Fenstanton WI – A short history

Fenstanton WI

Fenstanton WI was formed on 28th February 1918 and 40 members were present. The first written record was dated 20th December 1922.

The meetings always opened with the singing of “Jerusalem” as they still do. They also ended with the National Anthem, except in February 1952 when King George VI died. However this practice stopped in 1981.

Early speakers were often members who gave demonstrations of simple cookery, needlework and even bed-making during illness. The emphasis then changed to presentations about “interior design with distemper” through to a new form of plastic called Tupperware. By the 1970s the talks were about health, beauty and counting calories, and in the 1980s topics broadened even further as more people travelled abroad and visiting speakers would share their experiences. Now talks are very varied, reflecting the wider interests of women.

Over the years Fenstanton WI has been active in the village, planting trees, walking the footpaths, picking up litter as part of the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaign, holding tea parties and objecting to the division of Fenstanton by the A604, [now known as the A14 ] instigating the building of the underpass.

Fenstanton WI is not all about “Jam & Jerusalem” but a great way to meet people in the village and make new friends, whether you have lived in Fenstanton all your life or have just moved here. We are a lively friendly group and a warm welcome awaits if you are thinking of joining. Just come along on the first Thursday of each month [except January]. We meet in the Church Centre at 7:30 p.m.