At a recent informal gathering
an older lady, a former village schoolteacher,
came in to the village hall
hauling an enormous shopping trolley behind her.
We knew it must contain something interesting
because it had taken a lot of effort to drag it there
and
she only lives next-door-but-one to the hall.
A large and unwieldy bundle of white sheeting was extracted
and laid gently on the tables...
...carefully unfolded
to reveal a large pure wool tablecloth
which has been embroidered with the names of all
the past Presidents of our village branch of
the Women's Institute.
The branch was formed in 1920
and
was extremely well supported for many years.
That support gradually dwindled
and
in 1998 the village branch was closed.
The corners have some white embroidery motifs which really lift the piece.
It's a really excellent piece of village history
of which
the woman with the trolley (a former President, for many years)
has been guardian
since the branch was disbanded.
She feels that as it is a piece of village/WI/village hall history,
it should be out on display,
for the village
and
not left hidden in her wardrobe.
We all agreed.
I emailed the chairman of the Village Hall Committee
and he also agreed.
It will be displayed on a wall
for all to see and enjoy.
Such a shame that there is even less support for village hall activities
than there was when the local WI was disbanded.
Even the village hall committee has diminished in numbers
people are dropping out like flies,
and
others are reluctant to join in.
Signs of the times.
ps I like the fact that one of those former presidents lived in this house,
many years before we bought the place.
an older lady, a former village schoolteacher,
came in to the village hall
hauling an enormous shopping trolley behind her.
We knew it must contain something interesting
because it had taken a lot of effort to drag it there
and
she only lives next-door-but-one to the hall.
A large and unwieldy bundle of white sheeting was extracted
and laid gently on the tables...
...carefully unfolded
to reveal a large pure wool tablecloth
which has been embroidered with the names of all
the past Presidents of our village branch of
the Women's Institute.
The branch was formed in 1920
and
was extremely well supported for many years.
That support gradually dwindled
and
in 1998 the village branch was closed.
The corners have some white embroidery motifs which really lift the piece.
It's a really excellent piece of village history
of which
the woman with the trolley (a former President, for many years)
has been guardian
since the branch was disbanded.
She feels that as it is a piece of village/WI/village hall history,
it should be out on display,
for the village
and
not left hidden in her wardrobe.
We all agreed.
I emailed the chairman of the Village Hall Committee
and he also agreed.
It will be displayed on a wall
for all to see and enjoy.
Such a shame that there is even less support for village hall activities
than there was when the local WI was disbanded.
Even the village hall committee has diminished in numbers
people are dropping out like flies,
and
others are reluctant to join in.
Signs of the times.
ps I like the fact that one of those former presidents lived in this house,
many years before we bought the place.
It is sad to hear of WI's closing in villages but to make up for it new WIs in towns are flourishing. I suppose it's because new affordable ( or slightly more affordable!)housing estates tend to be built on the edge of towns and younger people have to move away from villages.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tiny village with mainly middle-aged and older people, Sue. We have just a smattering of young families. People just don't seem to want to commit themselves to doing anything for the community and soon the few things we have managed to keep going for the village are likely to grind to a halt, as the older ones fall off the perch!
DeleteWhat a wonderful piece of local history!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose there is money, to display it under glass/plastic, to help preserve its cleanliness.... And will it be able to be placed on a wall, where the least sun, will shine in, to fade it?
And think of those nice spirits, who may come back at times, to visit your present home...
Delightful post.
Oh, and what did this group do, when it was functioning?
ReplyDeleteWe are very fortunate to have such a lovely thing, Luna. Don't worry, every possible measure will be taken to ensure that it is protected.
DeleteThe Women's Institute helped to encourage women in rural communities to help with food production. Of course since then it has broadened its scope and encourages women to take part in a wide variety of activities, educates and informs, assists with campaigns and is very highly regarded.
I'll get our ex-president to talk about her time with the WI, let you know about some of their exploits.