The Start (1920s)

The 1920s and the start of the WI in Buckinghamshire

1920
Buckinghamshire Federation was formed on 21st May 1920. The first meeting took place three weeks later at the Judges’ Lodging in Aylesbury. The first Federation Chairman was Mrs. Wesley Taylor and the Federation President was The Lady Susan Trueman. The first Federation office was in the home of the Secretary, Mrs. Woodgate, at 749 London Road, High Wycombe.

The annual subscription was 2 shillings (equivalent to about £4.50 in 2020).

Hyde Heath WI went on an outing to Clacton in a magnificent "char-à-banc" (an early motor coach, or even a horse drawn coach). Photo from BFWI Archives.

WIs were formed at Bledlow, Bradenham, Brill, Denham, Ickford, Milton Keynes & Broughton and Stone with Hartwell.

1921
A fete and produce show was organised and attended by 27 WIs.

WIs were formed at Chenies, Fulmer, George Green, Great Missenden, Lane End, Linslade, Marsh Gibbon, Bradbury, Hedgerley and Quainton.

1922
A resolution was moved at the Annual Council Meeting deploring the fact that women police had been disbanded after their usefulness during the war. A grand rally and pageant was held in Market Square, Aylesbury on Tuesday 27th June. The Square was cleared of traffic. The Mayor welcomed and congratulated the members on a very fine procession – decorated lorries had processed from Walton Pond, up Walton Street and into the Square. The procession was followed by entertainments in the Town Hall and tea in the market next door. A newspaper report stated, “…..the inhabitants, frankly, were surprised!”

WIs were formed at Chalfont St. Peter, Dinton, Farnham Common, Great Horwood, Haddenham, Monks Risborough, Naphill, Westbury and Winslow.

1923
WIs were formed at Ballinger, Bovingdon Green, Cuddington, Great Hampden, Medmenham, Swanbourne, Whitchurch and Wing.

1924
Federation Chairman – Mrs. Marion Disraeli who was the wife of Benjamin Disraeli’s nephew Conningsby
Federation President – The Lady Susan Trueman

Mrs. Disraeli and the Federation Secretary, Mrs. Ada Woodgate, signed the Constitution and Rules of the Federation.

WIs were formed at Cublington, Downley, Farnham Royal, Great & Little Linford, Haversham, Langley, Loosley Row & Lacey Green, Loudwater, Prestwood, Sands, Waddesdon, West Wycombe and Whelpley Hill.

1925
A copper urn made by Messrs Fattorini, makers of the WI badge, was presented to Haversham & Little Linford WI in 1925. Urns or gifts to the equivalent value were given by "Home & Country" to mark the fact that the WI had 100% of its members taking the magazine.
Lady Denman presented the urns at the AGM and 1925 was the last year in which they were awarded. In all 11 urns were awarded between 1923 and 1925.

WIs were formed at Bierton & Hulcott, Flackwell Heath, Hanslope, Iver Heath, Kimble, Seer Green, The Claydons (East, Middle and St. Botolph), Water Eaton and Wingrave & Rowsham.

1926
A Grand Tudor Fair was held at Bradenham Manor; with the first of the Federation’s Elizabethan pageants representing an occasion when the Queen was received at Bradenham by its owner, Edward, Lord Windsor. Every member attending wore a costume of a past period.

WIs were formed at Chilton, Great Kingshill, Great & Little Brickhill, Horn Hill, Little Marlow & Bourne End, Longwick, Mentmore, Penn & Tylers Green, Speen, Stoke Mandeville, Taplow & Hitcham, Terriers & Totteridge and Tingewick.

1927
WIs were formed at Brayfield & Newton, Cheddington, Grendon Underwood, North Marston and Radnage.

1928
WIs were formed at Edlesborough and Shalstone.

1929
The first Federation Drama Festival was held.

WIs were formed at Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Hazlemere, Shenley, Weston Turville and Wraysbury.

At the end of the decade there were 93 Women’s Institutes in Buckinghamshire.

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