This is the fourth article in our President’s review of the committee records of Tickenham WI over the decades since our foundation in 1926. It covers the years between 1957 and 1966. They were a period of change for both Britain and the Women’s Institute movement. Post-war austerity was fading and society itself was beginning to change rapidly. Within Tickenham WI, however, many of the traditions that had shaped the Institute since the 1920s continued alongside new ideas, new campaigns and a growing awareness of national and local issues.
During these years the Institute remained at the heart of village life. Meetings, outings, birthday suppers, competitions and social evenings continued to provide friendship and entertainment, while members also became more involved in discussions about hospitals, litter, transport, public footpaths and wider national debates.
The period also included the National WI Golden Jubilee in 1965, encouraging members to reflect on both their own history and the role of the WI movement in rural communities.
Leadership and Continuity
The decade saw several changes of President, each bringing her own strengths to the role. Mrs. Ruth Plant, an architect by profession, became President in 1957. She was remembered not only for her leadership and enthusiasm but also for her wide-ranging interests and organisational ability. Her years in office were marked by energy, new ideas and a strong commitment to village and county activities.
Mrs. Hall followed in 1960 after a ballot at the Annual Meeting. Already deeply involved in village affairs through the Parish Council and Village Hall Committee, she provided continuity and practical experience. In 1963 Mrs. Dyer became President and encouraged discussions about attracting younger members and modernising aspects of the Institute. When she left temporarily for New Zealand in 1965, Mrs. Coleman stepped into the role, having already served as Treasurer and Vice-President.
Membership, Friendship and Support
Membership growth slowed during these years, reflecting national trends within the WI movement, but the Institute still remained strong and active. By 1966 there were sixty-eight paid-up members, including a significant number living in Clevedon and Nailsea who maintained their links with Tickenham.
The Institute placed great importance on friendship and mutual support. Members who were ill received flowers, fruit or visits, funded through the “Sunshine Box” collection. Weddings were marked with gifts and presentations, while the deaths of long-standing members were observed with tributes and periods of silence.
Talks, Classes and Learning New Skills
Education remained central to WI life. Meetings featured a remarkable variety of speakers and demonstrations, covering subjects as diverse as beekeeping, wine-making, architecture, meat preparation and broadcasting.
Flower arranging, embroidery, rug making, patchwork, art and millinery classes were organised or discussed during the decade. Denman College also remained important, with the Institute maintaining a bursary to encourage members to attend courses and widen their interests beyond village life.
Parties, Outings and Social Life
Birthday parties remained one of the highlights of the WI calendar. Members organised homemade suppers, raffles, games, music and entertainment, while volunteers provided cakes and decorations.
Coach outings and theatre visits were equally popular. Members toured gardens, visited historic houses, attended productions at the Bristol Hippodrome and enjoyed social evenings that strengthened friendships within the Institute.
Campaigns and Public Issues
During this decade Tickenham WI became increasingly willing to engage with wider public issues. Members discussed hospital closures, sewage pollution, litter, transport links and crime prevention, often drafting formal resolutions for county or national consideration.
Environmental concerns also became important. Members pressed for litter bins around the village, discussed refuse disposal with local authorities and worked to protect public footpaths threatened by the construction of the M5 motorway.
Fundraising and Community Service
Fundraising remained constant throughout the period. Members organised whist drives, bingo evenings, raffles, coffee mornings and treasure hunts in support of both local and national causes.
The Institute supported organisations including the British Empire Cancer Campaign, Dr Barnardo’s, World Refugee Year appeals and local hospitals. Members also volunteered practical help by serving teas and assisting community projects.
Yeo Valley Group and the Golden Jubilee
Membership of the Yeo Valley Group continued to provide opportunities for competitions, shared meetings and wider friendships between Institutes. Members strongly opposed proposals to move Tickenham into another group, reflecting the importance of long-established relationships.
Preparations for the National WI Golden Jubilee in 1965 encouraged members to gather historical records and reflect on the contribution the WI movement had made to village life since its foundation.
Conclusion
By the end of 1966 Tickenham WI remained a lively and influential part of village life. Although familiar traditions continued; birthday parties, competitions, outings and teas, the Institute was also adapting to changing times.
The decade shows a community balancing continuity with change: preserving friendship and local traditions while increasingly engaging with wider social and national issues.