Brick Text

Book Text (1987)

Abridge
Alresford
Ashdon
Ashingdon
Barnston
Black Notley
Blackmore
Bocking
Boreham
Bradfield
Broomfield
Bulmer & District
Bulphan
Burnham on Crouch
Buttsbury
Canewdon
Castle Hedingham
Chadwell St Mary
Chalvedon Pitsea
Chappel & Wakes Colne
Chigwell
Clacton on Sea
Colchester Centre
Colne Engaine
Doddinghurst
Dolphin
Dovercourt
Downham
Engains
Erdelega Ardleigh
Eves Corner
Farnham
Feering
Fobbing & Corringham
Freshwater Heybridge
Friars Grove
Gosfield
Great & Little Horkesley
Great Bentley
Great Bromley
Gunfleet
Hainault Forest
Harlow
Hastingwood
Hatfield Peverel
Helions
Henham
Heybridge & Langford
High Easter
Highcliffe
Homestead
Kingsbridge
Kingswood Basildon
Langdon Hills
Langham
Lawford
Leigh Evening
Lexden
Linford
Little Clacton
Lower Nazeing
Maeldon
Maplin
Matching
Melbourne Park
Newport
Noak Hill
North Benfleet
North Ockendon
North Springfield
North Weald
Paglesham
Peldon, Wigborough & Abberton
Purfleet
Radwinter
Rayleigh
Rettendon
Ridgewell
Rosebay
Roxwell
Sheering
Shoebury Village
Sible Hedingham
South Benfleet
Southminster
Stambridge
Terling & Fairstead
Terling Evening
Thorpe le Soken
Thorrington
Thundersley
Thundersley Village
Toothill
Toppesfield & Gainsford End
Walton on the Naze
Wendens Ambo
West Bergholt
West Tilbury
White Notley & Faulkbourne
Witham
Writtle Evening

Brick Text

Book Text (1987)

Aldham
Arkesden
Belchamp St Paul
Bentley
Birch & Layer Breton
Boxted
Bradwell on Sea
Briscoe (Pitsea)
Canvey Island
Chigwell Row
Coggeshall
Dunmow
East Hanningfield
Eight Ash Green
Elmstead
Elsenham
Felsted
Fingringhoe
Fordham
Frietuna
Fryerns
Fyfield & District
Galleywood
Gibson (Saffron Walden)
Good Easter
Great & Little Leighs
Great Baddow
Great Canfield
Great Clacton
Great Wakering
Great Wakering Evening
Greenstead Green
Hadfelda
Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh Evening
Hadstock
Halstead
Harold Wood Evening
Hatfield Broad Oak
Hatfield Heath
Hawkwell Hacheuuella
Henny & Middleton
High Garrett
High Roding & Great Canfield
Hockley
Holland on Sea
Horkesley Evening
Horndon on the Hill
Hutton
Kelvedon
Lambourne
Layer de la Haye
Leigh Afternoon
Little Warley & Childerditch
Littlebury Green
Loughton Valley
Mistley
Moulsham Lodge
Mount Rayleigh
Mundon
Ongar
Orchard Springs
Orsett
Paycockes
Priory Heath
Purleigh
Ramsden Bellhouse
Rayleigh Mill
Riverside
Roach Evening
Rochford
Roding Valley
Roydon
Sandon
Sewardstone
Shenfield & Hutton Morning
Shenfield Afternoon
Shenfield Green
South Woodham
St Osyth
Stebbing
Stock
Stock Harvard
The Maplesteads
Thorndon
Thorrington Evening
Three Stones
Tile Kiln
Tillingham
Tolleshunt D’Arcy
Ugley
Upminster & Cranham
Upper Nazeing
West Horndon
Wicken Bonhunt & Clavering
Wickham Bishops & Great Totham
Wickham St Paul, Twinstead Gestingthorpe
Widford
Woodham Ferrers
Wrabness
Yeldham & District

Brick Text

Book Text (1987)

Althorne
Aveley
Baddow Hall
Barling & Little Wakering
Bassett
Berechurch
Billericay
Birdbrook
Bishops Hall Park
Brightlingsea
Brook Street (South Weald)
Buckhurst Hill
Chignals & Mashbury
Chingford
Claremont
Cold Norton & Stow Maries
Coopersale
Copford
Cranham Engayne
Crays Hill
Cutlers
Danbury
Debden & Debden Green
Dedham
De-Vere Earls Colne
Earls Colne
Eastons & Tilty
Epping
Fiddlers Hamlet
Finchingfield & Cornish Hall End
Fox Hatch
Frinton on Sea
Fryerning
Goldhanger, Little Totham & Tolleshunt Major
Grange Hill
Great & Little Bardfield
Great & Little Sampford
Great Hallingbury
Great Holland
Great Tey
Great Totham
Great Warley
Hadleigh Afternoon
Hall Green Hutton
Harold Park
Harold Wood
Holland Haven
Home Farm
Kingston Thundersley
Kirby le Soken
Knightswick
Langley
Leaden Roding Evening
Little Baddow
Little Burstead
Little Hallingbury
Little Walden
Little Waltham Evening
Loughton
Magdalen Wood
Maldon Centre
Manuden
Marks Tey
Mayland
Mile End
Millwood
Moreton
Navestock
Nelmes
Nevendon and Vange
Oglethorpe
Old Heath
Perryfields
Plantation
Ramsdale
Rayne
Rowhedge
Runwell
Saffron Walden
Sewards End
Shalford
Shrub End Colchester
Sible Hedingham Evening
Silver End
South Green
South Hanningfield
Springfield
St Lawrence Bay
Stambourne
Stansted Afternoon
Stansted Evening
Stanway
Steeple Bumpstead
Stifford
Stisted
Stondon Massey
Takeley
Tendring
The Strood
Theydon Bois
Tollesbury
Walthambury
Weeley
West Mersea
Wickford
Widdington
Willingale
Wivenhoe
Woodford Green
Wormingford
Writtle Afternoon

Brick Text

Book Text (1987)

Ashingdon Village
Audley End
Balkerne Gardens
Beaulieu Belles
Berden
Brentwood Centre
Brentwood Homestead
Chafford Hundred
Chelmer Village
Chelmsford Centre
Church Langley
Cinque Port Brightlingsea
Colchester South
Dagenham Dames
Earls Colne
East Edge Sisters
East Ham
Ferndale
Finchley
First Ladies Barking & Dagenham
Forest Gate
Foulness Island
Furtherwick
Great Notley
Great Notley
Great Oakley
Great Waltham
Guildhall Girls
Hackney Wicked Women
Harlowbury Old Harlow
Harringay
Hartswood
Hockley Hawkwell
Hockley Village
Hornchurch Harmonies
Kelvedon Hatch
Maldon Wycke
Manor House Laindon
Marconi Belles
Mardyke
Margaretting
Millbank
N1 Islington
New City Girls
Newlands Spring
North Stifford
Pyghtle
Rayleigh Mount Evening
Rickling & Quendon
RM1
Roydon Village
Saffron Walden Afternoon
Southchurch Park
Southchurch Village & Friends
Southend Central
Southend Sisters
The Alexandra
The Brentwood Belles
The Resevoir Rebels
The WIGs
Tiptree
Tiptree Priory Heath
Tolleshunt Knights
Tye Green & Cressing
W.I.N.Gs
Waltham Abbey Warrior
Wanstead
Wendens Ambo with Littlebury Green
West Hanningfield
Westcliff on Sea
Wethersfield & Blackmore End
WI L8 (Frinton)
Wickham St Pauls
WINK
Witham
Witham Diamonds

Book Text (1987)

Roothings Group. As Abbess & White Roding this institute was originally formed in 1925 and suspended in 1943. In 1950 it was re-formed as White Roding, and during this period produced a village history which is now in the County Archives. It was reformed in 1980 as Abbess & White Roothing WI.

Book Text (1987)

Roothings Group. As Abbess & White Roding this institute was originally formed in 1925 and suspended in 1943. In 1950 it was re-formed as White Roding, and during this period produced a village history which is now in the County Archives. It was reformed in 1980 as Abbess & White Roothing WI.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Forest Group. Abridge WI celebrates its diamond jubilee in 1986. In King John’s day, the village was a small settlement at the old river crossing on the road from Epping to Romford, known as “Aeffa’s Bridge”. Now the busy Ongar to London motor traffic zig-zags through.

Brick Text

The simple cross stitch design portrays aspects of Aldham and its WI. The Church of St Margaret and St Catherine’s is in the centre of the village. It was moved brick by brick from its original site to its present position. Bows and Bells signify the “Bows and Bells” ladies clog dancing team who danced at the WI County Show 1990 and 1991. The embroidery frame and knitting signify the creative talent of the Aldham WI members who hold regular craft mornings and enter a variety of competitions.

Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. The second youngest institute in the Group is Aldham WI, formed in 1968. The busy A604 road runs through the village, but the church and village hall are half a mile away in peaceful countryside. This WI submitted a film called “Autumn in Aldham” to the “Green and Pleasant Land” exhibition at Earls Court in 1970.

Book Text (1987)

Castle Group. This area specialises in WIs with long names. This one was formed in 1919, Pebmarsh having joined them thirteen years ago (1974). Mrs Anne Legge, County Chairman 1968-1972 was a very popular member of this WI and of the Castle Group. She was also a strong supporter of Halstead WI Market.

Notes

Pebmarsh name added 13/11/1968

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. The 1950s saw the arrival of two WIs in this area. At Alresford in 1954 there was so much interest shown in the St Osyth branch that Mrs De’Ath of the Grance suggest a separate WI be formed in Alresford.

Brick Text

The embroidery depicts the legend of the Battle of Bridgemarsh Island. The mist was rising above the river when a young Saxon boy awoke Altenai. “The sea wolves are coming in on the flood tide,” he shouted to his chief. They had been expected when the news had come that the cowards of Maldon had paid the Danegald after the death of the brave Earl Brithnoth as he defended the Heybridge over the River Pant onto the causeway, and the egress to Witham. Altenai’s men lay nervously by the creek, awaiting the coming battle, determined to protect their womenfolk when, to their amazement, the long boats put about. The oarsmen struggled against the tide as others raised their shields. As Altenai looked around, up out of the mist that lay over Heyron Fields there arose from the ground mystic figures of Roman soldiers. So, the legend was true, the cohort had returned. Now one thousand years later, Althorne WI have embroidered the scene of that battle dated Pridie Idus Augustus CMXCI (the day before the 13th of August 991, i.e. the 12th day of the month). The fields lying on the right of the lane down to Bridgemarsh were cultivated by retired Roman Legionnaires which may account for the ghosts of Roman soldiers seen on the road from Riverview to the War Memorial.

Book Text (1987)

Crouch Group. Althorne WI (formed 1923) is an old established institute. Althorne looks out over the river Crouch and Bridgemarsh Island, which has been lost and reclaimed from the waters many times over the centuries.

Book Text (1987)

Spring Valley Group. At Ardleigh in Erdelega WI formed in 1966, taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon word for Ardleigh. One of their members (originally a member of Ardleigh WI, now suspended) attended Writtle Agricultural College in 1940, learning fruit preservation in a shed and on a valor stove. Mrs Guivere has always been connected with music and drama, and still runs a small choir.

Brick Text

Embroidered by Nell Ashworth. The embroidery shows the church and the annual pancake race. In 1992 the playschool children too part, all bar one child wo insisted he wouldn’t join in unless he could eat his pancake before the race!

