The Womens Institute branch here has been an important part of New Zealand for decades. So apparently it started in Canada, before making it's way to Great Britain. In 1919 a New Zealand woman Anna Jerome Spencer attended a craft exhibition in London. She was so impressed and investigated it with a thought of establishing it in New Zealand too.
Before the 2nd world war Anna and her friend Amy were based in Havelock North and the first meeting was held at Amy's home in January 1921 with Anna elected as president.
The first annual report of the institute provided a model for programmes until the 1990s. The movement slowly spread at first and by 1925 there were 6 institutes based in the Hawkes Bay region.
Over the years women in this organization have worked together to generate huge amounts of goods, services and funds for various causes both local and national.
These days Womens Institute groups have spread all over the country.
Linking up with Monday Murals.
13 comments:
That is a nice mural
The first WI in Britain was in Wales, on Anglesey at Llanfair P G ( that one with the long name, there for tourists!) in 1915 and the green painted wriggly tin shed is still there.
A beautiful logo.
...I love the rainbow women.
I always thought it was a NZ institution. My mother was active in it many years ago
What a great story! Lovely mural #MuralMondays
Nice logo mural for this organization. If it’s here in the US, I’ve never heard of it. We have many civic and fundraising organizations, though.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Beautiful mural for an important orginazation!
Lovely mural and interesting history.
Great organization and lovely mural too. Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Amy.
Although I am not a member of the WI, I have friends who are and they have a great time. They are always doing something or going somewhere.
I usually hate clubs and meetings but this one certainly sounds worthwhile -- and fun.
What a wonderful find!
The mural is a lovely tribute to the WI's history and the women who have contributed to it. Thanks for sharing this piece of local history, Amy.
Post a Comment