A Brief History of the WI Hut 

The Early Days

When Shincliffe WI was formed in 1918 in the aftermath of the First World War, meetings were held in the school at Bank Foot or the vestry of the Wesleyan Chapel in Shincliffe Village.

Meanwhile, subscriptions were being raised for a memorial to Shincliffe’s war dead. A committee was formed, which included some WI members, and a decision was made to build a ‘Memorial Hall’ which would be of benefit to the people of Shincliffe for years to come.

The Memorial Hall was opened in January 1923, but within months was destroyed by fire. The building had been insured, but Shincliffe WI, and others, raised additional funds to replace the building. By December 1923, the new building was opened and in use.

It has been the home of Shincliffe WI ever since, and is now affectionately known as ‘The WI Hut’.

From the beginning, Shincliffe WI contributed to the maintenance of the Hut, but from 1927 they took responsibility for both the upkeep and the financial liabilities. There was also rent to the paid for the land.

The Second World War

The WI Hut could have caused a significant problem at the outbreak of war. The hut at that time had a red roof which might have presented an easy target for enemy aircraft. Fortunately, after inspection by the police and the military, the roof was judged to be safe. The WI had to register to receive a coal allowance for heating and blackout blinds were installed.

The Home Guard used the Hut from the summer of 1940. Initially this was for six hours per week, but by 1941 it was required full time. However, they agreed to the Hut continuing to be used for social events.

In 1943, pipes were laid to supply water, although it wasn’t until the early 1970s that the Elsan chemical toilets were replaced with flush lavatories. 1945 saw the installation of electric lighting.

Ownership

In the late 1940s it was discovered that the lease on the land had expired and no deeds could be found. The land had been sold to the Milk Marketing Board.

In 1950 the MMB decided that it had no use for the land and the WI was able to buy it for £10 plus legal fees. Trustees were found (all men!), and the WI finally owned the Hut.

Since the 1950s, donations, together with a constant round of fundraising and grant applications have enabled Shincliffe WI to continue to make improvements to the building: painting and decorating (inside and out), new roof, windows, floor, heating system, chairs, curtains, crockery. In addition,  the latest fire regulations have to be complied with, and the Hut made accessible to all. WI members together with husbands and friends have worked tirelessly to maintain the Hut in good condition.

Although the Hut is owned by Shincliffe WI, the initial intensions of the first 'Memorial Hall' continue to be met, and the Hut is available to all, for meetings, exhibitions, private parties, and classes.

Read about the history of Shincliffe WI

This is a digitised copy of a booklet written by members in 2013 to mark the 95th anniversary of the foundation of Shincliffe WI. The list of WI Presidents has not been included as an up-to-date list is available below. Eight photographs from the centre of the booklet have also been omitted as many appear in the Gallery on this page. Click on the title below to read, download or print:

Shincliffe Women's Institute
95 Years May 1918 - May 2013

The text of this booklet is © Shincliffe Women's Institute.

List of Presidents of Shincliffe Women's Institute from 1918 to the present day.