Book Text (1987)

Audley Group. Arkesden WI is proud to have had as one of its members Maryon Becher (formerly Eeles), almost a founder member, Vice Chairman of both National and County Federations and Chairman of the National and County Organisation Sub-Committees, she was also for many years on the committee of Denman College.

Brick Text

The embroidery depicts the remaining of Ashdon’s original three windmills. It can be seen from many of the widespread boundaries of the village. It was restored by Mr Edmund Vestey during his years at Walton’s Park. The embroidery was designed by Mrs Cherry Fisher and worked by Mrs Pat Smith.

Book Text (1987)

Harvey Group. Ashdon is a rural village with just over 700 residents and lies on the edge of Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. The institute was formed in May 1918 by Mrs Luddington who was a member for 57 years until her death in 1975. 54 attended the first meeting, whilst the present membership is 52.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. Ashingdon WI was formed in 1945. The story of the village is much older than that. It was the scene of Canute’s defeat of Edmund Ironside in 1016. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells that in 1020 the victor returned to consecrate a stone church he had built “for the souls of the slain”. A silver coin of Canute has been found in the churchyard. The villagers work hard to preserve their ancient church.

Notes

Book states formed in 1945 but records say otherwise.

Brick Text

We have a brick for Ashingdon, but not one for Ashingdon Village.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Formerly Wendens Ambo and Littlebury Green. No date recorded for the name change.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Thames Group. Aveley, once a pretty, small village with a great house, Belhus, where Constable stayed in 1813, grew to incorporate LCC (London County Council) housing. However, the house’s Capability Brown landscape remains as an Essex Country Park, and the institute, formed in 1961, congratulates itself on easy access to the M25, an “all points beyond”.

Brick Text

Baddow Bees hadn’t made a embroidered brick before they suspended so this brick was made by Clare Wood (WI Centre staff) retrospectively taking the bees and lettering from their logo and the mast from Baddow’s village sign.

Brick Text

The embroidery depicts two buildings and a structure unique to Great Baddow. The earliest records of St Mary’s, the parish church, date from 1172 and the present building was developed from a simple rectangular Norman church, parts of which still stand. A contrasting structure is the Marconi Tower, which is part of the Marconi Research Centre in Great Baddow. It is a steel transmitter tower which in the ‘50s was taken down from Canewdon and re-erected at its present site. It is 360ft high and, although not a “pretty sight” in everyone’s eyes, it is nevertheless a well-established landmark. Great Baddow contains many listed buildings within its boundaries and one of the most delightful is Beech House with its distinctive bottle chimneys and pegged tile roof. Built in the 1500s as two cottages, this house still retains its original iron fence and gates. Baddow Hall WI was formed in 1960 and from the start has had an enthusiastic Drama group so the panel finishes with the masks of Tragedy and Comedy as a tribute to the hard work of the members of this group.

Book Text (1987)

Greenfields Group. Formed in 1969 with members enthusiastic performers in drama and music. Their group “Patchwork” entertains at local functions. They also have some fine craftswomen.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. This WI used to meet in the old village school until Mrs Mercer of Little Wakering Hall loaned £100 to build their own meeting place. They will celebrate their Golden Jubilee in 1987. In Elizabethan times Barling had one of the largest fishing fleets in Essex and was famous for its oysters.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. This institute was formed in 1919 by the vicar’s daughter, Miss Elsie Ward. She was the first President, and Miss Randolph Symonds, her Secretary. They served continuously for 25 years, but were outdone by the Treasurer Mrs Barltrop, who was in office, without a break for 35 years. Lady Plowden, one-time head of ITV and Chairman of the Plowden Committee on primary schools, succeeded Miss Ward as President. Until 1950, the institute met in private houses, but they raised a considerable sum towards the building of a village hall, where they now gather.

Brick Text

When this institute was formed in 1982 Bassett took its emblem, an aeroplane propeller, from the North Weald Bassett village sign. This shows a WWII fighter plane and signifies the importance of the North Weald airfield during that war. Wing Commander Guy Gibson was stationed here for some time, and it also served as a base for one of the Norwegian squadrons. A memorial to those who died from this squadron stands at the entrance to the airfield.

Book Text (1987)

Cripsey Group. Basset WI (North Weald) is the youngest in the Group, an afternoon WI formed in 1982. Bassets (one “T”) were 13th century Lords of the Manor. There is also an evening WI called North Weald WI in the same village, some of its members belonging to both WIs.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

You could have heard a pin drop when the challenge was presented to Belchamp St Paul WI. Mary Basham was volunteered by a “friend” to coordinate the activity. Thread counting, graph paper square counting all began as ideas formed. The design, more or less a history of the institute, took shape. Silks were pooled as colour consultations followed. Only a dark green skein had to be purchased. As far as possible, each ex-President embroidered their name and, in all, 14 members stitched a part. The pictures speak for themselves – the cup and saucer on a bus shows their tea service, entertaining parties throughout the year – enjoyable and profitable.

Book Text (1987)

Oak Group. Belchamp St Paul WI was formed in 1962, at the request of many ladies of the village, after the beautiful community house was built. This house was given to the village by Mr JFC Bryce, the interior decoration being designed by Mr David Hicks. Mr Bryce was connected with the Millford Haven family, and his gift provides the village with a delightful and comfortable meeting place.

Brick Text

Olive Cowling was the “volunteer” who embroidered this panel. Bentley (South Weald) WI started in 1918. An ivory gavel presented by Mrs Marcella Crawshay, a founder member, is still in use today. St Paul’s Church, Bentley Common, was chosen as the design as it is a well-known landmark in a lovely woodland setting, rather than choosing the venue for the monthly meetings; an ex-army hut from WWI.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Roman River Group. This is one of the new WIs in the Group, dating from 1984 and formed by popular demand in a semi-urban area in a Colchester suburb. There were nearly 80 members in the first year. The unusual name means “Church in the Woods”.

Notes

Merged with Old Heath then became Colchester South in 1/1/2009

Brick Text

The Mayflower, symbol of the town of Billericay, is featured on their panel. The 103 passengers, who in 1620 packed onto the tiny 90ft long ship, were puritans fleeing from the Church of England in and around Billericay. Although none of them returned there are still to this day strong ties between New England and Billericay. Many of our old families can trace their ancestry back to include at least one of the pilgrims. Both the current President and Billericay’s previous President are thought to have Mayflower ancestors. Keeping the design and colours simple as would have befitted our brave forefathers, our panel was embroidered for us by one of our finest needlewomen, Mrs Margaret Kentsbeer. Depicting the proud little ship which symbolises courage, hope, determination and joy, our panel represents all that we wish our institute to be to us and our town.

Book Text (1987)

Mayflower Group. Billericay WI had a catastrophe when a fire seriously damaged their hall in 1983 but energetic fund-raising and gifts from other WIs made it possible for them to move back in March 1984. Formed in 1917, they meet twice monthly, except in August, and have a large membership. One of their former members, Mrs Jessie Thomas, published two books of poetry and reminiscences about old Billericay – one poem refers to the WI Hall and a framed copy takes pride of place there.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Roman River Group. 1918 saw the foundation of this W, with Mrs Charles Round as its first President. In 1919 she chaired a conference at Birch Hall, attended by 178 members from 12 surrounding institutes, and was County Chairman in 1947.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Oak Group. Mrs Symonds, of Moyn’s Park, a magnificent Tudor manor house, formed the institute in 1920. At first, meetings were held in Mrs Symonds’ lovely home; later when the delightful, thatched Community House was built for the village, through the generosity of Mr Bryce, meetings were held there, and still are. Members, including two founder members, appreciate the comfort and elegance of the Community House which is situated opposite the pretty duck pond.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Hatch Group. This is the newest institute in the Group, formed in 1978. They meet in a community hall and fill the need for an evening institute. They are enthusiastic entertainers and regularly perform any activity from Old Tyme Music Hall to Pantomime.

Brick Text

Panel designed by Pam Wheaton and Sylvia Auld and embroidered by Margaret Vickery and Nancy Taylor. It depicts a renowned botanist, John Ray 1627-1705, who was born in Black Notley and whose tomb is sited in the village churchyard. Black Notley WI is small afternoon group formed in 1038. It is well known for its refreshments.

Book Text (1987)

Spinners Group. Black Notley WI is a close-knit WI where the refreshments are to be thoroughly recommended!

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Hatch Group. Blackmore WI, started in 1917, has one member who has been with them for 48 years. Another member, Mrs Joan Hobbs, was Chairman of Brentwood Council. Blackmore is a fast-growing village but retains all its original atmosphere.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Weavers Group. On June 19th, 1919, the afternoon institute of Bocking was formed, in the Chair Miss Tabor, with an address by Miss Dora Christy. Most families in Bocking were then employed by the textile company of Courtaulds, which has since closed. Throughout the ages the cloth trade has been responsible for the prosperity fo Bocking, starting with the weaving of wool which developed as a cottage industry. Later, George Courtauld introduced a new industry, the weaving of artificial silk. The factory was situated on the River Blackwater which is crossed by King’s Bridge and the youngest institute in the Group, formed in 1983 is called Kingsbridge WI.

Brick Text

Boreham’s panel, embroidered by Maureen Toms, depicts St Andrew’s Church and the “New Hall” dragon. Boreham Church was enlarged by the Normas in about 1100AD over an earlier Saxon stone church and has many fine Roman brick features. The Tudor Dragon statue was erected on the gatehouse of Henry VIII’s palace “New Hall” which was acquired in 1517 from Thomas Boleyn. “New Hall” became a residential convent school under the Canonesses Regular of the Holy Sepulchre soon after 1799 and continue to this day. The Tudor Dragon of “New Hall” has been incorporated into the Boreham “twinning” motif.

Book Text (1987)

Mildmay Group. Boreham is a village above the river Chelmer, and Boreham House, first built in 1728, was where the institute was formed, in 1917, in a small room in the stable block. Membership was soon 50 which accounted for nearly all the women in the village, and meetings were held in various halls. They have detailed records of these meetings, which make fascinating reading. During WWII, when there was an allocated of sugar to the WI, Boreham members made 1500lbs of jam and 300 cans of fruit. As their 70th anniversary approaches, they still have a membership of 50 and very active.

Brick Text

The panel was created by two of our members, Mrs Doreen Jackson who painted a picture, and Mrs Jean Howlett who transferred it to the material and did the stitching. Mrs Howlett was our District Nurse until her retirement and used to spend hours doing embroidery whilst on duty. Mrs Jackson has taken up painting since her retirement. She wanted to show off the beauty of Boxted, which is usually known only for its long straight road across the flat plain. Our church, St Peter’s, is of Norman origin, with a lovely Norman arch at the Chancel steps. The tower base is of Essex pudding stone with a 19th century brick topping. The barn is situated further along the road in the Stour valley. It is thought to be Medieval and was, until 1987, twice its present length. The hurricane blew down the newer, the Tudor, sections and badly damaged the rest which has been repaired. At the bottom of the hill stands the Mill House, the mill itself having rotted away. The house, locks and mill pool have been restored and the surrounding grounds landscaped.

Book Text (1987)

Spring Valley Group. Not far from Great Horkesley is Boxted WI which formed in 1928. This is a small WI meeting a need in a very widespread village. During Essex Federation Diamond Jubilee they made contact with Stoney Creek WI through a relative of a member living in Canada. Ontario Federation sent warm greetings to Essex Federation together with postcards and magazines. Mrs Leary, a well-known lacemaker and teacher of the subject, was a demonstrator at the Olympia Exhibition. Her Majesty the Queen showed great interest and spoke with her.

