.30 Mayflower Place , Hertingfordbury    

Hertingfordbury WI returns to 1919 to celebrate its 90th Birthday.  The January meeting looks back at the great women of the early twentieth century and their campaigning roles for the advancement of women before and after the Great War.  

Women’s Rights

In 1919 the W.I. was still in its infancy and to recreate our very first meeting it was considered appropriate to book speakers who in 1919 were trail blazers for women’s rights and the advancement of women.   This special meeting will be chaired by our President Dame Sylvia Norman and our speakers will be:- Viscountess Nancy Astor Lady Baden-Powell Miss Marie Stopes Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst Lady Denman   Entertainment:- The Bengeo Temperance Choir   Hertingfordbury was the 12th Institute to be formed within the County, the first being Northaw in 1917. 

WI was formed in 1915

The W.I. was formed in 1915 with two clear aims; firstly to revitalise rural communities and secondly to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. The WI attracted members from the Lady of the Manor to her housemaid and cook, from the local shop-keeper to the wife of the farm labourer.  By the end of 1919 there were 34 Institutes within the County.  

Speakers and audience will be dressed appropriately for 1919 and a lavish tea will be provided and served by a team of maids.