Stanford Rivers by H M Scott – The Toot Hill Women’s Institute 1923 – 1973 (Part 1)

Founded on March 20th, 1923, by Miss Theresa Buxton, and under the Presidency of Miss Constance Torrance of Greensted House, this wonderful institution has done much to benefit the social life of the village. Within a few weeks of its foundation, the members helped form a Sunday School. It had the honour of receiving the first County W.I. Agricultural Silver Cup and has since gained an incredibly large number of Certificates for its activities. I have been privileged to take notes from the early Minute Books, but, unfortunately, space will not permit me to quote all the interesting information contained therein. However, I have carefully preserved these notes for future reference and regretfully give only a few extracts hereunder.

In 1925, the membership numbered 36 and included Mrs. H. Millbank, Mrs. W. Millbank, Miss Lucy Millbank, Mrs. Owers, Mrs. Mynott, Mrs. J. Staines, Mrs. Voss, Mrs. G. Pledge, Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. T. Kerr, Mrs. A. Wood, Mrs. Sawkins, Mrs. Mugleston, Mrs. Ginger and Miss Alice Millbank acted as the Treasurer. In that year and in the latter ones, the records show that many pleasant afternoons were spent – Lectures were given on many interesting subjects and useful hobbies. The members entertained by giving plays and concerts, tea and garden parties, whist drives, etc. Most of these activities took place in the (now derelict) wooden hut. An extract from the end of the year report states –

"The Coal Club is still a great help to our members ... The library is well used, 16 new books have been added, bought with the pennies taken for the books."

During 1926 similar activities took place and the attendances varied between 40–50 members. Mrs. Furze was elected as a member as was Miss Lena Millbank. Lantern lectures, Cooking demonstrations and Flower show competitions were held and seaside outings were made by "Charabanc". At the annual meeting it was stated that the membership was 66.

In 1927 similar activities were carried on – It was agreed that all meetings commence with the song "Jerusalem" and end with the National Anthem. On August 17th, a Millinery demonstration was given by Mrs. Torrance who later presented certificates to Mrs. H. Millbank for Knitting, and Miss A. Millbank for Crochet. Mrs. George Pledge attended, dressed as Richard de Lucy, Lord Justice of England in 1162 who lived at Ongar Castle and owned much of Stanford Rivers.

In 1928, the function included a Baby Show at which Dennis Wood (16 months) won 1st prize and another prize winner was Frederick Fish (aged 3½ months). Demonstrations included Eiderdown making, Fruit bottling, etc. At the annual show over one cwt. of potatoes were sold and the 10/- realised was sent to the Stanford Rivers School heating fund. In all the show gave proceeds of £9-11-8d.

Mrs. Maud was elected President and Mrs. H. Millbank, Vice-President.

In 1933, another Baby Show took place and among the prizewinners were Derrick Staines (12 months) and Stanley Holt (1–2 year class). A competition "The best parcel of grocery for 6d." was won by Mrs. West with 19 articles. Activities in 1934 included a lecture on the League of Nations by Canon Cobden Earle (the newly appointed Rector), Mandoline duets rendered by the Misses A. & L. Millbank and an exhibition of Needlework lent by Mrs. Hinman, Senr. The year 1935 included an interesting visit to the Lyons factory at Cadby Hall, the rendering of an amusing sketch "Aunt Pricilla's Cat" by Mrs. G. Pledge and Miss Lena Millbank, the presentation of a wedding present to Mrs. George Martin (née Miss Lena Millbank), the purchase of a Piano for £5. In 1936 Dressmaking classes were started, an exhibition of old treasures included such items as old brass candlesticks and an old etching of Toot Hill Windmill in 1829. The years 1937 and 1938 saw similar varied functions.

The autumn show of 1939 was cancelled due to the outbreak of the War. A Produce Guild was formed to encourage the production and preservation of food; sugar was procured and sold to members at 4½d. lb. Members assisted the Billeting work in the area. The 1940 activities included lectures on First Aid, the encouragement of the purchase of War Savings Certificates, and the enrolment commenced for members of the Women's Emergency Land Corps. Miss Lucy Millbank reported that the Fruit Preserving Centre had made 1,461 lbs. of jam, and 1,071 cans of fruit.

In 1941, the Institute's activities were mainly devoted to furthering food production. Miss L. Millbank announced that 1,100 lbs. of jam had been made at the Food Centre. Members ordered 200 tomato plants at 2d. each. Mrs. Kinsman offered a room in her house for use as a Red Cross point during Air Raids or in case of Invasion. Miss A. Millbank stated that the War Savings Group had collected a total of £700.

