Not Long after the First World War

In fact t'was nineteen twenty four,

The doctor's and the parson's wife

Decided to try to improve the life

Of women in the village and marsh,

They knew their lot was rather harsh

Ideas were few, but aims were high,

They decided to form a W.I.

 

Lots of ladies began to enquire

Because news in Burgh spreads like fire,

A meeting was called of important folk

Even then some called it quite a joke,

It would never take on in Burgh they said,

But the Doctor's wife was at the head,

And once begun they must press on

Success would be theirs before too long

 

The meetings were agreed at last

First Wednesday in the month was passed.

Big room at the “ Bell ” was to be the venue,

They caused quite a stir it was something new.

Then over buns and cups of tea

They formed the very first committee.

 

President, Secretary, Treasurer, appointed thus,

The rest then followed without much fuss,

All got busy to raise some funds,

Sold lots of jam and cakes and buns,

Marmalade and jam got quite a name,

Soon widespread became their fame.

 

 

Mrs Crosswaithe from Welton came along,

Instructed members in drama and song,

And many certificates these ladies did gain

Travelling to festivals from Burgh by train

No cars, often quite a distance away,

Nevertheless, there and back in a day.

 

 

Poem on Lincolnshire Wolds site 

Many happy events in the W.I.

Then Hitler raised his ugly might

Our boys then left, they had to fight,

W.I. ladies came to the fore,

They rallied forth to help the war

 

The troops arrived in Burgh town

Women worked hard, could not let them down,

Served many a steaming cup of tea,

In their homes offered hospitality

Collected salvage from door to door,

Newspapers, rags and jam jars galore.

 

Each night the planes roared overhead,

It was hardly worth going to bed,

Then those terrible times were over and past

And peace returned to our country at last,

Some boys came home, we mourned for others,

Oh, if only men would live as brothers.

 

Now the war was over. Stop at naught,

With borrowed money an army hut was bought,

The land acquired, more meetings still,

W.I. ladies always work with a will,

With lots of help the hut was erected,

Water and electricity connected,

A grand opening took place in fifty-one,

W.I. new era had begun.

 

Over the years success has been our aim,

Our hopes and ideals remain the same,

Of our new hall we are so proud

Our membership grows; we're quite a crowd,

Thanks to those who worked in early days,

We'll carry on, but in different ways,

Our aims and standards we'll keep high,

Life is much richer if you belong to the W.I.!

 

Profile of Glady Waite