Welcome to Wickhambrook

The information about our W.I. has been sourced from the wisdom, memories and guidance of the members who have lived through almost the whole life of the Institute since its formation in 1926.

Wickhambrook W.I. has thrived from that day to this, providing a forum for women to meet, talk, create, argue, support and educate while enjoying themselves. Women from all walks of life contribute to the community spirit and can have a real influence on the policies of local and national governments but most of all we enjoy helping our village community and have each others friendship throughout a varied and busy year.

The changing face of the Women’s Institute nationally has been mirrored by our own Institute.

Originally meetings were held in the afternoons when less women went out to work, now it is rare to find a member who does not do or has not done a job at some point in their life giving us a wealth of knowledge and experience to tap into when necessary. Although things have changed in many ways the fundamental reason for the Institutes existence still remains that of support, friendship, education and information for all women.

The fun we have had along the way is evident in the Scrapbooks lovingly put together each year. In the past years the highlight was always the meeting held at “The Manor” the home of President Lady Briggs, who held this position for 21 years in all, quite some achievement. We still have Summer Garden Evenings there from time to time at the kind invitation of Mrs Gill Hanbury, her daughter and W.I. member of equally long standing.

Nowadays we have many excellent evenings but Carnival Day has to be the busiest when everyone helps serve teas, the profits from which enables us to maintain the W.I. Hall for the use of all village folk and beyond. We are one of the few Institutes with their own premises and a piece of the past that we want to keep so it’s worth the effort.

Another delight for members at meetings are the talks, demonstrations or visits included in last year as programme, you are never 100% sure how the evening is going to work out, we have had lots of surprises along the way from slightly tipsy speakers, absent ingredients for recipes, messy but challenging tries at different skills from hand bell ringing to line dancing. We are definitely not all Jam and Jerusalem at Wickhambrook although these to have their places at the W.I. too.

Why not come along and join us and help make the next chapter in Wickhambrook W.I.’s history with us, you’ll be made very welcome.