Formed in 1915, the Women's Institute was originally brought to life to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Since then the organisation's aims have broadened and the WI is now the largest voluntary women's organisation in the UK.

In 1915, the first WI meeting in Britain was held in Anglesey (Wales).  Only two years later, the National Federation of WIs, a democratic, non-party political and voluntary organisation, was formed and mainly led by women who were involved in the suffrage movement. WI members passed the first resolution in 1918, urging local authorities to take advantage of the government scheme for state-aided housing.

The WI had a great celebration of its Golden Jubilee in 1965. As President of a WI herself, Queen Elizabeth II invited her fellow members to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

In 2022 Messingham WI celebrated its 90 year anniversary, still having members who joined 50 years ago. Once a month on the first Monday, Messingham members meet in the village hall at 7pm to hear speakers, watch demonstrations and in engage in workshops. The Messingham branch comes under a wider area group the Lincolnshire and Humber Federation who also offer events and activities . Tea and coffee served   afterwards provides an opportunity to catch up with other members. Once a year before voting, members discuss the National Resolutions.

These resolutions, and the subsequent lobbying in Parliament, through the years, have resulted in major changes to the way we live and work. The WI was the organisation who first campaigned for the “Keep Britain Tidy” initiative and the Equal Pay for Equal Work legislation.

The WI was one of the several organisations who founded the Fairtrade Foundation in 1992. Members had been campaigning throughout the 1970s and 1980s for global food security and agricultural self-sufficiency in developing countries.

All Messingham members have the opportunity to attend the Christmas Dinner and go  on day trips . New members are always welcome, for an informal chat or more details contact Diane Puncheon dianepuncheon@yahoo.com or phone 07968058458

Messingham WI offered tea, coffee, cold drinks in the Event Marquee from 9am until 4pm on show day along with all 49 categories of competitions for adults and children being displayed. The 2022 competition schedule may be seen via downloading it via the link below.

Competition winner details to follow.