Cropthorne with Charlton Women's Institute

CAROL welcomed visitors and our returning member Chris Moore before introducing the speaker John Dixon who aided by his technical expert, wife Jan, spoke about the impact of war on women and the role played by both Women’s Institute and Suffragists. The first section entitled “Fallen Women who Retrieved their Reputations” included our own Lady Denman famous as the first WI president but prior to her marriage quite a tearaway! A wonderful photo of her with long flowing hair, wearing shirt and trousers! Frances Greville, better known as Daisy, yes we sang the whole song, who founded a school of agriculture at Studley Castle to teach women rural skills; Grace Haddow also WI and responsible for the Cirencester jam factory; a Bredons Norton resident originally from America who tried to stand as president but was maligned in the press (nothing changes), she unfortunately also followed Satanism; Suffragists and suffragettes. Yes folks there is a difference but I am not giving a history lesson. He then talked of work done by women in the First World War and how this began to change their role in society. Taking us through events local and national, WI resolutions that eventually entered the statute books, the effect of the WI on politics and politicians through to the depression and World War 2. Anecdotes about family including Jan’s mother who became an engineer involved in making nose cones for torpedoes. The demonstration one we handed round was pretty heavy! John gave a fascinating talk reminding us too that the WI and a good cup of tea were great levellers, though it was not until 1961 that a non titled lady became NFWI president! Recommended reading Testament of Youth – Vera Brittain; Fighting on the Home Front – Kate Adie; A Force to be Reckoned With – Jane Robinson.