In early May through to mid-October 1908, Muriel Matters was ‘Organiser in Charge’ of the first ‘Votes for Women’ caravan that toured the South East counties of England. The caravan tour began in Oxshott and passed through Surrey, Sussex and Kent. The purpose of the tour was to speak about women’s enfranchisement and establish new Women’s ...
Reference: 0097
The Mothers’ Union was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876. Herself a mother of three children, it was the birth of her daughters first child that drove Mary to found the organisation to support women of all classes in their role as mothers, in affiliation with the teachings of the Anglican Church. In 1896 the ...
Reference: WH0317
The Mothers’ Union held an annual service at Saint Mary’s Church each year, where they would ask for God’s blessing on their Union. It was not uncommon for the Lord Bishop of Rochester to attend and preach the Sermon.
Reference: WH0315
As with all church-affiliated bodies at that time, the Mothers’ Union took great pains to remain ‘apolitical’ in their activities, but in times of war, religion and politics can get pretty close, as shown with this publicity flyer for 1916…
Reference: WH0316
…Members were reminded of the ‘red letter’ day of the coming summer, when the West Kent Federation will present the magnificent pageant play of ‘King Henry VIII’. This, perhaps the greatest of Shakespeare’s historical dramas, and certainly the most spectacular, is to be performed by a cast of five-hundred women, so the task which lies ...
Reference: WH0340
The first President retires December 13 1922 was a milestone in the history of Westerham’s WI as the Annual General Meeting began with the presentation of a china tea set ‘of Indian tree pattern’ to Mrs Granville Streatfeild on her retirement from the President’s chair. She was thanked wholeheartedly by all members of the committee, and ...
Reference: WH0336
The Girl Guides had their meeting place attached to the side of the Women’s Institute Hall as a small annexe. The Guides would often work together with the ladies from the W.I. on fund-raising events such as this.
Reference: WH0319
This extract mentions the decision to hire the Drill Hall for meetings whenever possible
Reference: WH0330
This extract mentions attendance of the garden party to be hosted by Brasted W.I.
Reference: WH0331
This extract deals with the election of a new committee
Reference: WH0332
This extract mentions a performance to be put on for Westerham W.I. members by Sevenoaks Girls Club
Reference: WH0333
This extract mentions the welcome of new members, the ‘Misses’ Liddell, which refers to Alice Hargreaves and her sister Rhoda. Alice Hargreaves (Alice in Wonderland) had come to Westerham following the recent death of her husband Reginald. She was lonely and wanted to be near her sister for companionship.
Reference: WH0334
This extract mentions the very generous offer by Mrs. Oliver and Mrs. Rooke to organise a children’s party with a ventriloquist
Reference: WH0335
In 1926 the Westerham Women’s Institute staged a performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at Squerryes Court. The play, in five acts, was produced by Mrs Granville Streatfeild with incidental music composed and conducted by Miss H. Lubbock. Some key roles were as follows Julius Caesar, Mrs Strolger Calpurnia, Mrs Grace Mark Anthony, Mrs Streatfeild Brutus, Mrs Brown Cassius, Mrs Bowles Metellus Cimber ...
Reference: WH0322
