The Women's Institute in Dursley

The Women's Institute in Great Britain dates all the way back to 1915 and there are now (2012) around 6600 individual groups nationwide. Dursley's group was established well before the Second World War during which time it contributed an enormous amount to the effort on the home front. Perhaps most importantly this included growing and preserving food but the members also got involved in many other activities such as caring for evacuees. The group is now part of the Gloucestershire Federation of Women's Institutes and is still going strong in the 21st century.
.

	Picture Gallery (Click on picture for larger view)

			Queen Mary visits the W.I. Queen Mary with a group from the Women's institute in Dursley during the Second World War. Pictured are: (L-R) Mrs Titheridge (partly hidden), Mrs Hands, Mrs Allen, Queen Mary. Many of the W.I. were very loyal helpers during this period. It was about this time that Mrs Titheridge became President of the WI (c1944 - courtesy David Evans and Margaret Bartlett)

			Dursley W.I. shawl parade Dursley Women's Institute perform a parade of shawls. This was probably done at Ferney. (c1939 - courtesy David Evans and Kate Workman)

			Dursley W.I. Pageant Dursley Women's Institute Mediaeval Pageant, possibly at Ferney. (c1939 - courtesy David Evans and Kate Workman)

			Jam Certificate awarded to Florence Allen This jam making certificate, dated November 2nd 1940, was awarded to Florence Allen for making about 2000 lbs of plum jam in 1939 and 1940 when there was an abundance of plums. They were allowed to sell it in the Market Place and it was also available in shops as this was just before rationing came in. (November 2nd 1940 - courtesy David Evans and Margaret Bartlett)

			Canning practice at the WI Dursley Women's Institute members try out canning, Some of those pictured are: Mrs Owen (2nd left, back), Mrs Wilson (3rd left, front), Mrs Coombe (4th left, front), Mrs Allen (6th left, front, using canner), Mrs Roache (8th left, front, President). (1940s - courtesy David Evans and Mrs Coombe)