Ash next Ridley W.I. banner
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The Women’s Institute movement is based on the
spiritual ideals of fellowship, truth, tolerance and justice. All
countrywomen are eligible for membership, no matter what their views
on religion or politics may be. The movement is non-sectarian and
non-party political.
The main purpose of the Institute is to improve and
develop conditions of rural life by providing a centre for educational
and social intercourse and activities.
A Women’s Institute was first formed in Ash by the
effort of Miss Wright, then the schoolmistress. It was formed by Miss
Adams, of the West Kent Executive Committee on October 31st
1919 when the rules were signed, and it was placed in Rochester
District. The Officers appointed were as follows:-
President – Miss Wright, School
House, Ash
Treasurer – Mrs Patterson, Manor
House, Ash
Secretary – Mrs George Day, North Ash
Farm
In 1922 it was transferred to the Wrotham District. In
1924 the Institute closed down, but was reformed in December 1933 by
Miss Gurney Fox of the West Kent Executive, and was placed in the
Swanley District, the Officers being:-
President – Mrs Foa, Holywell Park
Treasurer – Miss Poole, ‘Home Cot’,
Hartley
Secretary – Mrs Ralph, ‘Violet
Cottage’, Hodsoll Street.
The first meeting was held on January 11th
1934 and 34 members were present. By the end of the year the
membership had risen to 53. Several either dropped out or left the
neighbourhood and by 1939 the membership had dropped to 35. Then it
gradually rose, and in 1957 there are again over 50 members. There is
only one founder member left and she is Mrs Storer , ‘Hazlewood’,
Billet Hill, Ash. |