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The Women's Institute has a bit of a stigma attached to it. Perceived by some as “a bunch of old folk who just sing Jerusalem and make jam” (as one WI President put it), the Institute doesn't always get acknowledged for the valuable contribution it has made - and still continues to make - to women and society at large.

It was founded in 1897 in Ontario, Canada by Adelaide Hoodless, a mother of four who lost her youngest son at the age of fourteen months due to an intestinal infection caused by drinking contaminated milk. The tragedy saw Adelaide dedicate her life to campaigning for domestic science to be taught in schools and colleges. Her efforts led to the creation of a forum where women could meet and develop their own educational programmes.

It was some years later, in 1915, that the WI arrived in England with the aim of revitalising rural communities and encouraging women to become more involved in the production of food during the First World War.

A lot has changed for women since the foundation of the WI. The essential role they played in the First and Second World Wars resulted in the transformation of women’s status from second-class citizens who were relegated to domesticity and enjoyed only basic human rights to fully-fledged members of society who actively contribute socially, politically and economically. That’s quite an achievement when you consider it was less than a century ago (1918) that women in England won their battle for the right to vote!

Today, the WI has become the largest voluntary organisation in the UK with over 205000 members and 6500 branches – and it’s still growing. Steering clear of religious or political affiliations, the Institute aims to educate and entertain, providing the chance for women to develop new skills, partake in a broad range of activities and campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

Collingbourne Kingston was one of the first WI branches formed in Wiltshire in 1919. In those days, women could not leave the village unescorted. Today, the WI women enjoy a range of occupations and are valued members of society.

The nominal annual membership fee of £29.50 covers regular meetings and special outings hosted by experts in a variety of fields, with something to suit all interests. The Collingbourne Kingston WI has a range of exciting activities planned for the coming months, including talks about the Aldbourne Bell Foundry, conservation on Salisbury Plain, the Falkland Islands and the Mary Rose – so there’s much more to it than just making jam!

If you’d like to find how you can become more involved or to join the WI, contact Jane Crook, President of the Collingbourne Kingston Women’s Institute on: 01264 850436.