Church Minshull W.I. was started in August 1946 with 21 members.  Meetings were held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the School and the annual subscription was 2/6d. 

One of the standing orders was that girls over the age of 14 would be admitted!  In those early days of rationing members were required to bring their own refreshments but paid 2d. for a cup of tea.  During 1946/7 several food parcels were received from The Country Women’s Association of Murray Bridge, New South Wales, Australia. 

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ started in 1921 for the benefit of country women, to educate and to encourage them to take active roles in their local community.  It is the largest organisation for women in the country with 215,000 members in England, Wales and the Islands.

The first English female Member of Parliament was a W.I. member. Mrs Margaret Winteringham of Lindsey, Lincs, was elected MP for Louth in 1921. In 1948 Denman College in Oxfordshire was opened.  This college is available to members and runs  courses on all manner of subjects. It is now open to non-members accompanied by a member.  The ideals of the movement are truth, justice, tolerance and fellowship.

The first president was  Miss Amelia Brereton – post mistress, Secretary Miss Upsom  
(a local headmistress) and Miss Kathleen Steele was appointed treasurer.

A note in the minute book records the cancellation of a meeting in 1947 because there was no electricity available.  At that time electricity was generated by dynamos driven by the water mill which was no longer in use for grinding grain.  Mrs Billinge, who lived at Mill House, controlled the supply from the Mill to the Village. In May of that year, it was agreed to raise £10 over the course of the year to help fund the building of a Village Hall.

The meetings moved to the Village Hall in 1963 when the new Hall was opened.

Membership today is around the 30 mark, meeting on the first Tuesday of the month (except January) starting at 7.30 pm, new members and visitors are always welcome.  

A range of activities take place including walking, theatre visits and speakers on a wide variety of subject. Recently computer training courses were held. A produce and craft show takes place every 18 months in May and  the December meeting is a dinner for members and guests. 

The W.I. plays a significant  part in the social life of many villagers.

6th November 2007 - An AGM with a difference is putting it mildly!

Firstly, the Treasurer (Christine Elsby) was able to report a most pleasing turnaround in the Institutes finances, with a healthy year-end balance.

Secondly, the Hon. Secretary (Jackie MacKay), reported on a large number of events which the Institute had organised during the year, ranging from educational, science, gardens, instructional, Village fete, walking and boating. There was something to interest every member and guest.

Finally, the President Pat Fletcher (who has led the Institute’s revival from the front), took the floor. Then followed a “World First” of a W.I. President’s annual report being delivered by The President, Song- and- Dance –Rapper-style!! Finally Pat introduced a slide show of photographs of the years’ events set to music which she had prepared. This reminded members just how many enjoyable times there had been in the last 12 months ( and the surprising number of sunny days!)

The meeting finished by electing a full committee of ten and recording that three new members had recently joined. The whole meeting applauded President Pat and all officers and members who had helped during the year

These initiatives have all been funded by an “Awards for All” Lottery grant.

2008 Programme of events

5th Feb - Games Evening

4th March - "Seven Ways to Ease the Inheritance Tax Burden" - Ms Donna Eland

1st April - "History Roots" - Mrs Jean Williams

6th May - Resolutions - Hanging Baskets

3rd June - "Pies, Prose and Poetry"

1st July - Treasure Hunt on foot

5th Aug - "Drovers Routes of Wales" - Mr Idris Evans

2nd Sept - Birthday Ceilidh - Caller Joan Coffin

7th Oct - "Pot Luck" - Mrs L Mogg

4th Nov - AGM " A Surprise"

2nd Dec - Christmas Party

Contacts

        E-mail: cfwi@wi-cheshire.org.uk   website: www.wi-cheshire.org.uk

Office Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs 10am – 4pm      Friday 10am -1pm.         

 Regular social activities are held, including walks in and around the village and surrounding area, visits to theatres and places of interest.  Members have the opportunity to attend classes at the WI College – Denman College at Marcham, Oxfordshire.

Meetings with other Institutes take place twice a year when noteworthy speakers are engaged.  Many events are organised by the County Federation in which members are invited to participate.