How we arrived here
The first Women’s Institute (WI) meeting in the UK took place in Anglesey, Wales in 1915. The UK government supported WIs as a way to increase food production during World War 1.
Very soon WIs spread throughout the UK, and became associated with the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).
Word spread that WIs were fun and not just for women living in the country and WIs spread to urban areas as well. By 1964 there were 7 million members of WIs throughout the world.
WIs were, and are, never political or religious but are strongly supportive of any campaigns to help and increase the independence of women everywhere.
Gibson WI was founded in September 1962. By November 91 members had joined! So many wanted to attend meetings on a Thursday evening children’s benches had to be used when chairs ran out.
Lots of wine tasting, fashion shows, ‘Any Questions’, parties, choir and drama groups mixed with community support activities such as providing children’s parties, Xmas stockings and visiting the local hospital kept everyone busy.
Gibson WI 