There seems to be an endless stream of major anniversaries and centenaries in this current year covering all manner of historic events and happenings in society and science.
One that has not really received much recognition and justifiable celebration is the marking of the milestone 100 years of the Women's Institute.
The organisation was quite prominent in my early years through the involvement in local branches by my Nanna, Nelly Janes. She was most active in the arranging and running of meetings and an abiding memory is, of course, whenever the WI is mentioned, an abundance of home made jam and home baked cakes.
It is however, a gross misunderstatement and injustice to stereo-type the organisation in such a way because the WI has, since its humble beginnings in Anglesey, Wales firmly staked a claim to independence and relevance through the decades and today is receiving around 1000 new enquiries about membership from a broad spectrum of women in terms of background and age.
When Prime Minister, in 2000, Tony Blair experienced a taste of the fiercely non political stance in a speech at that years National Conference in which he dared to use the opportunity as a platform for his own agenda. You could say that he was well and truly handbagged by the assembly members who heckled and jeered him for his misjudgement of his message relevant to those present.
He was aware of the power of the WI as his opening words, before his downfall, were that he had never been before such a terrifying audience.
Back to the harsh years of the First World War the idea of an organisation for women in rural areas had been adopted from a Canadian model with the emphasis on growing and preserving food to counter shortages and to give company to those whose menfolk were away on active duty.
The importance of this role was recognised by Government who through the Board of Agriculture gave subsidies to enable more local branches to be established.
Women in often remote rural areas had not had much by way of sisterhood and activities other than though local churches and so the offer of something with a difference was hugely welcomed.
As well as the trademark jam and cakes there was a strong ethical focus on taking on and championing campaigns.
In the inter war years Women's Rights were fought for including more female police personnel, pain relief in childbirth, mental health and, ahead of its time, equal pay for equal work.
This progressive thought did characterise the WI and successive decades saw a strong campaign to educate about Aids with speakers encouraging branch organisations to become blood donors and to practice safe sex.
In the 1970's the WI took on the causes of battered wives, rape in marriage and refuge accommodation for victims of domestic violence.
All of this became part and parcel of the WI who remained committed to womens fellowship, equality amongst members and furthering education in crafts and cookery. I was present at many Jumble Sales organised by my Nanna and these were often as not very interesting and entertaining events.
The image of a rather elderly, middle class and conservative membership could be no farther from the reality.
The current 250,000 strong members do not lack confidence in their lobbying power and have shown that they have had the attention of respective Governments but remain self funding and still non-political.
Yes, in the second world war the WI did produce around twelve million pounds weight of home made jam and the opening of local meetings by singing the stirring Jerusalem anthem persists but the centenary this year is truly a time for recognition and respect.
Nelly certainly got a lot out of her long and fruitful association and British Society has been the better for it. Hurrah, Three Cheers, Hip, Hip.....pass the jam and scones please.
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