Brick Text

Panel designed and embroidered by Mrs Jackie Page. The village name is worked in old fashioned lettering to represent the age of the village. The three apples represent apple growing, one of the main enterprises of the village. The three “mullets or pierced gules” are from the coat of arms of the ancient Harbottle Grimstone family who are buried in Bradfield Church. Bradfield Evening WI was formed in 1969 to enable ladies to become WI members who could not attend the afternoon institute that already existed.

Brick Text

Panel designed and embroidered by Mrs Jackie Page. The village name is worked in old fashioned lettering to represent the age of the village. The three apples represent apple growing, one of the main enterprises of the village. The three “mullets or pierced gules” are from the coat of arms of the ancient Harbottle Grimstone family who are buried in Bradfield Church. Bradfield Evening WI was formed in 1969 to enable ladies to become WI members who could not attend the afternoon institute that already existed.

Book Text (1987)

Constable Group. This was the result of a breakaway from the afternoon institute, in 1969, enabling mothers with young children and working wives to become members. The age group now ranges from 23-86 years.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Crouch Group. The Romans built the fort of Orthona at Bradwell on Sea to defend the “Saxon Shore”. After they had withdrawn from Britain, St Cedd came to convert the East Saxons and above 645 AD used stone from the fort to build St Peter-on-the-Wall, one of the most ancient of England’s churches. There has been an institute in Bradwell since 1925.

Book Text (1987)

Spinners Group. Braintree Centre WI as the name implied, covers the centre of the town of Braintree. They are proud of their reputation for crafts and are very involved in helping other local organisations, particularly Age Concern.

Notes

Suspension date unknown. Are you able to help?

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Previously named Homestead until 2014.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. Three years after Alresford WI was formed, in 1957, Brightlingsea WI was formed in this most historic town – a limb of The Cinque Port of Sandwich. ON the first Monday in December its Deputy is chosen in the tower of All Saints church. At the Guildhall he swears an allegiance to the Mayor of Sandwich and pays in old money “elevenpence ship money” a ceremony going back time immemorial. All Saint’s church is a well know landmark, the Reverand Pertwee would guide ships into port in poor visibility by means of a light.

Brick Text

It was difficult to design a panel for our institute as we have just celebrated our 3rd birthday and have very little “tradition” to record. We are an evening institute formed in November 1988 and, although having so many “out to work” members limits our day-time participation in visits and activities, we still manage to be very active in our pursuits. Although Pitsea/Basildon was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, our institute is based in the area of Basildon New Town which was originally developed to house families from London. 40 years on it has outgrown the “new” title and is now a well-established, thriving community.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. Brook Street (South Weald) WI was formed in 1918, making it one of the oldest institutes. Some of its members are keen participants in the Drama Festival, winning many awards. The daughter of one of the founder members is still a very active member herself.

Brick Text

We are proud to be as old as the Essex Federation. The Mill House, featured on the panel, was the home of Mrs Llewellen Marriage, past Chairman of the Federation. The tower of St Mary’s, Broomfield is supposedly unique in Essex.

Book Text (1987)

Tindal Group (formerly Can Group). Broomfield WI was founded in 1917 and gained Mrs Llewllyn Marriage as a member in 1921. At her first meeting she judged the rice pudding competition, and afterwards said “Not only did those puddings sustain me for the rest of the day but they launched me into undreamt of years of service”. She went on to become Editor of our Newsheet in 1930 and in 1936 became County Chairman. Endowed with a brilliant brain, she trained meany members in sound WI procedure. A legacy left by her to the Federation sends Essex members to Denman College every year. Christine Trigger, formerly of Broomfield, moved to Devon and was elected to the National Executive Committee.

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Panel embroidered by Mrs E Cooper. The church tower featured on the panel is the location for our monthly meetings. Sadly, this is all that remains of the original Congregational Church, competed on May 21st, 1874, at a cost of £4,215. When the church was demolished during the last decade, a block of flats was built but they retained the tower making it the main entrance to the luxury flats. The new church is built at the rear of this property and has a beautiful circular window, the stained glass was salvaged from the old church. The chestnut tree is abundant in this area and at the end of May these massive specimens, with their red and white candles and bright green fingered leaves, are a joy to behold. Last year, the council appealed to various organisations to plant crocus bulbs so every patch of green in the area was studded with groups of coloured crocuses. Our activities speak for themselves as listed on the panel.

Book Text (1987)

Forest Group. The first President of Buckhurst Hill (formed 1919) was Miss Theresa Buxton whose father was involved in securing the passing of the Epping Forest Act. The grounds of her home, “Knighton” had a lake on which WI members went boating. Knighton is now part of Epping Forest, for all to enjoy.

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Book Text (1987)

Castle Group. This was formed in 1975. The church here has a font dated to 15th century, beautifully preserved and consisting of an octagonal bowl standing on a panelled base.

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Bulphan is on the edge of Thurrock, now famous for the Lakeside Shopping Centre. Bulphan is still a proper village with its own beautiful church, school, post office and village hall where our 26 members meet. The village is in green belt land, which is mostly rather sticky clay, reclaimed fen, arable farming and very flat. After a competition among members, Lily Nickolls was chosen to design and work the Bulphan panel. She is a very talented needlewoman. Her flower design was chosen for the Queen’s wedding veil. Another firm did the actual work on the veil as she did not have enough workers to complete the work in the time allowed.

Book Text (1987)

Thames Group. Bulphan WI first met in 1929 in the garden of Wick Place. After that, for many years, they used the church hall, where stoves had to be lighted and members had to carry water from the village, the name of which derives from the “burg-fen” of Tilbury town.

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Book Text (1987)

Crouch Group. Burnham held its inaugural meeting on the 25th of February 1927 and first monthly meeting on the 4th of March in the same year. Mrs Alfred Watts the founder of the WI movement in England attended a meeting of the institute in January 1932. Two talented early members were the Misses Una and Pyllis Silberrad, Miss Una wrote over forty novels and Miss Phyllis dressed dolls in period costume – these were left to the Bristol Museum. In early days they had a strong drama section.

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Brick Text

The Parish of Canewdon is situated on a ridge which stretches out to the marshes bordering the east coast of Essex. To the north the ridge slopes down to the estuary of the river Crouch. To the south lies the estuary of the river Thames. The name Canewdon is not derived, as often surmised, from King Canute, though it is thought that he brought his army up the river Crouch and encamped on Canewdon Hill before his victorious battle against King Edmund Ironside in 1018. Early records have named the village Carenduna, Kanewedone, Cannedon and Canvidon. It was probably a settlement of Cara’s people long before the time of Canute. Canewdon has a Guild pf St Amme for the maintenance of a light on the church tower which served as a guide to seamen and fishing folk off the coast and at the mouth of the river Thames. Today most of the old dwellings have been replaced by moder houses and many of the fifteen hundred inhabitants commute to London and elsewhere for work. The village cage, or lock-up, with its stocks, dates from the 18th century when the elders in each community had their own form of law and order. Our river must have many tales to tell. In the 1960’s Thames barges were still sailing up the river Crouch to trade at Battlesbridge Mill. That has finished. Today, several marinas can be found along the riverbanks, and these satisfy the needs of yachts folk, water speed merchants and water skiers. Some of us still prefer to watch the wild fowl wheeling over the valley to find their overnight resting ground. We know where to find a wise old heron sentinel perched on a rotting post close to the river’s edge and, if we are there at the right time watch a seal bobbing along in the middle of the river.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. “The hill of Cana’s people” rising 128 feet above the Crouch marshes, provides an impressive site for a bold 15th century church. This was mainly a farming area, but has become increasingly residential, and the WI here was formed in 1980.

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The institute was formed when the island had a simple wall, steppingstones when the tide was out and a ferry when it was in. There is now a wide roadway; boats cannot sail any further than the bridge. In 1973 the following six-line verse won a competition, so the map is based that. Written for the Canvey Island Golden Jubilee 1973 Contrasting homes both old and new, O’er which the seagulls sweep and mew. Protected now by a strong seawall, a bridge to the mainland to serve us all. Canvey Island our home most dear, in the Women’s Institute’s Golden Year. The swing bridge is in place, it used to be pulled aside for boards with sails; the tide is in so, of course, the numerous creeks and inlets cannot be seen; there is a strong seawall, but now it is much higher. Embroiderers Betty Streatfield and Vikki Hayes plead thickening fingers and poor eyesight preventing them from showing the detail they would have liked!

Book Text (1987)

Flete Group. The island is nine miles long and four miles wide and lies in the Thames. The Romans evaporated seawater there, to make salt. In 1620, the Dutch were invited to build sea walls round the island, and the reclaimed land supported sheep very profitably. The Dutch word for farm is “wyk” which appears on the island frequently, sometimes as “wick”. Incidentally, the area of the wyks remained almost dry in the dreadful floods of 1953. The first institute on the island, Canvey Island WI was formed over 60 years ago and has its own hall, where the evening institute, Knightswick WI, also meets. There is an increasing population of some 35,000 on the island now.

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The panel was embroidered by Mrs Nellie Plumb. Castle Hedingham is a beautiful medieval village 9 miles north of Braintree. The panel depicts four unique aspects of the village. 1. Overlooking the village is the great castle keep. Built by the Normans of Barnack stone in 1140, it was the seat of the noble Earls of Oxford, the de Veres, for over 600 years. 2. The shield of the Earls of Oxford which they took into battle. 3. The local story of Poll Miles tells of her quaint ways and sad ending. She loved to talk to the birds and the animals. Some called her a witch. Poll was in love with a young man who worked up at the castle, but when she discovered that he loved another she downed herself in the castle lake. They buried her at the crossroads, and each year at Halloween a small posy of flowers can found at her lonely burial place. 200 years have passed, and she is not forgotten. 4. The famous 19th century potter Edward Bingham spent most of his life in the village making pots from the local clay, employing people from the village. Today his pots are treasured and can be seen in museums. Each piece has the mark of the castle on its base.

Book Text (1987)

Castle Group. Castle Hedingham WI formed in 1921, are so lucky to live in this delightful village. To begin with they met in a wooden shed in St James Street, before moving to their present hall. Miss Davidson, one of their members, has had success in the County spoken Word competition. With members from the Oak Group, they ran the tea tent for the Essex History Fair in June 1986. They help with Period Weekends, dressed in appropriate costume, and also with Flower Festivals in the church.

Notes

The book states formed in 1921 but records say 1918. Do you know which is correct?

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Book Text (1987)

Thames Group. Chadwell St Mary (originally “cold-well”) stands on a hill three miles north of the Thames. Formed 21 years ago to provide evening social activities for a new population, the institute has contributed in many ways to the life of the community. Local sessions of the Blood Transfusion Service were provided on their urging; and they still make the refreshments for donors.

Notes

Books says formed in 1966 records say 1964. Do you know which is correct?

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Brick Text

The panel shows St Michael’s Church, the oldest part of Pitsea now standing since Basildon became a New Town enterprise. Pitsea was incorporated into the growth. The tower of the church is Norman. The mount on which it stands is manmade being the highest point in Pitsea and overlooking the Thames estuary so is therefore a landmark. Unfortunately, St Michael’s is now redundant and falling into disrepair. The clasped hands represent friendship of the old and new residents in the community

Book Text (1987)

Flete Group. The new town of Basildon has spread to Nevendon, and in it there are two institutes, both even newer than the town. One meets near the centre and is called Kingswood WI. The other is Chalvedon (Pitsea) WI which is a morning institute of energetic ladies who are very much part of the County activities.

