The History of Adbaston Women's Institute

by Jo Till, Barbara Lowe, Gill Smith .

(with additions by Christine Jay)

"Social time" was an important part of the early meetings, when dancing, games or a whist drive were popular, The Christmas Parties were very happy occasions for many years when half the members did the catering  (including homemade jellies and homemade lemonade, no alcohol!) while the other half arranged the entertainment: Husbands and families were invited and a good time was had by all. Tickets were much sought after for the highlight of the social calendar and 150 people were known to attend. One year the three sons of the President Mrs Watson-Jones gave a rendering of the Beverley Sisters which had the audience rocking with laughter. (This is still talked about today) Initially the August meetiings were held at Wood Farm, the home of the President Mrs Ball. In 1933 the minutes described how, after the business was completed, "Members enjoyed fun and frolics in the dingle" - an evocative picture of members enjoying social time. In recent years social time has given way to chats between members and they now prefer to go out for a Christmas meal - Social patterns have changed alot since the 1920's and 1930's. However in 2003 when Adbaston Institute celebrated its 75th Anniversary members prepared and excellent meal and the Committee provided 'An Entertainment'. The latter was not only thought provoking but also revealed some unexpected hidden talents.

In 1930 a drama section was formed and won  a 1st Class certifcate in Stafford in 1931 with its performance of 'Aunt Maria's Wireless'. The group flourished for many years and was asked to entertain other Institutes and Group meetings.

In 1947 two Adbaston members, Mrs Burtt and Mrs Newell worked on the WI tapestry depicting the work of 'Women in the War'. The leader of the Staffordshire Group was Mrs Burtt who trained the team working on the Staffordshire section.

Craft and Cookery skills have always been encouraged and members soon began to enter local handicraft and produce shows. They have had many successes in their history. In October 1948 Adbaston W.I. had the highest number of points in the Produce Section at an Exhibition in Stafford. In 1960 their entry for a 'May Day Feast' won 2nd prize at the County Show, while more recently Adbaston were the first Institute to win the 'Helen Clayton Trophy'. In 1995 they won the 'Garden Festival Trophy for poetry and the 'Rosemary Palmer trophy for 3D Decoupage. For many years a sewing group has met monthly and has produced some beautiful work.

Members have always taken an active part in local affairs. In the late 1940's they were discussing the problems of rural housing when a village questionnaire showed that water sewage and electricity were the first priorities. In 1970 the Institue commemorated Conservation Year by planting flowering trees in the village and in 1977 and 1983 it bought seats to put outside the bungalows for the elderley in their community. They have also campaigned  to improve local bus services, to keep the village school open, to provide a playing field for Adbaston children and to stop the closure of Newport Cottage Hospital.

In the early 1980's some members contributed to the recording of inscriptions on munuments and tombstones in the village churchyard, while others were involved in the BBC's Domesday Survey of 1985 - stored at the Public Record Office in London.

Mrs Lucy Norton recalled that the Institute used to keep a pig at her parent's home, but she was unable to recall what happened to it.

Adbaston WI and Broughton WI have had a close association as Link Institutes and in 1974 introduced a joint meeting in May to discuss and vote uponthe Resolutions.

During our 75th year we made a visit to Highgrove by kind invitation of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

As an organisation Adbaston WI has enriched the lives of members for 78 years. The benefits included social evenings, increased confidence and the development of skills.