Scarning Women’s Institute

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Ever thought of joining your local WI group?

The Scarning ladies meet in the Village Hall, at 7.30 on the last Wednesday of the month. We have a friendly group of 23 members.

We have visiting speakers, who give talks and demonstrations on a wide range of topics. Sometimes we have a quiz or games and then finish the evening with a social time when refreshments are served and of course (it goes without saying) there is cake!

Outings are arranged throughout the year. In October we usually hold a very successful Craft Day where WIs from the surrounding area join us for a day of crafting.

If you would like to come along to a meeting you would be most welcome. The annual subscription for this coming year is £44.00 payable at April’s meeting. There are no other meeting costs unless you wish to purchase a raffle ticket of course.

For more information please call –

President – Linda Jones  01362 288742 – Jones.Lynn@Tiscali.Co.UK
Secretary – Jo Urquhart 01362 690183

County website – Norfolk Federation of WIs

Bollywood comes to Scarning
60th Birthday
Ladies receiving Long Membership certificates
Scarning WI footpath walk 1988
Sign in the Beacon lay-by, presented by the WI in 1969
Norfolk Show 1978 Scarning Womens Institute Pageant - Eskimos
Celebrating 100 years of the Norfolk Federation Of WI's
Scarning WI (Ruby Wright, Dorothy Price, Rosemary Hutson, Joyce Farnham, Judy Webdale, Unknown, Jenny James and Ann Dye) - Photo in Park Farmhouse
60th Birthday
Results of annual Craft Day
Celebrating 100 years of WI in Norfolk
Scarning WI pageant at Norfolk Show 1978
Five happy crafters with their makes - WI Craft Day on 16th Oct 2021
Scarning WI win Dereham quiz - 2000
Craft Day
60th Birthday
60th Birthday Cake
WI mug
Sandringham for Women Walk the World

2022/3 Committee

  • President – Linda Jones
  • Vice Presidents – Tina Hobbs
  • Secretary – Jo Urquhart
  • Ass. Secretary – Julie Thornton
  • Treasurer – Jan Bell
  • Ass. Treasurer – Linda Jones
  • Programme – Julie Thornton & Tina Hobbs
  • Sales Table – Tracey Perks
  • Welcome and Refreshments – Jane Dunsire
  • Raffle Organizer – Committee
  • Competition – Jo Urquhart
  • Gazette Collection – Linda/Jan
  • Newsletter – Jo Urquhart. Linda Jones
  • Birthday Posies – Tina Hobbs
  • Press – Linda Jones
  • Hostess – Jane Dunsire
  • Sunshine Fund – Linda Jones
  • Refreshment Chart – Tracey Perks
Mrs Allwood, WI founder in 1998 at the 45th anniversary of its founding

History of Scarning WI

The formation meeting took place on 20th February 1952 at 7.30 pm at Scarning Village Hall. 42 ladies were present. A resolution was proposed by Mrs Duigan and seconded by Mrs Roper to form an institute in Scarning and was unanimously adopted. The following bye-laws were passed –

1.That the monthly meeting should be held in the parish room, Scarning on the last Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. The annual meeting should be held in November.
2. There should be 12 members elected for the committee.
3. The Vice Presidents to be elected by the committee.
4. The age for joining should be 16 years.

It was agreed to hold the first institute meeting on Wednesday 5th March at 7.30. (curiously not the last Wednesday of the month!!) Nominations for the committee were received by Mrs Broke.

On March 5th 56 members attended the meeting and a ballot was held to elect the committee. Tea was served and a discussion of future events took place. The meeting closed with Auld Lang Syne.

The first proper meeting of Scarning Women’s Institute took place on 26th March 1952. 53 members were present. Mrs Allwood the president was in the chair.

The 10/- effort to support county funds was discussed and entered into as was the London AGM although a delegate was not sent. It was agreed to hold a monthly competition and a bowls club was formed.

A talk and demonstration on the art of glove-making took place. This was followed by tea and charades. The meeting closed singing the national anthem at 9.40 pm.

From Dec 1982, BBC Radio Norfolk’s Village Voice – Leslie & Pam Allwood discuss the village hall, school trust & the WI.

For full details of this recording and others included in the radio programme, please see the Radio Norfolk’s Village Voice page on this website.

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