Memories of Milton WI during the Second World War

Recently, we were asked whether any members had any memories to share about the WI's activities during the years of the Second World War.  This was to contribute to a book being written by Julie Summers, who is an author, broadcaster and historian; you can see her website and details of her other interesting-sounding books here:  www.juliesummers.co.uk.

Our President, Gill and Secretary, Bridget, collated information from the archive material held by Past President, Mary Daniels and this has now been forwarded to Julie for her consideration.

We felt that the following memories were very interesting and reflect the times quite graphically. Please also see the very moving poem, written by Mr F J Harding, a Lay Preacher from the nearby village of Waterbeach.  

Recollections of the WI during World War II

Milton Women’s Institute, Cambridge Federation of WI's

Our most senior and longest serving member of the WI, Mary Daniels, who celebrated her 90^th birthday on St George’s Day this year, has kept records of events and notes of her memories of the Milton WI since it was founded and held its first meeting in December 1925.  The following are extracts for the years of the Second World War and were included in a speech to the Golden Jubilee celebratory meeting on 29 November 1975, by Mrs Blackmore, the then President.

She told the assembled WI Members how members were “commandeered” by troops to a meeting in “Mrs Halls’ Granary” and how the WI’s motto during those years was:

“Say little, serve all, pass on. 

This is the true greatness –

to serve unnoticed and work unseen”

It seems they truly took this motto to heart and did many things over the war years to support their own community and people further afield, indeed across the world.

In April of 1940, the WI had a talk from the Electricity Company, a Talk on Wartime Cookery and they applied for sugar to make jam.  The jam was sold to make money for Red Cross and Comfort Funds.

In July 1940, the members were asked to bring aluminium utensils for use of the Government.  And a meeting was arranged to learn how to use a stirrup pump.

In January 1941, a party was held for evacuee children.

Later in 1941, in November, the WI annual subscription was increased to 2/6d; not sure how much that would be in today’s currency, but the increase does not appear to have diminished the continued work and contributions of the members. In 1943, activities included a Rural Pie Scheme and knitting was done for the Russians.

It seems that much money was raised during the war for the Red Cross and the Aid to Russia Fund, including the jam making and knitting mentioned above;  parcels were also made up for members of the Forces and £59 16s 6d  was raised for the YWCA – this was enough to furnish a 4 bedded room at the Hostel!

A popular game played at meetings, which helped raise finance for various funds, was “Sing, Say or Pay” – the records don’t leave us the rules of the game but I think we can have a good guess. 

A lovely poem was written after the war in November 1945, in tribute to Milton Women’s Institute, by Mr F J Harding, a lay preacher from Waterbeach.  The date suggests that might have been to commemorate its 20^th anniversary and it is rather touching that Mr Harding felt moved to write about the contribution of WI members during the war years.  Apart from reminding us of the names of some of those organising and running those activities, it is also a reminder of the spirit which held members together during those times.   

 Milton Women's Institute

4 May 2011

“A Tribute to The Women’s Institute” by F J Harding 20/11/45

May I a mere spectator

A humble tribute pay

To the members of your Institute

And the really splendid way

You have stood and worked together

Through these bitter days of war

When hope had almost vanished

And fainting hearts were sore.

When we saw our cities shattered

And we passed each night in dread

As hostile aircraft frequently

Were droning overhead

And we of times stood & wondered

If Britain could survive

And yet in spite of all, you kept

Your Institute alive

When your late President was called

That better land to share

You elected Mrs Lander

To occupy the chair

And to give you loving service

In her constant joy & pride

And you able secretary

Mrs Wayman at her side

And we think of Mrs Burling

Who exacts no more or less

And the stalwart Mrs Missing

Correspondent to the Press

And your businesslike Committee

With your faithful members too

By your true co-operation

You have proved what you can do.

You have thought about our brothers

In the Air, on land, or foam

And you have carried out you motto

“For Country & for Home”

And this firm bond of fellowship

We trust may never cease

And we wish you every happiness

In these brighter days of peace.