Women's Institute

Broadmayne and West Knighton Women's Institute is a thriving branch of the nationwide women’s organisation. It was formed in 1935 and, with a break just after the war, was re-formed in 1953. It has become the largest women’s organisation in Broadmayne. There are currently 65 members and, though open to women of all ages, at present they are nearly all middle-aged or above, but a lively and friendly group.

We meet once a month on the second Thursday in the Village Hall and enjoy a varied programme of talks, demonstrations, competitions and social times with a cup of coffee and chat. Running alongside monthly meetings are opportunities to take part in county events and sporting activities such as skittles, tennis, croquet and hot-air ballooning as well as whist and scrabble tournaments. Twice a year we meet five other Institutes known as the Watercombe Group to enjoy an evening together. In our own Institute our skilful craft group has undertaken projects for charity. These include collage wall hangings and making and raffling patchwork quilts ; one of These collages can be seen in the Village Hall and its pictures represent the money-raising activities needed to build the hall. The highlights of the year are our summer outings, theatre visits and the Christmas party when a delicious meal is followed by some home-made ‘drama’ and a visit from Father Christmas. We all value the opportunities to meet in a friendly caring atmosphere and feel that WI membership is an ideal way to get to know our fellow villagers.

Margaret Mortimor