Scaynes Hill Womens Institute

Minutes of First Meeting

A meeting to start a Women's Institute was held in the Reading Room, Scaynes Hill at 3pm on Thursday April 19th 1917. The chair was taken by Mrs. Huddart.

Lady Denman, Chairman of the sub-committee of Women's Institutes and Mrs. Watt from the Agricultural Organisation Society explained Women's Institutes and their use.  A resolution: "That a Women's Institute should be started in Scaynes Hill", was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.

A provisional committee was proposed by Lady Denman for the remainder of the year, and seconded by Miss Amy Margesson.

The members proposed were:

• Mrs Huddart -President
• Mrs Willett - Vice President
• Mrs Rydon, Mrs Greenleuch, Miss Margesson, Mrs. Button, Mrs. Boniface, Miss Taylor, Mrs Avery, Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Pearce.

It was decided to hold the first meeting of the Institute in the Reading Room on May 3rd. At 3pm. The Chairman announced that 35 cups and saucers & £1-6½d had been handed over by the Stoolball Club to the Treasurer of the Women's Institute with full consent of the members of the Stoolball Club.

A Committee Meeting followed, present: Lady Denman, Mrs. Watt, Mrs. Huddart, Mrs Willett, Miss Margesson, Mrs Button, Mrs. Boniface, Mrs. Graham.

Miss Margesson proposed, Mrs. Huddart seconded that a Women's Institute in Scaynes Hill in affiliation with the "Agricultural Organisation Society."

Mrs. Huddart proposed, Mrs. Willett seconded Miss Margesson as Hon. Secretary.

Mrs. Watts explained the rules of Women's Institutes - Member's subscriptions 2/-. Members elected by the Committee.

Mrs. Watts offered a prize for a cake competition to be held on May 3rd.

Lady Denman paid the annual subscription for a copy of "The Smallholder" for the use of the Members of the Institute.

Signed: Caroline Huddart.

Caroline Huddart

Chairman of the East Sussex Federation of Women’s Institutes from 1919 to 1932 President of Scaynes Hill WI 1917 -1932