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The panel was designed by Mark Lloyd, the son of one of our members, and embroidered by Mrs Jean Scillitoe. The main theme is the viaduct over the A604 which was used by steam trains until some 30 years ago when the diesels took over. Now we have the Stour Valley Preservations Society at our station who run trains along a small section of the line at weekends.

Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. The twin villages of Chappel and Wakes Colne are joined by a magnificent Victorian railway viaduct, and one hundred years after the trains, in 1948, came the WI!

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Book Text (1987)

Greenfields Group. Chelmsford, a thoroughfare town, fairly centrally placed on the Great Roman Way between London and Colchester, has been the County Town since the 13th century. In the second half of this century, it has developed enormously, with a growing population of those who have come to make their homes in the green fields of Essex. To meet the needs of the women from these new homes, six institutes have been formed. Each tells the same story, that in the new community there was a real need and demand for an organisation through which activities could be fostered and friendships made. Chelmer Village WI was formed in 1983.

Notes

Suspension date unknown. Can you help?

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Book Text (1987)

Tindal Group (formerly Can Group). Thei WI was formed in 1927 and has been a WI with a strong craft and music section which continue today. Mrs Mapes, President in 1977, planted a tree which is still flourishing in Chelmsford Cathedral grounds, to celebrate 50 years of WI. They were the first women’s organisation to become a corporate group of the Rose Society.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Tindal Group (formerly Can Group). This WI formed in 1952 with 42 members. Then it was a lively village with shops, a school, churches and an adequate bus service. Now many of these facilities are depleted and WI membership is lower, but, they say, what they lack in quantity is made up for in quality!

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Wells Group. Chigwell WI, formed in 1923 now has 103 members. They are proud of Mrs E Pollard a past VCO who has been a member since has been 1933. Lately they have campaigned for a pedestrian crossing at a dangerous section on Chigwell High Road. Hopefully, a one-way system may be considered. They meet at the Victory Hall and to help with redecoration, they laundered and repaired the curtains and have purchased a “sound system” to benefit members and speakers. Ever community minded, they have provided refreshments at Blood Donor sessions and raised £90 for a holiday for a disabled person through Winged Fellowship.

Brick Text

The institute meet in All Saints House adjacent to the beautiful All Saints Church which sits on the edge of ancient Hainault Forest, once the hunting grounds of Kings and royalty as far back as Norman times. The deer no longer roam, and the Royal Hunting Lodge has disappeared. Timber from the forest was used for shipbuilding in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is now a favourite place for family picnics and outings. History abounds in Chigwell Row and our three needlewomen – Mrs Hampshire, Mrs Chappell and Mrs Pierce endeavoured to capture the spirit of the village. Each stitch was sewn with pride.

Book Text (1987)

Wells Group. Chigwell Row WI formed in 1921 has a membership of 26 and is in a rural area bordering on London registered in the Domesday Book as Cingheuuella, probably from Old English for gorse. It is surrounded by Hainault Forest, which was part of the popular hunting area for earlier royalty. Recently the WI has raised £145 towards a body scanner for Whipps Cross Hospital, and they held a party for the Old Folks Club and helped at Woodview Home with shopping etc. Members have had £1 each from Treasurer to start individual projects. The proceeds are to go the Denman College Appeal.

Notes

Split into two WIs 19/10/1959. Merged with Grange Hill 2007.

Brick Text

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Notes

Transferred from London Federation in 1991.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. A need for a second WI in Brightlingsea meant the formation of Cinque Port WI in 1973. They tell us that Brightlingsea was a free port and haven, and its citizens were exempt from the King’s rates and taxes. Any bandsman being free for a year and a day was inviolate within the town. Some members are married to “Freemen”. Those who did not marry the Brightlingsea girls were fined half a crown (12 ½ p)

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Embroidered by Mrs P Jarman.

Book Text (1987)

Priory Group. Everyone has heard of Clacton-on-Sea, and this resort has two institutes Clacton and Great Clacton. Both meet in the afternoon, but at opposite ends of the month.

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Notes

Became Manor House (Laindon) 2012

Brick Text

The embroidery depicts the Clock Tower, which is a prominent feature of the town and was erected in honour of the 1887 Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A small room on the ground floor acts as a tourist information centre during the summer months. It is staffed by volunteers, including WI members. The 12th century Grange Barn, which appears in the top right-hand corner of the panel, was the venue for WI events such as Horticultural shows and the play for many years until it was allowed to fall into a dilapidated state. In 1984 however, it was completely restored and is now owned by the National Trust. Coggeshall WI was formed in 1941, during WWII. It is still an active and thriving institute. The panel was designed by Mrs D Peters and embroidered by Mrs S Bushell, Mrs H Bolitho, Mrs K Crayston, Miss E Hurst and Mrs B Wade.

Book Text (1987)

Weavers Group. In 1941 Coggeshall WI was formed, Miss Dora Christy, a pioneer of Essex WIs, being very much involved. During the war years members set up a Fruit Preservation Centre at Brownings butcher’s shop in the village. 2099lbs of jam was made and many cwts. Of rosehips collected and sent to the Red Cross Aid to Russia Fund. Inte institute performed plays in the huge 12th century Tithe Barn at Grange Farm. Over the years the barn was allowed to become dilapidated, but it has now been completely restored and is once again used for local events. Thomas Paycocke was a wealthy wool merchant in Coggeshall, and his name was used for Paycockes WI formed in 1965. Paycocke House is a National Trust property, well worth a visit.

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Book Text (1987)

St Helena Group. The first minutes dated 1920 of Colchester Centre WI state that it was the first “centre” in East Anglia “formed to help and advise the villages”. It would appear that the WIs in towns really had a more administrative role originally, possibly before the WI Centre in Chelmsford was operative. In 1966 Miss Mary Willcock visited Stoney Creek, presented them with a patchwork quilt, made by herself, and in turn was presented with a silver WI spoon with an engraving of Mrs Hoodless, the founder of WI in Canada on the handle.

Brick Text

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Notes

Formed from Old Heath & Berechurch 1/1/2009

Book Text (1987)

Viking Group. An institute formed at Cold Norton in 1945 had to close in 1968 but opened again eight years later as Cold Norton & Stow Maries WI linking two village which lie between the Crouch and the Blackwater. Apparently the word “Maries” indicates marsh land and there are remains of ancient saltings and records of a very early (1916) airfield.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Viking Group. An institute formed at Cold Norton in 1945 had to close in 1968 but opened again eight years later as Cold Norton & Stow Maries WI linking two village which lie between the Crouch and the Blackwater. Apparently the word “Maries” indicates marsh land and there are remains of ancient saltings and records of a very early (1916) airfield.

Brick Text

The embroidery centres on the Church (middle top), the school (top right) which plays an important part and is a modern building where most of the village primary age children attend; and is also used for other activities in the village, i.e. church fetes. The village green is large and has an attractive old farmhouse at the top with a large chestnut tree (top left) beside it for a supply of conkers! WE have a pond with ducks on it. The area is a farming area where corn abounds, and the main employers are builders (lorry) and transport (haulage, also lorry). Everyone likes gardening so there are pretty gardens everywhere with lots of flowers. The panel was embroidered by institute president, Margaret Long.

Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. Colne Engaine WI was formed by Miss M Courtauld, assisted by her friend Miss Gladstone, a relative of the former Prime Minister. One of the highlights of the early years was their production of part of King Lear, which was considered so good that it was later performed in Colchester.

Brick Text

The panel was a joint effort by Mrs Carol Hassey and Mrs Vera Bonner. Carol designed the panel and Vera embroidered it. The panel depicts St Alban’s church which was built by Miss Houblon in memory of her mother. The Institute Hall, where we hold our monthly meetings was built in 1926 by the people of the village on land given by Mr Camps who had already built 90 houses in Coopersale. The Garnon Bushes pub, also shown, was originally 4 cottages but is now 2 cottages.

Book Text (1987)

Cobbin Group. Coopersale WI was formed in 1984. The village is just outside Epping. The most famous resident was Miss Archer Houblon who lived in Coopersale House and was responsible for the building of the church and the parish room. From time to time, she used to stand in for Queen Victoria on state occasions.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. The first Earl of Essex, Geoffrey de Mandeville, gives this Group its name. There are 10 institutes grouped to the West and North of Colchester, the oldest being Copford WI, formed in 1919. The minutes for 1942 record that “members were fined one penny for not having their Gas Masks with them” – there were 27 defaulters!

Book Text (1987)

Woodland Group. Cranham WI was formed in 1953 on the fringe of the London Green Belt. The churchyard of ancient All Saints is a place of pilgrimage for Americans, for here lies General James Oglethorpe who founded the colonies of Georgia and Savannah. He lived at Cranham Hall and entertained Oliver Goldsmith, Samual Johnson, and James Bowell there. When an evening institute was founded in 1965 it took the name Oglethorpe WI. Members of the institute help to entertain visitors from the United States.

Notes

Became Oglethorpe in 1965

Brick Text

The institute was started in 1987 and membership has exceeded 100 each year. There was already a Cranham WI, so it was decided to include the name of Engayne. The Engayne family served in the state and had manors in the area from 1218-1367. We understand that the name Cranham derives from the fact that the area was one abundant in cranes and the “Golden Crane” is the motif Mrs Sylvia Mertens has embroidered on our panel.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Milford Hall Group. This WI was formed in 1973 and now has a membership of 30. They fulfilled a need in their area when they started.

Notes

Book says formed in 1973 but records show 1945.

Brick Text

The Thaxted Guildhall design was worked from a photograph taken about the turn of the century. It had been hoped to incorporate the church and a Morris dancer, both symbols of Thaxted, but the small size limited the detail. The embroiderer, June Murdoch, is a skilled needlewoman being one of the 48 embroiderers to work the 15t square tapestry of the Battle of Britain window in Westminster Abbey, presented to the Queen on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Cutlers takes its name from the medieval trade carried on in the town.

Book Text (1987)

Harvey Group. Cutlers is the name given to the evening institute in Thaxted because of the thriving cutlery industry there in the Middle Ages. “Guildhall” as the alternative suggestion, after the well-known medieval hall which is the centrepiece of Thaxted. Unable to find enough officers and committee to continue, the members of the afternoon WI convened a meeting in September 1967 to explore the possibility of opening an evening institute. 28 prospective members attended, and membership today stands at about 50 with members living as far as eight miles away.

Brick Text

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Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Mildmay Group. Danbury WI was formed in 1920 by Mrs JT Wigan of Danbury Park, who was the first President. They have always had a strong musical tradition, and Dr Armstrong Gibbs wrote music for their 25th Anniversary. “Never Say Die” by Eva Pain, was written for them as “A Women’s Institute Song”. Nowadays their choir, under the leadership of Laura Cole, is very active and entertains many groups.

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Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. De Vere WI was formed in 1983 so that people with children who were unable to attend afternoon meetings could enjoy the benefits WI has to offer. The name De Vere was chosen being the family name of the Earls of Oxford, who held the Manor of Earls Colne from 1137-1703.

Book Text (1987)

Saffron Group. This WI was formed in 1926 but disbanded in 1933 when a Womens Wednesday Social Club was formed, as they felt WI involved too much paperwork. In 1960 Mrs Stobart and Mrs Eeles were there as County representatives to reform the WI.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Saffron Group. This WI was formed in 1926 but disbanded in 1933 when a Womens Wednesday Social Club was formed, as they felt WI involved too much paperwork. In 1960 Mrs Stobart and Mrs Eeles were there as County representatives to reform the WI. Mary Norwak, the cookery writer, and demonstrator, was a founder member on this occasion.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Constable Group. Dedham WI was formed in 1919, making it one of the oldest institutes in the County. One of their former Presidents has recently been an adviser to the producers of the TV series Tenko.