The year 1942 saw the start of First Aid classes. Members made up Flannel Shirts, Helmets and Stockings for despatch to women and children in Russia. 1943 saw similar activities, although some lighter entertainments were provided on occasions. The Institute's 21st Birthday party was held on March 20th, 1944 and presentations to mark their 21 years of service were made to the Misses L. and A. Millbank. During the year much effort was given to the knitting of garments for despatch to war-torn Europe and for the Forces.

On May 16th, 1945, a "Victory Tea" took place and 14/- was raised for the W.I. funds. On December 12th, Miss L. Millbank stated that since 1939 – 2 tons, 103 lbs. of jam, 218 lbs. of chutney and 1,350 cans of fruit had been produced.

1946 saw the return of more normal meetings and on August 21st – in spite of bread rationing – tea and buns were served to the members. The contents of a welcome food parcel, received from Australia, was drawn for and the lucky winners received Dripping, Milk, Honey, Jelly and Fruit. Other large food parcels were received from W.I.'s in Canada.

Further food parcels were gratefully received from Canada and Australia in 1947. On March 17th, the Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary and presentations were made to the Misses A. and L. Millbank. The years 1948 onwards saw the resumption of activities such as "Bring and Buy" sales, Talks, Tea parties, etc.

In 1951, the President (Mrs. Millbank) announced that the Bank balance of the Wartime Food Preservation Centre was to be used to provide a Teak Garden seat to be placed on "Sharpe's Green" near the (former) Village Stores and the purchase of a Tree to be planted at the same spot in commemoration of the Institute's 25th birthday and the Festival of Britain.

On August 20th a tribute was paid to the late Miss Alice Millbank, who had recently passed away. She had been Treasurer for 29 years and had given unfailing help. Her cheerfulness and loveable disposition would always be remembered and members would always look back on her loving service with deep gratitude.

In March 1953 the Institute celebrated its 30th Birthday. Mrs. Millbank gave each member a Coronation Spoon to mark the event. Mrs. Millbank retired from the office of President after 21 years' service and Miss Lucy Millbank retired after 30 years as Secretary.

The information above gives merely a very brief outline of the excellent Institute's work during its first 30 years and my notes were taken from records of that period kindly loaned by the former Secretary. During the last 20 years, members have continued their work and done much to raise funds towards the cost of the new Village Hall. Active members during recent years include Mrs. K. Green, Mrs. Chitson, Mrs. Griggs, Mrs. Styman, Mesdames Kerr, Withers, Reimann, Auchinvole, Torrance, Rowe. A sad loss of a valuable member was sustained by the death in 1970 of Miss Lucy Millbank.

1973 – The Institute's 50th – opened with a full programme of meetings arranged for each month. Mrs. Green remains the President; Mrs. Chitson, Vice-President; Mrs. Taylor, Hon. Treasurer; Mrs. Didsbury, Hon. Secretary – assisted by a Committee comprising of Mesdames Abbott, Chitson, Jeffries, Martin, Priest, Reimann, Smiles and Withers.

On May 9th, the W.I. celebrated its Golden Jubilee and my wife and I were proud to have been invited to join in the celebration luncheon. For a few moments I was embarrassed by the fact that I was the only male amongst over 60 women, but the happy and friendly throng soon made me overcome this feeling. The party was held in the new Village Hall and it was graced with the presence of two founder members – Mrs. Jessie Kerr and Mrs. Evelyn Pledge. A welcoming glass of sherry (provided by the kindness of Mrs. Eveline Millbank), was followed by an excellent meal – before which I had the honour of saying Grace. Regrettably, Mrs. Millbank was prevented from attending by her continued illness. I received a special welcome and my wife was kindly given a floral presentation. Representatives from nine nearby institutes attended this delightful function.

On Friday, the 22nd June, 1973, the new hall was officially opened by Mrs. Lena Martin. Mr. M. Murray thanked all the residents of Little End and Toot Hill for their help and encouragement in raising £2,000 and stated that rest of the cost had been met by grants by the Government and the Parish Council – the total cost was approx. £6,500. Mr. Murray mentioned their indebtedness to the Millbank family for their generosity in giving the land. Mr. E. W. Banks on behalf of the residents, presented a teak garden seat to commend the dedication and persistence of the parish room committee and in particular the services of Mrs. Norah Wood and Mr. Peter Hedges.

This year continued to be a very successful one and its activities included a Tapestry class, Yoga lessons, Whist Drives, and a party was given for the disabled from Grange Farm.