The Beginning

Welcome to Great Staughton Womens' Institute website

HISTORY: The first meeting of GSWI took place on 1st August 1919. There are no records for the period from that date to the date it closed its doors on 11th January 1927.

However, on 11th March 1954 the institute was re-formed when Mrs Dorothy Peck, through her forward thinking and determination, brought together a group of local women, sharing their skills, learning new crafts, assisting in their community and, in so doing, attaching themselves to the NFWI, the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Mrs Peck signed the Rules as President, holding that office until 19th November 1973.  Officers elected at the inaugural meeting held on 30th March 1954 were, Secretary - Mrs Rees, Treasurer - Miss MacGregor, Vice President - Mrs Rees. Meetings were originally held in the Old School, the Baptist Chapel School Room, and later the Village Hall where meetings are held to this day.

Three members have retained their membership since 1968; Barbara Herdman, who served as President on two occasions totalling a service in office of 19 years, Margaret Richardson, and Sonja Forey.

TODAY: Visitors and new members are made very welcome at monthly meetings, our membership now in excess of 40. 

GSWI actively supports NFWI campaigns, most recently the closure of local libraries, and its 'More Midwives' campaign which, following a resolution on the employment of more midwives, was passed at the 2012 AGM with a 96% majority.

As a supporting WI to NFWI (Huntingdon) members assist at federation events such as the Abbots Ripton Garden Show (July 2012 again being a very successful event).  Those helping members baked cakes, serving these to the general public with drinks from the refreshments tent. 

As a group we enjoy day-trips to interesting venues throughout the year. During 2012 those trips included 'The Manor' Hemingford Grey, followed by lunch on board a boat taking in views of Huntingdonshire along the River Great Ouse.

Outside of our WI, members and their friends have, throughout 2012, knitted an abundance of tiny vests and hats for 'Fish'n'Chip Babies'; they continue to knit these and other garments for babies born into extreme poverty in Africa.  Many babies are born with HIV, or premature, and their families are so poor the babies are sent home wrapped in newspaper, hence the name 'fish'n'chip' babies.