Brick Text

Doddinghurst, mentioned in the Domesday Book, stands at the crossroads of old drovers’ trails. Little remains of old Doddinghurst but two buildings of note which remain are the Priest’s House and the church. Conjecture surrounds the origins of the Priest’s House, which is next to the Church. Certainly, this Essex boarded house dates from Elizabethan times and there is proof that it is even older. Was it ever a Priest’s house, woodman’s cottage or even a lodging house for drovers? The present church dates back to at least the 13th century but it is more than probably that it stands on the site of a much earlier wooded Saxon church going back to possibly the 7th century. All Saints Church has many notable features including the roof timbers of the nave which are joined in such a say that not a single nail is used.

Book Text (1987)

Hatch Group. Between Brentwood and Ongar is Doddinghurst. Formation took place in 1969 as a way for residents to get to know each other and has developed into a very friendly institute.

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Book Text (1987)

Weavers Group. Dolphin WI, the Braintree evening institute was formed in 1968. Their name came from a dolphin on the then Braintree Urban District Coat of Arms.

Brick Text

The panel depicts the upper lighthouse of the pair erected by Trinity House at Dovercourt in 1863. The Dovercourt lights were discontinued in 1917. In recent years they have been rescued by a restoration project launched by the High Steward, Mr William Bleakley.

Book Text (1987)

Constable Group

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Mayflower Group. Downham village is perched high on a hill with beautiful views overlooking Wickford, Billericay and, on a clear day, the Thames. The WI was formed in 1920 in the present wooden shed! During the last war, soldiers were billeted in the hall, so WI meetings were held at the then Secretary’s house, now occupied by their present Secretary. Since the war, a slow deterioration of the hall has taken place – sagging roof, floor, etc – but their fairy godmother, the form of the Parish Council, has now arrived, and it has been refurbished and transformed into a proper village hall.

Brick Text

In book but no brick

Book Text (1987)

Audley Group. This is one of the oldest institutes in the Group. It was formed in 1935 and two of their founder members, Mrs Erith and Miss Jackson are still active to this day. In 1965 Elmdon joined Duddenhoe End.

Notes

Elmdon joined 1965. No suspension date in records.

Brick Text

The panel was embroidered by Brenda Scraggs and shows the Old Town Hall, Great Dunmow. The earliest date for this building is 1571 when in Dunmow’s Charter it was known as the Town House or Geld Hall. It may have originally belonged to some older guild as St Saviours Guild and St John’s Guild are mentioned in the Church Wardens accounts of that time. The building was Great Dunmow’s town hall until 1885 when Dunmow lost its borough status. In 1935 the property was bought for £600 freehold by a member of the Welch family, who still own it. Over the years since then the building has been restored to its present elegance where it adds distinction to Great Dunmow.

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. Great Dunmow (the name means “hill meadow”) is a small town which grew up where the Chelmsford to Walden Road crosses Roman Stane Street, and where another Roman Road joins from the Rodings to the south. The town had a grant of market in the 13th century. On Doctor’s Pond the first lifeboat was tried out in 1785. The institute was formed in June 1922 and has remined active ever since.

Notes

Not sure if Dunmow and Great Dunmow are the same WI?

Brick Text

The two shields on the Earls Colne panel represent, in part, the history of Earls Colne. The star on the left is the insignia of the de Veres. Aubry de Vere landed with William the Conqueror, and in exchange for his services, was given land in Essex. Legend has it that when fighting in the crusades was going against one of the de Veres, a star alighted on his lance, giving his soldiers fresh heart. The right-hand shield is the badge of Earls Colne Grammer School, now closed. Between the shields, we have depicted some of the interests of our present-day WI.

Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. Earls Cones WI held its first meeting in September 1919, and still has one founder member attending meetings. Mrs Valentine Stobart, a former County Chairman, is also a member. This WI entered the National Heritage competition and came second. Their entry was sent to National as an Essex entry.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Transferred to Middlesex Federation 2014

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

No records about this WI apart from the brick.

Brick Text

East Hanningfield Capital Steam Mill was built at the time of the Industrial Revolution, circa 1850. It was constructed of red bricks and slates. There were four floors, the lowest being of stone, housing one large grinding stone. The second floor contained an oat and cake crusher and there was a pair of iron double doors through which a pulley lowered the full sacks onto the waiting carts below. The third-floor housed storage bins and at the top level were the large boilers. At the rear of the mill there was enough stabling for five cart horses and also an open cart shed. A high bricked shaft rose from a building to the left of the mill. This was demolished in the 1940s. The mill is now used as an office block after being extensively restored.

Book Text (1987)

Hanningfield Group. This WI formed in 1917 is one of the few with a motto – “United We Stand”. In the Great War their activities were very practical, for example, boot repairing. After eight years of fundraising, they built their own hall. This institute has always been active and caring and the community.

Notes

We have no further records about this WI.

Brick Text

The panel shows three main features. 1. Great Easton Ford – on entering Great Easton from Little Easton one needs to cross the ford. A bridge and footpath were built by the Countess of Warwick sometime in 1890. In the mid-1900s the footbridge was rebuilt and the road concreted. 2. Little Easton Stag – on many of the old cottages one can see the stag shield emblem of the Maynard family. Some cottages have an “M” shield as well as or in place of the stag. In the 17th century Henry Maynard was given his achievement and part of the Forest of Essex as an award. The forest was overrun with deer and so the stag became the first emblem, without horns. Several generations passed before the antlers began to appear. 3. Tilty Abbey Cloisters – Tilty Church is the original Gate Chapel of Tilty Abbey. King John raised his taxes so high that the Prior refused to pay so the King sent his soldiers to ransack the Abbey. The Abbey continued until Henry VIII expelled the monks during the reformation and gave the Abbey lands to local landowners. The Abbey and buildings were pulled down and used as building material round the area. The only part now standing and in use is the Chapel. The cloisters led from the Abbey living quarters to the Church.

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. As well as having an institute, the Easton’s and Tilty are “worth a visit”. A remarkable 15th century church with original bargeboards, stands to the west of Great Easton. At Little Easton, the church contains the tombs of the Bouchier family (Earls of Essex) and the Maynards. At Tilty, the “Chapel-outside-the-Gates” of a Cistercian abbey survives as the parish church. Their institute provided the Essex entry in the National Heritage Competition 1981.

Notes

We have no further records about this WI.

Notes

We have no further details about this WI.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. They held their first meeting in 1947 at the home of the President; a whist drive to raise funds realised the sum of £2:14:1½d. A splendid effort!

Brick Text

The spitfire is very relevant in our history as we are close to RAF Hornchurch and we have a local primary school in the name of R.J. Mitchell. The bee represents our first president who is a beekeeper.

Notes

Not sure if this was a WI (Duddenhoe End record). If you have any further details please let us know.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. In 1966 Elmstead Market already had a WI meeting in the afternoon, but that has now been suspended.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. In 1966 Elmstead Market already had a WI meeting in the afternoon, but that has now been suspended.

Notes

Unknown formation date. If you have any further information please let us know.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. In 1966 Elmstead Market already had a WI meeting in the afternoon, but that has now been suspended. Because two estates were built it meant a number of young mothers wanted an evening meeting, so Elmstead Market Evening was formed.

Notes

not sure if this is the same WI as above?

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Mountfitchet Group. Elsenham member Dorothy Page trained the famous racehorse “Golden Miller”. She is buried on the site of her stables in the village. Sir Walter Gilbey of Elsenham Hall founded a jam factory, still producing preserves which bear the village name.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Hundred Group. Engains, Little Clacton was suggested to form by its first President, Mrs B Poole, because she had to take her small son to the afternoon WI, and he would fall asleep and snore! So, she was encouraged to form an evening meeting in 1963. They are still known as “the young WI” and have a wide range of ages and interests.

Brick Text

The panel shows the church tower and clock of St John the Baptist Church. As many members as possible were consulted about what was, in their opinion, significant in the area. The most mentioned was the much-loved landmark of St John the Baptist ‘s Church tower and clock as it stands proudly on the skyline of Epping. 1991, the year of the embroidery was also the Centenary celebrations of the completion of the present church. It is thought that the family of Aline Wythes, first president of Epping WI were great benefactors of the Epping church.

Book Text (1987)

Cripsey Group. Epping & District WI was formed in 1917. In that year, the WI programme included Haybox cooking, discussions on most nourishing food parcels for the Front, and a talk on the proper storing of fruit and vegetables. In 1922 membership was 462 and remained over 400 until 1925. In 1985 there were 150 members. With two major motorways, M25 and M11, on its doorstep, Epping today is no longer the small quaint market town of former years.

Brick Text

Erdelega is an early British name for Ardleigh and means “high pasture”. The WI took this name to distinguish us from Ardleigh WI. Mrs Susan Tilbrook, who made the original design, took the church which stands at the crossroad as a centrepiece to join the four quadrants. The top right has the name of the institute. The bottom right represents the arable farming, miles of small holdings and nurseries. These latter previously grew salad crops – tomatoes, lettuces and cucumbers but are now diversifying into growing peppers, courgettes, and flowers. The top left quadrant represents the many orchards in the village and the bottom left symbolises the reservoir which covers large areas in the west of the village. The actual choice of stitches and colours was taken by Mrs Betty Piaskowska who transferred the design to the fabric and did the stitching.

Book Text (1987)

Spring Valley Group. At Ardleigh in Erdelega WI formed in 1966, taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon word for Ardleigh. One of their members (originally a member of Ardleigh WI, now suspended) attended Writtle Agricultural College in 1940, learning fruit preservation in a shed and on a valor stove. Mrs Guivere has always been connected with music and drama, and still runs a small choir.

Notes

Name change to Lexden House date unknown.

Brick Text

The panel was designed by Pat Covey and embroidered by Kate Disley. It depicts Eves Corner with the pond, the village sign and St John’s church.

Book Text (1987)

Viking Group. Freshwater and Eve’s Corner WIs were formed in 1969 to cater for those who could not attend afternoon meetings. The latter takes its name from an area in the centre of Danbury, a village which has gown considerable in recent years; a very active WI.

Brick Text

The panel was designed by Liz Barrett and embroidered by Edna Moylan and Liz Barrett. Farnham is a tiny village, less than 300 adults in the Parish which is made up of the main village and a number of tiny hamlets; some only have four houses. The two main meeting places are the church and the village hall – the meeting place for the WI. A map joining these two buildings and showing the areas of the parish seemed a fitting design for the panel.

Book Text (1987)

Mountfitchet Group. Farnham and Manuden WIs had joint meetings so they both claim Mrs Olive Farquharson, who became World President of ACWW, as their most famous member.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Guith Group. The village of Feering adjoins the village of Kelvedon and Feering WI was formed in 1918, which makes it the oldest in the Guith Group. Although originally meeting in the afternoon they now meet in the evening.

Brick Text

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Book Text (1987)

Spinners Group. The afternoon WI which first formed in 1917 ceased in 1975. It was reformed as an evening WI in 1977 and still thrives. Felsted members Mrs Di Lawrence, with partner Mrs Libby Hill of Walthambury, won the National Federation Tennis Finals in 1983 and 1985 and this year 1986. Marion Cook won the County Golf Competition in 1984.

