| Admin History | The UK branch of the Women's Institute (WI) was founded in 1915 and the Berkshire Federation four years later. The WI's aims were to develop the rural economy and to encourage women to help the war effort through food production. It now engages in a wide range of cultural, social and political activities. Until 1932 meetings were held at several Reading venues including the Girls' Friendly Society, Chain Street, and the Ladies Club, Cross Street. The Federation headquarters moved in 1932 to Watlington House, Reading, and to its present location at Mortimer in 1989. At its membership peak the Berkshire Federation included over 150 branches. The WI is still the largest women's organisation in the country. |