Parkham WI is a thriving and diverse group of approaching 40 members ranging in age from early 30s to over 90.

Part of the Devon Federation of WIs, the rich and varied programme of speakers and events at Parkham provides a broad range of subjects to interest all.

It’s an inclusive, friendly and sociable group and there is so much friendship and support for each other demonstrated whenever we meet.

Plenty of opportunities to chat over tea and coffee with homemade cake and biscuits – always a lively and enjoyable time and there is an annual lunch where partners are also included, in January of each year. 

We are excited about planning for our Centenary in 2024. 

Parkham WI was founded by Mrs Allardice of Foxdown Manor, the first meeting took place in the Penhavan Barn - read more below. 

It's our Annual General Meeting 11 May 2023 - It’s a fun evening with a bit of dressing up, members are encouraged to wear animal themed outfits and of course some lovely food bring and share supper.

Do come an join us. 

New members are always warmly welcomed. For any information on Parkham WI, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll be happy to help.

 

This month we had a wonderful trip down memory lane as Christine, one of our members gave a fascinating  presentation on the history of the Parkham WI. Accompanied by lots of photographs we enjoyed looking at events in recent years that some of us remember but also hearing stories from the earlier years.

Parkham WI was formed in January 1924, so yes – it will be our centenary next year and we have lots of plans to celebrate! Founded by Mrs Allardice of Foxdown Manor,  the first meeting took place in Penhaven Barn. At this time only ‘important’ ladies had a voice and maids were paid to serve tea and buns. Everyone wore hats of course and were always addressed by their full title.

In 1927 Parkham WI had a piano and agreed to loan it out for 2/6d a night. The Parish Room was also available for hire at 6d a night without a fire and 1/6d a night with a fire and lighting.

As you can imagine all the WIs around the country became very active during the war years. In 1939 two of our members enrolled for the land army. Others were busy knitting, baking, making parcels for the troops, and giving blood! Funds were raised for the WI ambulance, black out blinds for the Parish Room and a dance organised for the Tank Fund. Of course the members were always very useful in providing refreshments for events including those of the Home Guard, and in 1942 Mrs Boswell and Mrs Honey provided a 3 course meal for 4d using unrationed foods. That same year tomato seeds arrived from America and were given to members to try. In 1943 a concert was held in ‘Wings for Victory’ week raising funds for a new ‘Victory Hall’ – now The Allardice Hall’.

When we moved on to more recent times we saw evidence of lots of fun had at various events over the years. Lots of visits to wonderful venues, tea parties in the village hall, fabulous crafts and competition entries and of course many themed evenings. The most famous of which happened in 2013 when we became known as the ‘Parkham Pirates’ and were splashed all over the national papers and television and still pop up on the media from time to time. I will leave you all to do your own research on that one!

It’s our Annual General Meeting next on Thursday 11th May 7.30pm in the Allardice Hall.

It’s a fun evening with a bit of dressing up, members are encouraged to wear animal themed outfits and of course some lovely food bring and share supper. 

All welcome!  Any WI-related questions should be direct to Nicky on 01409 240168.