WI--Earlydays (cont)
1946 At the January meeting the Rev Oddling-Smee--an engineer by training, gave an illustrated talk on architecture and in April Mrs Walford spoke about the duties of a County Councillor. The Produce show in August made £6.10.6.
The record also give an insight into income and expenses. While direct comparisons are not always exact 30 can multiply pre--war figures, post war by 20/25.
1945 The January meeting ear marked £18.10.0 for soldiers. The February meeting had a talk by Miss Busfield on 'Make do and Mend' while in April £5.10.0 was sent to Darlington Prisoners of War Fund.
In April with the war having ended letters of thanks were received from the Home Guard for the use of the hut during their defence of North Yorkshire, from the Durham Light Infantry Headquarters for £5.10.0 and for gifts sent for the French. It was also agreed to carry on the £1.0.0 a month donation to the Prison of War Fund. Both local POW had come home from Germany.
Mrs Cutler went as the London delegate and was given 15--shilling expenses. At the November meeting it was agreed to give £18.0.0 left from the Soldiers Christmas Fund to the welcome home fund and to write to all those still in the forces saying that they were not forgotten. Dr Ord of Aldbrough gave a talk on World Affairs.
The records from the War years, show an awareness of issues beyond the locality with numerous talks and fund raising activities while at the same time demonstrating the practicalities needed to make the years of rationing and danger more bear After the war there are signs of returning normality.
1938 Whist Drive and Dance January 21st
Door £4.0.0.
Supper £1.0.0 .
Band £2.0.0.
Profit £3.0.0.
A similar event in October broke down as follows
Door £5.5.6.
Supper £3.2.1.
Cake £1.3.3.
Chocolates £0.12.2.
Band £2.0.0
Profit £8.3.0
Donation to the WI Federation £2.13.0
Whist Drive and Dance November 13th 1946
Door £10.0.0
Raffle £3.17.0
Supper £5.5.0
Total £19.2.0
Band £5.0.0.
Profit £14.2.0.