"I never cease to marvel at the sheet scope and power of the Women's Institute.  In the space of a single meeting threy can span the globe and be back in the kitchen for tea.  Take the great world issues occupying the ladies' minds before the National AGM.  It is wonderful to read how, at Woodditton, for example, WI members had a serious and well informed discussion about alleviating loneliness here in England and oceanic pollution throughout the world.
That done, they turned their attention to a competition for three almond biscuits.  I swear there is no other organisation in the world that can rival the WI for combining global awareness with precious homeliness.  They could teach politicians a thing or two."
John Bone, Newmarket Journal, May 18th 2017.

Excerpts from the Newspapers

March 4 1965, Newmarket Journal.  Presentation by Mrs Binns to Mrs Piper, president for 20 years, who was leaving the WI on her husband's retirement.

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April 3 1975, Newmarket Journal. A visit to the Houses of Parliament, guests of the Cambridge Member of Parliament.

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Wood Ditton and Saxon Street's own birthday parties.

50th Birthday celebrations:present are Christine Scotchmere, Beryl Woollard, Freda Swan, Gertie Wright, Glynis Kinsey, Jessie Dean and Enid Jolly.

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60th Birthday photograph depicting Beryl Woollard one of the founding members.

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70th Birthday party showing: -, Shelia Bailey, Freda Swan, Pam Willson, Enid Jolly, Brenda Marks and Beryl Woollard seated.

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The Shindig organised by The Reindeer to raise money for the over 60's Christmas party.

July 1985, present: Beryl Woollard, Enid Jolly, Brenda Marks, Daphne Potter and Pam Willson.

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July 1986

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July 1987

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Darts Competition

CFWI Tournement 1989 winners.  Present: Betty Dean, Daphne Potter, Pam Willson and Enid Jolly.

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NFWI Competition 1990 winners.  Present: Enid Jolly, Betty Dean, Daphne Potter and Pam Willson.

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Darts final 1998.  Present: Enid Jolly, Betty Dean, Daphne Potter and Pam Willson.

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Christmas Parties

1975 reported in the Newmarket Journal.   The group's 36th party at the Three Blackbirds

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1997 celebrated at The New Wellington.

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2016 Christmas party at The New Wellington

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Kirtling Show

1991

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1993

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2011

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Spreading the word

October 1999, refreshment duty at the Rumanian Fayre.  Present: Freda Swan, Betty Woollard and Pam Willson.

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October 2001,Quy Country Fair, Brenda Marks and Jean Coxall

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June 2010, Woodditton Fete, Fran Saltmarsh, Betty Woollard in the front.  Behind Liz Holhouse and Brenda marks.  Back, Ann Flewitt and right Sandie Harris and Shelia Bailey in front.

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​Hand bell ringers
​Pictured are Daphne Potter, Pam Willson, Jill Steggles, Shirley Daines, Veronica Aspland and Ann Flewitt.
"The WD Hand-bell Ringers performed their version of carols at Newmarket Local History Society's Annual Christmas meeting on 15th December. It was a very seasonable offering that was well received by the audience." 
Best wishes,  Rodney Vincent

Our entry for the Fenland Fair 2016  the theme 
A Nursery Rhyme