New Barkby Women’s Institute 1925 – 2025
The very first meeting took place on 11th November 1925 in the Manor House Hall on Melton Road Syston.
Twenty two ladies attended the first meeting which was presided over by Mrs Gates of the Manor House. Two representatives from the National Federation attended, a resolution that the Institute be formed was passed unanimously. By the end of November there were 28 members.
New Barkby Women’s Institute was formed and meetings were held in various places and finally in January 1934 some land in Maiden Street became available for sale by Mr Cooper at a cost of £250.The hall was built after lots of fundraising by the members and the work was completed by the end of 1934. The Grand opening was on 7th February 1935 at 3pm, an evening party followed and a ticket cost one shilling.
We think reaching our 100th birthday is a very special milestone and have been celebrating throughout the summer. First of all we held an Afternoon Tea event which was very special and attended by several members and past members. We then had a boat trip organised but unfortunately this had to be postponed during the morning and so we are planning to do that next year instead. Our next outing was to Kilworth House where we saw the last night of the Proms and despite the very wet weather we all had a wonderful evening. We will conclude our celebrations on the 19th November when we have our Birthday Dinner at a local pub with a Choir to entertain us, we are all looking forward to the evening.
We continue to meet in the Jubilee Room at the Community Centre and welcome visitors, we have a monthly meeting, have speakers and we continue to learn. Outings and trips are arranged and enjoyed.