Book Text (1987)

Spinners Group. The afternoon WI which first formed in 1917 ceased in 1975. It was reformed as an evening WI in 1977 and still thrives. Felsted members Mrs Di Lawrence, with partner Mrs Libby Hill of Walthambury, won the National Federation Tennis Finals in 1983 and 1985 and this year 1986. Marion Cook won the County Golf Competition in 1984.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

We have records showing two names for Ferndale but it is not clear if they are the same WI

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

We have records showing two names for Ferndale but it is not clear if they are the same WI.

Brick Text

Fiddlers Hamlet is 1.5miles southwest of Epping. The name derives from the Inn “The Merry Fiddlers”. De Spence, the embroiderer, when asked to do the panel encountered several problems, the first being an inability to draw. This would have made putting something like the Merry Fiddlers Inn onto canvas (the only recognisable connection to our institute’s name) very difficult. Several ideas came to mind with time – how about several violins (i.e. fiddles) and a few house roofs tucked into a hillside for the hamlet. How to stitch the fiddles was a major hurdle. What then of the place we meet – Ivy Chimneys? That shouldn’t prove too difficult but then the significance of this might be lost on those who do not know Fiddlers Hamlet meet in Ivy Chimneys. Then early one morning takin the train to work I saw Fiddlers Hamlet and Ivy Chimneys through the train window and realised there were a large number of fields between the two and how there is a big hill almost opposite the school. With a little poetic licence, the sun’s rays caught the skyline and the trees and there it was – our panel was born. There is a path one can walk up to the hilltop and I know many of our members use it. And yes, we the ladies of Fiddlers Hamlet WI are ALL little rays of sunshine – so the panel fits us to a “T”.

Book Text (1987)

Cobbin Group. The WI began in 1962.

Book Text (1987)

Pilgrim Group. This WI was formed in 1927 and was then an afternoon institute; during the late sixties it became an evening institute, as it is today. The village is well known for its beauty and is very popular with tourists. There is a post mill in good repair; many old houses; and the fine old Manor House – Spains Hall, part of which is 16th century. Many famous people have lived in Finchingfield, and they can boast two Lord Lieutenants of the County.

Brick Text

The title of the WI was daunting enough and when I saw the small area of linen to be worked on, I nearly handed it back! I do not consider myself an embroiderer but I have done quite a lot of canvas-work embroidery so it would have to be worked in mostly canvas-work stitches. I had decided that there should be a windmill and ducks and to balance the design, a sheaf of corn appropriately for both villages in a farming area. I paid several visits to the windmill and made sketches from different angles, deciding on a face-on view. I was not happy about my placing of the sails so, back again to make a closer study. I wanted the ducks to be on the fenced pond, but I was quite relieved to find that the fencing would be in the way of the lettering, so settled or water ripples – much easier! The embroidery was designed and worked by Eileen Clark.

Book Text (1987)

Pilgrim Group. This WI was formed in 1927 and was then an afternoon institute; during the late sixties it became an evening institute, as it is today. The village is well known for its beauty and is very popular with tourists. There is a post mill in good repair; many old houses; and the fine old Manor House – Spains Hall, part of which is 16th century. Many famous people have lived in Finchingfield, and they can boast two Lord Lieutenants of the County.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Transferred to Middlesex Federation 2014

Brick Text

The panel shows most of the green in the centre of Fingringhoe, known as Church Green. In the background is the 15th century Church of St Andrew. In front of this is the village school showing the new extension completed in 1989. Dominating the green is the oak tree said to have grown from an acorn planted in the mouth of a buried pirate. There is also a small oak tree planted in 1976 (Jubilee year) in case the old tree dies.

Book Text (1987)

Roman River Group. Fingringhoe has a notable nature reserve on the site of an ancient settlement and a well-known 500-year-old oak tree, steeped in legend. The institute was formed at the end of WWII by a disbanded branch of the WVS. The first President – formerly their organiser – became Chairman of the Parish and District Councils, the only woman ever to hold these offices. They visited Wivenhoe WI by rowing ferryboat at “tuppence” per passenger.

Brick Text

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Brick Text

The WI was formed in Fobbing in 1928 and had close links with the church and village until after the war when Corringham was built up into an urban area joining Stanford le Hope. The meetings were then transferred to Corringham, and the Fobbing connection is now in name only. In the 50s the choir won an award and a money prize, so it was decided to make a banner which was verified by the College of Heralds. This shows the Tree of Life and Hinds which represent the deer which roamed this area and a grapevine to represent the vineyards which were part of the monastery, long gone. I have used these as a design for our panel. Corringham has little of age or beauty except the church, but it has never featured in the WI as did St Michael’s at Fobbing. The panel was designed and embroidered by Kath Warren.

Book Text (1987)

Thames Group. Fobbing’s tall church tower of silvery-grey rag-stone, on the hill overlooking the marshes and Shell Haven has, for centuries, been conspicuous to Thames sailors in London Hope Reach. With Corringham, an institute was formed in 1928 and met in Fobbing School House and Shell Haven. During the war, they knitted for the troops with wool provided by County Federation. Another year, they made 800lbs of jam in Mrs Hawkin’s farm kitchen, using fruit from local families and wild blackberries. The Ministry of Food provided the sugar, and the preserves were allocated to the shops, properly labelled, and accounted for. All through the war “Granny Scott” provided the most wonderful light flaky pastries. Members were intrigued by her apparently limitless supply of fat, and it was not until years later that they learned she had used paraffin!

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. Fordham WI was formed in 1954 and has one of the oldest churches in the area, the first records going back to 1087. A curate there in 1763, was Thomas Twining a great scholar and grandson of the founder of the tea firm. Some of his published works were written in the village.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. A Landwick Police Lodge, Wakering, is the “frontier post” to be passed to reach Foulness Island WI, on the Government-owned security area, which has a population of 270, all of whom have permanent passes. Visitors including institute speakers, must be provided with temporary passes. Members say the restrictions are a little irksome, but they do feel very secure!

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Hatch Group. Fox Hatch WI takes its name from the sheltered housing complex where the members meet. In terms of age, it may be described as a “young” institute with many young mothers and working wives.

Book Text (1987)

Viking Group. Freshwater and Eve’s Corner WIs were formed in 1969 to cater for those who could not attend afternoon meetings. The latter takes its name from an area in the centre of Danbury, a village which has gown considerable in recent years; a very active WI.

Notes

Became Freshwater (Heybridge) 29/11/2002

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Name changed from Freshwater 29/11/2002

Brick Text

The WI originally took its name from the junior school in which meetings are held. Friars Grove is just off the main road to Ipswich, behind a row of residential houses, and joins a now conserved area known as High Woods Country Park. Mrs Dorothy Breedon, our embroiderer, combined the friar and grove in the panel. In her search for a “Friar” she was greatly helped by the staff at the school.

Book Text (1987)

Spring Valley Group. The two youngest WIs in the Group are Friars Grove WI formed in 1968 – taking its name from the school in which it meets. So long was their waiting list, that in 1978 Magdalen Wood was formed, being named after the area of Colchester where they meet.

Brick Text

The panel depicts the sea with sailing yachts and our activities newsletter, competitions, produce shows, crafts, raffle, sale tables, outings, and bowls. The original village of Frietuna is now under the sea.

Book Text (1987)

Sokens Group. The oldest WI in the Group was formed in 1922 and is known as Frinton on Sea WI. The need arose for an evening WI in the area and in 1972 Frinton Evening was formed, but confusion arose because the names were so similar, and in 1985 the evening WI changed their name to Frietuna WI, the old name for Frinton.

Notes

Name changed from Frinton Evening in 1985.

Book Text (1987)

Sokens Group. The oldest WI in the Group was formed in 1922 and is known as Frinton on Sea WI. The need arose for an evening WI in the area and in 1972 Frinton Evening was formed, but confusion arose because the names were so similar, and in 1985 the evening WI changed their name to Frietuna WI, the old name for Frinton.

Notes

Name changed to Frietuna in 1985.

Brick Text

Frinton-on-Sea is a seaside town, so a picture postcard design seemed a sensible choice. The motifs show what our town has to offer to residents and visitors – sand, seagulls, sun shelters, boats and shells, tennis, golf kite-flying. We included the railway crossing gates as they play an important part in our lives. Suggestions for the design came from several quarters, but the embroidery was the work of four members who used single stitches and bright colours on the neutral fabric.

Book Text (1987)

Sokens Group. The oldest WI in the Group was formed in 1922 and is known as Frinton on Sea WI. The need arose for an evening WI in the area and in 1972 Frinton Evening was formed, but confusion arose because the names were so similar, and in 1985 the evening WI changed their name to Frietuna WI, the old name for Frinton.

Notes

Merged with WI L8 17/11/11

Brick Text

The embroidery depicts Fryerning church with its 11th century nave and 16th century tower. The ancient Oak tree in Fryerning Hall garden is reputed to be over 800 years old. Mill Green windmill, now restored and privately owned. The Maltese Cross is the badge of the Knights Hospitallers who owned much of Fryerning from the 12th century until they were suppressed in 1540. The panel was embroidered by Kathleen Green.

Book Text (1987)

Windmill Group. Fryerning WI was formed in 1921 by Miss Dora Christy, and is in a particularly beautiful area of the county, just north of Ingatestone members are fortunate to be able to hold meetings in some of the lovely gardens there. In their first Annual Report, they tell us that a charade “The Bride” was acted to celebrate Princess Mary’s wedding! Later in their history, we find they planted three silver birch trees outside Huskards which was then an elderly peoples’ home, and to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee in 1981 they erected a Fryerning sign in the village. Latterly some of their members have been actively involved in the new WI market in Shenfield.

Brick Text

The institute have recently celebrated their 4th birthday. Members interests vary from knitting, crochet, calligraphy, quilting and dollhouses. Holidays have been arranged to both Germany and Holland. This new, lively institute meets in a morning and have also organised barn dances, quiz nights, lunches, and walks.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Cripsey Group. This was one of the earliest WIs formed in Essex but was disbanded; it was reformed in 1951. At present membership is 64. The name Fyfield is derived from Five Fields (or Hydes) – it’s original boundaries and is famous in botanical circles for the Fyfield pea, brought from Holland in 1596. It can be grown from seed but is usually grown from tubers. These taste like asparagus and were used as a cure for diarrhoea.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Cripsey Group. This was one of the earliest WIs formed in Essex but was disbanded; it was reformed in 1951. At present membership is 64. The name Fyfield is derived from Five Fields (or Hydes) – it’s original boundaries and is famous in botanical circles for the Fyfield pea, brought from Holland in 1596. It can be grown from seed but is usually grown from tubers. These taste like asparagus and were used as a cure for diarrhoea.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Tindal Group (formerly Can Group). Galleywood WI’s first meeting was held in the Scout Hut in 1937 and as numbers grew they were allowed to transfer to the Grandstand of Galleywood Racecourse, where steeple chasing was very popular at that time. A WI with an excellent tradition for cookery, crafts and flowers they have held a very large show for many years, the flowers and vegetable section being often judged by the late Mr F Shemming, known locally for his expertise, and a very good friend to Essex WIs.

Brick Text

The embroidery shows Saffron Walden Castle Keep. The castle was built by Geoffrey de Mandeville, first Earl of Essex, in the early part of the 12th century. Saffron Walden got its name from the saffron crocus, depicted in the shield by three saffron, which was cultivated for its medicinal qualities. Only the stamen was used. It was farmed by “Crokers” and even in 1548 it as 12/- per pound and rose to £4.1s.10d in 1665. The disuse of the plants in medicine so diminished its value that by 1790 it had disappeared from our fields. Of course, we know it as a food colouring, and it is still expensive!

