HOW THE W.I. STARTED
1897 The first WI was formed in Canada by Adelaide Hoodless, a farmers's daughter who had lost her 4th child through ignorance of basic hygiene. The first meeting was attended by 101 women at Stoney Creek, Ontario and urged that lectures and demonstrations in domestic science and home-crafts be made available to rural women.
1915 The first WI in Britain formed.
1917 The first AGM, chaired by Lady Denman who held the position as National Chair for 29 years.
First WI in Berkshire formed in Burghfield.
1919 Berkshire Federation of WIs formed.( BFWI)
1948 Denman College opened.
2007 Redlands WI formed.