The History of Bucks WIs The Swinging 60s
| Swinging into the 1960s |
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1960 So many WIs entered the Annual Drama Festival that an extra area festival had to be held. The final was held in May at the Grange County Secondary School in Aylesbury, where the county drama cup was awarded to Naphill WI. WIs were formed at Bourne End and Newport Pagnell. 1961 In October the Federation office moved to Stuart Lodge, Stuart Road, High Wycombe. The first and second floors were adapted to enable them to be let as a furnished flat, which, it was hoped, would provide a steady source of income. WIs were formed at Iver (evening) and Terriers (evening). 1962 A most successful Motorists’ Day, attended by 240 members, was held in October. The day was organised by the Bucks Road Accident Prevention Committee, under the chairmanship of Viscount Curzon. A distinguished Panel of motoring experts answered numerous questions from members. WIs were formed at Ashley Green, Broughton Pastures and Downley (evening). 1963 The Food for the Day Exhibition in September was outstanding in its beautifully staged display of tempting meals, and all who came remembered too the array of 124 rich fruit cakes. Forty Bucks members also entered the Australian Bake-a-Cake Competition out of a total of 198 entries. The competition was won by a member from Iver Heath. A large number of WIs worked hard for the Freedom from Hunger Campaign, and raised the magnificent sum of £3,434.10.9. The Federation produced a small cookery book called “Peel & Core” which turned out to be very popular not just in Bucks but in other counties too. A wonderful exhibit of apple cooking and preserves, using recipes from “Peel & Core” was staged at the County Show at Hartwell Park. WIs were formed at Denham Green (evening), Great Missenden (evening), Hyde Heath (evening), Longwick (evening), Newton Blossomville, Princes Risboough (evening) and St. John’s. 1964 The Handicraft Exhibition, held in Aylesbury, attracted nearly 1,000 entries, while 14 choirs and 19 drama teams took part in the Shakespeare Music and Drama Festival, also in Aylesbury. No new WIs were formed this year. 1965 This year the National Federation celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Buckinghamshire Federation held a Jubilee Rally at Cliveden on 26th June, attended by over 7,000 members. Hundreds of cups of tea were served to those attending, including the 28 bandsmen from the Ercol Silver Band. A garden party was also held in July at Hall Barn, Beaconsfield, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Burnham. 250 members enjoyed country dancing in the Ballroom and singing in the Long Parlour. HM the Queen gave a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to honour the WI movement and one lucky member from each WI was invited to attend. One WI planted 1.5 cwt.(about 76 kilos) of daffodil bulbs along the roadside. At the Autumn Council Meeting members debated what further measures should be taken to curb the recent outbreak of hooliganism, such as train wrecking, among children and young people. A Horticultural Day was held at the County Farm, Hampden Hall, when 150 members were shown around the gardens and greenhouses WIs were formed at Little Brickhill, Penn & Tylers Green (evening) and Holmer Green. 1966 A quieter year was had after the excitement of the Golden Jubilee, but there was an Art Exhibition, Dramas Festival and a Fashion Show that attracted an audience of 500 members. The garden at the County Office was made into a car park with room for 8 cars. WIs were formed at Ballinger (evening), Hazlemere (evening) and New Manor (Old Wolverton). 1967 Almost every WI supported the Associated Country Women of the World by contributing to the Pennies for Friendship scheme, and 36 WIs had links with overseas WIs and Countrywomen’s Associations. For the first time the Federation had a tent at the Bucks County Show at Hartwell House, where exhibits were staged showing different aspects of WI work. WIs were formed at Marlow Common and Great Kingshill (evening). 1968 A drama wardrobe was opened at the County Office from which members could hire costumes for drama productions. Every WI was asked to make a survey of the treasures and eyesores in its village, and a summary of these surveys was sent to the County Planning Officer. WIs were formed at Bourne End (evening), Lane End (evening) and Milton Keynes & Broughton. 1969 ‘The Brilliant and the Dark’ combined music, drama, dance and handicraft with the libretto, by Ursula Vaughan Williams, based on the lives of British women over 1,000 years – their achievements and their suffering. An Art exhibition was held at the County Museum in Aylesbury, to which 85 members sent in 147 pictures. At the five-yearly Crafts Show entries included “model rooms” from 12 WIs. This class was won by Eton Wick & Boveney WI. WIs were formed at Magna Carta (Wraysbury), Jordans, Frieth and Chesham Bois. At the end of the decade there were 191 WIs in the County with a membership of 9,279. |
A handkerchief, trimmed with Bucks lace, was sent by the Federation as a wedding gift to HRH Princess Margaret. 
Federation Chairman – Mrs. C. Williamson (photo) 
Members from Buckinghamshire took part in a specially commissioned operatic sequence by Malcolm Williamson, the premiere of which was staged at the Albert Hall on 3rd June as part of the second National Music Festival.