Book Text (1987)

Audley Group. Named after the Gison family, great benefactors to the town of Saffron Walden, Gibson WI was formed for the younger members who were unable to get to afternoon meetings. Like their afternoon friends, they are a very active part of the life of the town today.

Brick Text

The institute started in 1933, there being a bus service linking the three village and so able to take members to Goldhanger for meetings. The panel shows the tower of the flint church in Goldhanger, the weatherboard church in Little Totham and the brick wall and entrance gate to Beckingham Hall in Tolleshunt Major. Goldhanger is thought to have got its name from “gold” the colour and “anger” grassland. The gold is thought to refer to the yellow flower, the corn marigold, which still grows in some places in Goldhanger, hence its inclusion in the panel. This leaves the Goldhanger Plough – which was invested in the 1790s by a local yeoman farmer called William Bentall who started to make them for neighbouring farmers, having built a small foundry, smithy, and joiners’ shop near his farm to cope with demand. By 1805 the manufacture of the plough and other inventions had moved to Heybridge, but it still was known as the Goldhanger plough.

Book Text (1987)

Blackwater Group. Goldhanger is a small village standing on a creek which leads to the wide waters of the Blackwater and overlooks the island of Osea. The creek is full of small boats and wading birds. Goldhanger is said to have derived its name from the golden corn marigold, a pest against which an ordinance was issued in the 12th century, but a flower of such fine quality that it was called after the Virgin Mary. In the 19th century William Bentall, a local farmer, became a maker of agricultural implements, producing “Goldhanger” ploughs based on the pattern of one he designed for his own farm. In 1805 he moved to the well-known Bentalls factory in Heybridge.

Brick Text

The design depicts St Andrew’s church, Good Easter, the main part of which dates from the 13th century. Subsequent additions were made in the 14th and 15th centuries. Some restoration work has been carried out in modern times. This is surrounded by a daisy chain which denotes Good Easter’s entry in the Guiness Book of Records. We hold the record for the longest daisy chain being 6970’7” This was set on 27th May 1985. The panel was designed and embroidered by Mrs Eva Lynn.

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. Good Easter WI hopes to be named in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s largest daisy chain – 6980 feet 7 inches! The institute members must have had a share in that effort!

Brick Text

The embroidery shows a goose which is thought to be the origin of Gosfield from Goosefield. The building is Gosfield Hall, now a home for gentlefolk and in the past a retreat for royalty. The lake is where water ski championships take place and also some filming. The flag is to represent our delightfully landscaped golf course and the fishing rod reflects an activity much in evidence on the lake.

Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee and the Diamond Jubilee of the Essex Federation in 1977 was commemorated by Gosfield WI with the design and erection of a village sign, following a talk on village signs in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Wells Group. Grange Hill WI was formed in 1959 after bullying County Federation into action! Now it has 94 members, but even they can find difficulty in persuading members to stand for committee. However, they have raised money to send a disabled person on holiday and have supported the Guide Dogs for the Blind. They have learnt about calligraphy and have made a donation of £100 to the Denman Appeal.

Notes

Merged with Chigwell Row 2007

Notes

Formed from Grange Hill and Chigwell Row 2007

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Pilgrim Group. Lady Shepherd formed the institute in 1921. One founder member continued active membership until her death at the age of 103 years. Another still active founder member visited Buckingham Palace in the year of the Institute’s formation. One of the members, Mrs Margery Palmer became a VCO. The village’s 15th century church has a stone screen in good repair.

Notes

The 1987 book mentions formation in 1921. No records if this is the same WI.

Book Text (1987)

Pilgrim Group. Lady Shepherd formed the institute in 1921. One founder member continued active membership until her death at the age of 103 years. Another still active founder member visited Buckingham Palace in the year of the Institute’s formation. One of the members, Mrs Margery Palmer became a VCO. The village’s 15th century church has a stone screen in good repair.

Notes

The 1987 book mentions formation in 1921 and possibly closed in 1992. See above.

Book Text (1987)

Guith Group. This is one of the County’s smallest institutes with 16 members. First President was Mrs Mason Green in 1948.

Notes

Name changed to Little Burstead 1964. Some confusion on formation date, some say June 1918.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Spring Valley Group. This WI was formed in 1919 b Mrs M Hitchcock, her husband loaning them the money to purchase an Army Hut as their meeting place – they repaid the loan in 1923. In July 1980 the inside of this Hall was gutted by fire but, by supreme effort of the members, together with WIs, friends and County Federation it was back in use in April 1981. Two founder members of this WI are still alive – Mrs Hitchcock and Mrs Seaborn.

Notes

Merged with Horkesley Evening 1999

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Spinners Group. This is a small WI, which although based in the village of Great Leighs, draws its members both from the villages and the town.

Brick Text

The river Pant links both the Sampfords and Kingfishers are found on the river.

Book Text (1987)

Pilgrim Group. This was formed in 1924 in an attractive village. One of their members, Mrs Iris Woodward is a WEA lecturer on art, another – Mrs Violet Bellingham is an artist, and contributed to the design for the cover of the Essex Federation Cookbook “A Cooking we will go”.

Notes

Formed from Gt Warley + Lt Warley & Childerditch 1999

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Estuary Group. This WI was formed in 1919 in a village which can boast having the largest village green in Essex.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Reformed

Brick Text

The name of Bromley was derived from the word Broom which was grown here on the land and was cut down and sent to Ipswich for the Bakers ovens. They found this burned very hot and clean. The lea was a river that ran through the back of the village behind the school, hence it was put together and called Bromley.

Brick Text

The decision to depict the Virgin and Child on the panel was because our 12th century church, St Mary’s is very well known for the mural over the altar. It is thought it was whitewashed over at the time of the Reformation and subsequently covered by a memorial to the Wiseman family (Lords of the Manor). In 1888 an incumbent so disliked having to see the heavy and ornate memorial when at the altar he decided to have it moved to the South wall. It was then that the mural was discovered. It is thought that it may have originally been the work of the monks from the nearby Hatfield Broad Oak Priory or less probably it may have been a chaplain at the de Vere castle on the Mount adjacent to the church who spent his abundant leisure in decorating the church. The panel is the work of Dorothy Benjamin. Since learning to make lace in 1890 she has been bitten with the lacemaking bug!

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. This is a very scattered village of 150 houses along 8 miles of road. They have no shop, no post office, and no pub, but they have a very splendid church and an institute formed in 1983, which has succeeded in its aim of bringing a sense of community to the village.

Brick Text

Great Clacton is a place of great antiquity – Roman, Saxon and Norman. Saxon graves have been found, Roman tiles stand out among the flints and stones of the Norman church. In the village is a thatched cottage of the 17th century and an inn with a timber-framing and moulded ceiling beams of the [first] Elizabethan age. From a bend of the wide road a fine avenue of 16 lime trees runs through the great churchyard to a Norman doorway under a Norman window. The doorway in the other wall has 12th century pillars. The font, with carvings of two angels and of three seated figures, is about 500 years old, contemporary with the massive stone tower on which is set a timber belfry with a dumpy spire. The student of architecture will delight in the traces of rare vaulting in the roof of the nave. A tablet on the wall tells us that Eleazor Knox was vicar to his death in 1591. He was born in Geneva in 1558, when his father was living there in exile; his father being the immortal John Knox.

Book Text (1987)

Priory Group. Everyone has heard of Clacton-on-Sea, and this resort has two institutes Clacton and Great Clacton. Both meet in the afternoon, but at opposite ends of the month.

Book Text (1987)

Flitch Group. Great Dunmow (the name means “hill meadow”) is a small town which grew up where the Chelmsford to Walden Road crosses Roman Stane Street, and where another Roman Road joins from the Rodings to the south. The town had a grant of market in the 13th century. On Doctor’s Pond the first lifeboat was tried out in 1785. The institute was formed in June 1922 and has remined active ever since.

Notes

The book refers to "Great Dunmow" but it's possible that this is the WI officially named "Dunmow"

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Roothings Group. This WI originally formed in 1942, suspended in 1962 and reformed in 1963.

Brick Text

>We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Roothings Group. This WI originally formed in 1942, suspended in 1962 and reformed in 1963.

Notes

Roothings Group. This WI originally formed in 1942, suspended in 1962 and reformed in 1963.

Brick Text

The panel shows the windmill at Great Holland. It was a mill possibly in 1714 or earlier. The old mill house was consumed by fire in 1806 but the mill was spared. A smock mill was erected in 1840. In 1858 it was struck by lightning and in 1863 it was tail-winded, and the cap and sails were lifted off completely. In 1923 the sails were removed, and the body truncated in 1952. It was in use until about 1972 or a little later. Unfortunately, there is no longer a mill standing, only a mill cottage.

Book Text (1987)

Sokens Group. Great Holland WI, formed in 1950, have as their President Mrs Rosemary Williams, who is the daughter of their founder President Mrs Franklin. Walton on Naze has two WIs. It was once called Walton-le-Soken. Naze comes from the Anglo-Saxon “naes”, a headland. A tower stands on Walton’s headland, a well-known landmark for mariners. The sea encroached on the old church and land owned by St Pauls. Today, in the cathedral, can be seen a prebendal stall inscribed “Consumpta per mere”. In 1943 Walton on Naze WI was formed. One of their members Mrs Haiston – when she was 75+ – was commended for saving someone from drowning. At 86 years she cycled round 14 churches in the Tendring area raising the highest amount, £147 for Walton Parish Church.

Book Text (1987)

Castle Group. In 1919 Great Maplestead WI was formed, and the name changed to The Maplesteads in 1974. This WI was very delighted that their exhibit at the Essex Show in 1978 caught the eye of the Queen, who admired their work. They have also won the County Rounders contest three years running.

Notes

Name change to The Maplesteads 1974

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

We have two Great Notley bricks which begs the questions, have their been two WIs?

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

We have two Great Notley bricks which begs the questions, have their been two WIs?

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Constable Group. Great Oakley WI was started in 1977 because it was felt that the village lacked an organisation with universal appeal. It has continued to promote friendship amongst women in the village.

Notes

Merged with new Thundersley WI to become Thundersley

Brick Text

The panel shows the village sign. The member who made it for us thought it a good idea as we proudly had it erected in March 1991. It took three years to raise the money. We are a small institute of only 18 members, so we think we did very well. The church is the main feature as it is very old, dating back to the 12th century. We are a farming community there the panel depicts the countryside; and around the bottom is Coggeshall Lace, as years ago it was a cottage industry in the village. One of our members’ sons whose father was the village blacksmith designed the panel for us.

Book Text (1987)

Mandeville Group. Great Tey WI, formed in 1966, has lost its bus service, and a Country Car goes into Colchester (about 7 miles away) three times a day. The WI was started by Mrs Mary Fairs who had formerly been a member of Chappel WI and thought that there was an ideal opportunity for a new WI, in the new housing area.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Viking Group. Great Totham, where the churchyard is kept mown like a lawn, lies among flat fertile fields in an almost Dutch landscape. The institute dates from 1963 and Peggy Midwood, past County Treasurer and Chairman is a founder member there.

Notes

We also have a brick named Wickham Bishops & Great Totham

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. Great Wakering recorded as the driest place in the United Kingdom, is a farming village. Its church dates from Norman times. The afternoon institute founded in 1931 has a link with Palmerston, New Zealand, from where came many food parcels during the war. The institute produced so much jam, pickles, chutney, and bottled fruit, as well as knitted garments, between 1941 and 1945 that they received a letter of thanks from the Queen.

