On Tuesday 8th October, East Markham WI hosted a free Harvest Lunch for residents as part of its vision to give back to the village, which has supported it for over 75 years. Over 70 villagers of all ages arrived at the Village Hall to find a warm welcome, tables laid, craft stalls, and a raffle in aid of the local food bank.
There was a choice of three homemade soups, served with a roll and butter. Dessert was a wide selection of homemade cakes, with a choice of tea or coffee. Diners on lunch breaks departed early, while others lingered to chat, buy raffle tickets, and visit the craft stalls. Towards the end, the raffle was drawn, and prizes collected.
President Alena thanked the guests for supporting the lunch and local councillors, some of whom were present, for their financial support of the event. There was a warm round of applause as the team of cooks, servers, and helpers were introduced. As guests left, there were many kind comments on the excellent food and service and how enjoyable the event had been. The raffle and donations for the food bank raised £230.
The monthly meeting welcomed back Paula Bell as ‘Lady Denman’ – an early pioneer of women’s rights and the WI. Dressed in 1924 costume, Lady D gave a fascinating and detailed account of her early life. She explained that her father’s greatest influence on her was that ‘he believed that a woman should have interests of her own in addition to her household duties’.
She was a lonely child – a country tomboy, her only friends the servants and her dog. At her coming out in 1902, she met Lord Denman, whom she married two years later. Moving to Australia when her husband became Governor, she hated the pomp and procedure of the role, and having to be always on her best behaviour!
She returned to England just before the start of the Great War when Lord Denman took up military duties. With a friend, Lady D collected cigarettes and tobacco for wounded soldiers arriving in London by train.
Before the war, 75% of food was imported, but hostilities with Germany halted imports, making food scarce. In 1916, the WI became a self-governing body under the guidance of the Agriculture Department, and the first local WI was set up in Wales, soon followed by others, with the aim of teaching rural women how to produce food.
Dressed as a Land Girl, Lady D toured the country recruiting women to work on the land. A firm believer in female emancipation, she felt that the actions of some militant suffragettes had delayed this, while the work done by women in the war had helped to advance it.
The WI aimed for women to have interests outside the home, freedom of thought and expression regardless of religion or government, in an organisation where all were equal, and jobs were shared in mutual respect and friendship – all principles that still apply to the WI today. Josie gave a 1924-style Vote of Thanks to ‘Lady Denman’.
WI business followed refreshments. A presentation of the funds raised by Jann’s Sponsored Glider Flight in August was made to Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid. County events were outlined with sign-up boards for a Burns Lunch and the Sheila Norris Rose Bowl Competition. Members were reminded to sign up for the December Christmas Party, where there would be a Secret Santa, and to bring a small wrapped gift costing no more than £5.00.
The meeting in November featured a Festive Floral Demonstration. In January, Jenny Bailey will talk on the History of Nottinghamshire WI and its monthly publication, The Hornblower. New members are always welcome, and visitors (fee £5.00) can join for up to three visits.
The WI wishes its members, their families, and all villagers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.