The 1930s and the Fight for Mobile Trained Policewomen
1930
The Federation office was at 8 High Street, High Wycombe.
WIs were formed at Buckland Drayton, Turville, Turweston and Wendover.
1931
Federation Chairman – Mrs. Ada Bennet (Ada Woodgate had been Federation Secretary since 1920, she became Mrs. Ada Bennet and was elected Federation Chairman, but sadly died in November 1931).
Federation President – The Lady Susan Trueman
A WI was formed at Ibstone.
1932
Federation Chairman – Mrs. Slade
Federation President – The Lady Susan Trueman
A resolution was passed pressing for the appointment of trained mobile policewomen for Buckinghamshire and was followed up in every way possible. In May a deputation attended a meeting that was held in the House of Commons and a further resolution was passed at a Federation Council Meeting in November.
A handicraft exhibition was held in Buckingham in October. Over 1,800 entries were received from 62 WIs, and nearly 3,000 people visited the exhibition.
163 members joined the Guild of Learners, set up by the National Federation in 1920 to regain the practice of home handicrafts with a view to restore the best traditions of English workmanship and to assist in bringing the best instruction in handicrafts within the reach of villages.
|
1933
A County Cookery Book was produced with 500 recipes being chosen from nearly 900 sent in from the WIs. Over 2,000 copies were sold in 6 months, and copies sent to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States.
The resolution passed in 1932, pressing for the appointment of a trained mobile policewoman for Buckinghamshire continued to be worked on. In January the Standing Joint Committee of the Buckinghamshire County Council received a joint deputation of women’s organisations in the County. Although they were not given a very sympathetic hearing, so much support was received in other quarters that there was every hope of ultimate success.
The resolution passed in 1932, pressing for the appointment of a trained mobile policewoman for Buckinghamshire continued to be worked on. In January the Standing Joint Committee of the Buckinghamshire County Council received a joint deputation of women’s organisations in the County. Although they were not given a very sympathetic hearing, so much support was received in other quarters that there was every hope of ultimate success.

Someone who supported the Federation's attempts to obtain women police in Buckinghamshire was Viscountess Astor, the first Woman MP to take up her seat. A rally was held at Cliveden in June and in her speech of welcome to over 2,000 WI members Lady Astor spoke at length about the need for women police and of the stand The Lady Susan Trueman had made in the matter. The Federation banner led a parade of 60 WI banners past the platform where Lady Astor, The Lady Susan Trueman, Mrs Slade and Mrs Roosevelt, the mother of the American President, were sitting.
1933
The first Federation monthly newsletter was sent out to members. It was printed on green paper and became known as "The Green Letter".
WIs were formed at Eton Wick & Boveney, Chalfont St. Giles, Walton and Weston Underwood.
1934
A joint Drama Festival was held with the Buckinghamshire Rural Community Council; area festivals were held in Bletchley, Monks Risborough, Beaconsfield and Prestwood with the final being held at Prestwood.
WI formed at Barton & Chetwood.
1935
The Federation mourned the death of The Lady Susan Trueman - a fund was set up in her memory from WI contributions to provide free lectures for WIs thought to be "in special need of them".
Lady Cottesloe opened the County Handicrafts Exhibition held in the Town Hall, High Wycombe, on June 14th. Two thousand items were entered and 80 exhibits were chosen from which to select the entries to be sent to the National Federation’s Exhibition in London. A second Drama Festival was held with 22 WIs taking part. The first Federation calendar was produced and made £25 (worth around £1,790 in 2021).
WIs were formed at Cholesbury cum Bellington & St. Leonards, Newton Longville, Skirmett and Weedon.
1936
Federation Chairman – Mrs. Skimming
Federation President – Mrs. Slade
Drama Festivals were held in March with the addition of a class for Towns Women’s Guilds.
WI formed at Whaddon with Nash.
1937
|