Brick Text

When designing the embroidery, I had aimed to include more elements representing Great Wakering village and the community. However, this proved to be difficult; it was a case of what to eliminate rather than what to include due to the limited size of the fabric. Finally, I decided as our fine old Parish church stands in a dominant position at the end of the High Street, and the village is partly bounded by creeks of the Roach and North Sea. These were the two scenes representative of our village. I also felt the fabric leant itself to counted thread embroidery. The designer and embroiderer is Pauline Hunter.

Book Text (1987)

Rochford Hundred Group. This was formed in 1978 and Mrs Cass, the gifted toymaker, now belongs to it with her daughter Mrs Miller who has inherited her talents.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Tindal Group (formerly Can Group). This WI was formed in 1918 by Dora Christy, the County Secretary of that time. They have always been community conscious and have at various times helped to raise money to refurbish the Hulton Hall and worked with the Horticultural Society to run the annual Flower Show. Mrs Calvert, a former VCO, became a valued member when Pleshey members joined this WI.

Brick Text

The panel was embroidered by Dorothy Martin. The motifs are taken from the tablecloth used at Institute meetings. There are crocuses which grow in Miss Wilmott’s garden, a wallet as left by the pilgrims to Canterbury at a house in the village (named Wallets) before facing thieves and robbers on the Essex marshes, and hops; the only ones grown in Essex at a local farm. The suggestion to include the logo of the Ford Motor Company was thrown out – “They’ve only been here 20 years”! The embroiderer’s son, a graphic designer worked out the design. Counted cross stitch is apparently similar to the pixels on a computer screen.

Book Text (1987)

Woodland Group. Great Warley village is grouped round its green. The institute was formed in 1949 and one of its founder members, Betty Dearberg, has a lovely house overlooking the War Memorial on the green. She has published a fascinating book, “Diary of Chestnut Tree Cottage Garden”. Across the road from her house are the grounds of Warley Place, at one time home of Ellen Willmott, a famous horticulturalist who bred new varieties of plants now named “Willmottia” after her. These grounds are now leased to the Essex Naturalists’ Trust. A field, there, is one of the few sites in England where early English Crocus Tomasinianus grows naturally. In March it is a carpet of mauve.

Notes

Merged with Little Warley & Childerditch 1999

Brick Text

Greenstead Green is known throughout Essex for its Fuchsia nursery begun by the Baker family after WWII and employing people from the village. The Bakers no longer compete in national competitions and now a number of different flowering plants are grown. A letter addressed only to “The Fuchsia Nursery, Essex” was delivered.

Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. The oldest institute in the Group is Greenstead Green WI, formed in February 1919 by the mother of a present member, who personally asked women in the village to come and hear the organising Secretary of the Southern Division of Essex WIs.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

Gunfleet is the evening institute of Walton-on-the-Naze and is situated on the northeast coast of Essex. The word Naze comes from the Anglo-Saxon “naes” a ness or headland. The institute gets its name from the sands which run parallel to the Naze peninsula. The octagonal tower, 80ft high, shown in the panel stands on the highest point of the headland and overlooks these sandbanks. As it is 162ft above high water, panoramic views are obtained over the water surrounding it on three sides. The tower was built in 1720 by Trinity House to provide a landmark for mariners. Over the years it has been used by the Coastguard and the Royal Navy. Many of our members regularly cross the North Sea in their yachts and they say how good it is to see the Naze Tower on their return trips because they know that their home and country is in sight.

Book Text (1987)

Sokens Group. In 1963 the second WI, Gunfleet WI was formed in the area, taking its name from the local sandbank and lighthouse. They are a very active WI and recently produced an excellent collage of Walton. They are also a very musical WI.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

The panel was designed by Anne Dickson and Judith Mann and worked by Judith Mann. The ‘Hadfelda’ letters are staggered because all eight letters are square and chunky. A straight line would have left little room for anything else. Blockwork stitches prevented any heaviness but hopefully allows the letters to dominate. It was decided that the remaining stitchery should indicate the activities in our WWI over the years. The chosen motifs of Art, Crafts, Yoga, Flower Arranging, Dancing (country and circle), Darts, Swimming, Drama and Cookery aptly covered the many and various activities by our members. These are by no means the full list, simply representative

Book Text (1987)

Guith Group. Most of the villagers in Hatfield Peverel can now swim thanks to Hadfelda WI (The Roman village name) member Eileen Smith! A swimming instructor, she gave lessons to members, and they progressed to diving, survival, and lifesaving. Members also instigated lunches for the senior citizens in the village. Such was the popularity of the scheme that the WRVS now run a weekly Luncheon Club with help from WI members. The institute was formed in 1965.

Book Text (1987)

Ray Group. Hadleigh WI, formed in 1972 as an evening institute, is in a small town near the Thames estuary. The town has existed since Saxon times and has a Norman church. The ruined castle, overlooking the river, was built by Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent, in the 13th century in the reign of Henry III. It is said to have its own ghost, a lady dressed in white, who loves to dance, especially with unwary folk viewing the ruins by moonlight.

Notes

Book likelyl to be referring to Hadleigh Evening WI.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Ray Group. This WI was formed in 1980 by older members of the evening institute who preferred afternoon activities rather than going out at night; there are now more than 80 members.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Ray Group. This is the newest WI in the Group, formed in September 1986. Maybe the dancing white lady of Hadleigh Castle will join too!

Brick Text

The panel was worked by Mrs Betty Burton who wrote the following ‘Finding myself an unwilling volunteer to do the task, I racked my brain to find a suitable theme. I consulted my great friend Mabel Bourne, who suggested the evening scene to depict our title ‘Hadleigh Evening WI’. From this we decided that the castle really must be included and the twilight view across the Estuary with the twinkling lights of Canvey Island further tied up the evening theme.’

Notes

Name changed to Hadleigh Village 2020.

Notes

Name changed from Hadleigh Evening 2020.

Brick Text

Hadstock is a small village on the Essex/Cambridge border with many medieval houses. There are approximately 100 houses and 340 residents. We have no bus service and unfortunately the village shop has just closed. Hadstock WI is small but still relied upon heavily when Church Bazaars or village fetes are being held! The centrepiece of our panel is the church of St Botolph which is thought to be 1000 years old and possibly built by King Canute. The church is a very prominent feature, standing on a hill overlooking the village. The church door is in the Guinness book of records as being the oldest door in daily use in this country. The crosspiece of the letter ‘H’ for Hadstock is a trumpet which depicts the Hadstock Silver Band which has been in existence for many years. The grey cross-shaped figure is the stone finial from the end of the church roof, and the flower is an oxlip which grows in abundance around the village. The panel was the work of several WI members who all contributed towards the design and the actual embroidery.

Book Text (1987)

Harvey Group. The village has a Saxon church, probably built by King Canute, and this has the oldest door in daily use in the country. It appears in the Guinness Book of Records. This door is reputed to have had a daneskin nailed to it, and scraps of skin have been found under the hinge which have been carbon dated to approximately the right date; however, there is doubt as to whether it is human or pig skin!

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Wells Group. This is the newest WI in the Group formed in 1983 and now has 73 members. This area consists of houses built prior to and following WWII. One estate was built by prisoners of war awaiting repatriation and consists of various types of dwelling. They really work hard to hold two meetings a month, the second being a social one, when different crafts are taught. They have been on outings to Lambeth Palace and Ascot and are to take tea with the MP at the House of Commons. A good mixture! They have supported St Francis Hospice and British Leprosy Relief and are particularly concerned to help any members in need of care.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. This WI meets in the evening in a village that has become part of the urbanisation taking place in this part of Essex. Two of their present members are VCOs.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Colne Valley Group. With the relaxation of the rule that WIs should be formed only in places with a population of fewer than 4000, and the introduction of the idea that WIs should be formed anywhere there is a need, Halstead WI was started and is now the largest WI in the Group. Their meetings are held in considerable comfort, with most members sitting in armchairs in Senior Citizen’s Hall.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Notes

Transferred to Middlesex Federation 2014

Brick Text

As our institute has members from both the old and the new parts of town, we thought it would be a good idea to show well known buildings from both areas. The cottage is in Churchgate Street, Old Harlow, and, according to the owner, was built in 1480. Over the front door is a plaque inscribed as follows: ‘Given by Iulian, the wife of Alex Stafford Esq for the inhabitation of two poor widows of this Parish A.D. 1630.’ The tower block of flats was the first to be built in the New Town of Harlow in 1950/1. The Architect was Sir Frederick Gibberd, who was also responsible for the masterplan of the New Town. Rose Stringer designed the panel and Breda Roberts embroidered it.

Book Text (1987)

Border Tye Group. Harlow WI was formed in 1919 and met in the laundry of a large house called Mark Hall. In 1920 land was purchased and presented to the WI and hall was built. Loans of £5 made by members enabled an extension to be added in 1950. The coming of Harlow New Town has meant that Harlow is a much larger place and WI membership has increased thereby.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Border Tye Group. This institute was formed in 1965 and enabled young housewives and working women to attend meetings in the evening. The name was derived from a local 12th century chapel.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. Harold Park institute was opened in 1973 when the local Townswomen’s Guild closed. King Harold (1022 to 1066) hunted in the surrounding area.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. Harold Wood (Afternoon) WI is another Harold Wood institute. One of the past Presidents was Mrs Dorothy Russell, a well-known writer and broadcaster, also a fine seamstress. A piece of her work was given by her to the Federation and is displayed in the WI Centre.

Brick Text

The border of the design of the panel depicts a wood and the Crown and Arrow depict King Harold (defeated by William the Conqueror in 1066) who held the liberty of Havering which included ‘Harolds Wood’. The Institute first met on 23rd June 1921 at the Memorial Hall, Harold Wood, where they still meet today. The panel was embroidered by Barbara Faulkener, an active member, keen needlewoman, and a working mum who tried to find time to fit everything in.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. The evening WI was opened to cater for the young mothers and working wives. In 1984 they celebrated their coming of age with a part to which all past Presidents were invited. Founder members were each given a plate, designed and hand painted by a present member.

Notes

Changed name from Harold Wood Evening Sept 2023

Brick Text

The panel was embroidered by Joyce Hill. It shows various buildings around Harold Wood, stitched in black silk with simple outline stitches. The committee had great fun trying to decide which buildings were most representative from photos taken by Joyce. Their meeting place, the Memorial Hall, is shown bottom left. Across the top of the panel is the station, still bearing the LNER initials. The church is the Parish Church of St Peter’s which was built in 1939. Top right is the new Maternity Block of the hospital which dominates the skyline of Harold Wood. The river Ingrebourne runs through our park and is shown running through the ‘name’ on the panel.

Book Text (1987)

Ingrebourne Group. The evening WI was opened to cater for the young mothers and working wives. In 1984 they celebrated their coming of age with a part to which all past Presidents were invited. Founder members were each given a plate, designed and hand painted by a present member.

Notes

Changed name to Harold Wood Sept 2023.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.

Book Text (1987)

Roothings Group. A Benedictine Priory was founded at Hatfield Broad Oak in 1135 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536. Robert de Vere, 3rd Earl of Oxford, was a benefactor of the Priory and was one of the barons who signed the Magna Carta in 1215. It is said the WI evolved from a knitting group which met during WWI. Mrs Rosemary Kenrick was involved with many Federation projects, and because of her skill and experience was appointed gardening advisor to Denman College.

Brick Text

We have no information about this brick. If you know who embroidered it or can explain the elements depicted in the design please get in touch.