Our History
The following article appeared in the Ripley and Heanor News on 24 October 2003:
WI celebrates 80 years
Heage WI has celebrated its 80th birthday with a buffet and birthday cake.
Held in the Methodist Chapel, Mrs Erica Dexter welcomed Mrs Jeffrey Walker and Mrs Jill Stevenson, plus members from Amber Group WI.
Mrs Jeffrey Walker spoke on how the WI had changed over the 80 years and how it had moved forward with opportunities to learn various skills and visit many places of interest, including visits abroad.
She also mentioned the speakers, including Jenny Bond who attended the last meeting.
The cake was then cut and distributed.
Mrs Jill Stevenson gave thanks for being invited to the meeting, before a vote of thanks from Mrs Dexter to everyone who helped to make the evening a success.
Sadly, the following article appeared in the Belper News on 17 March 2004:
A long-established Women's Institute has closed down because of falling membership and lack of people to take on key roles.
Heage WI have called it a day. They met for their final get-together in the Black Boy Inn for a social evening and buffet, when representatives from neighbouring WI's attended.
The group which finished with about 23 members, have been struggling for months to get new members and to make meetings viable.
Mrs Erica Dexter of Heage Road, Ripley, who has been president for over 30 years said it was a sad day for the group, which had been active in the village for 80 years.
She continued: "The main reason for the closure is that we are all getting older and new younger members aren't joining. Also with so few members, meetings are not cost-effective.
"It's been a big part of my life and I have enjoyed every minute of it, especially the visits to the Federation meetings in London. I've made a lot of friends and met some very interesting people."
In it's heyday, the group which had 40 to 50 members, used to meet in the church schoolroom. Later they moved their meetings to the Ebenezer Chapel.
The group has played an active part in the village and the president recalled the days when they took part in the carnival parades.
Mrs Dexter, who is hoping to join the Ripley branch, was presented with a garden ornament by Jill Stevenson of Ambergate WI. Presentations were also made to Ruby Lilley, secretary, and Val Bates, Treasurer, in recognition of their services."
Our thanks also go to them for their hard work over the years. Hopefully we can rebuild that success and longevity.
The following article appeared in the Ripley and Heanor News on 24 October 2003:
WI celebrates 80 years
Heage WI has celebrated its 80th birthday with a buffet and birthday cake.
Held in the Methodist Chapel, Mrs Erica Dexter welcomed Mrs Jeffrey Walker and Mrs Jill Stevenson, plus members from Amber Group WI.
Mrs Jeffrey Walker spoke on how the WI had changed over the 80 years and how it had moved forward with opportunities to learn various skills and visit many places of interest, including visits abroad.
She also mentioned the speakers, including Jenny Bond who attended the last meeting.
The cake was then cut and distributed.
Mrs Jill Stevenson gave thanks for being invited to the meeting, before a vote of thanks from Mrs Dexter to everyone who helped to make the evening a success.
Sadly, the following article appeared in the Belper News on 17 March 2004:
A long-established Women's Institute has closed down because of falling membership and lack of people to take on key roles.
Heage WI have called it a day. They met for their final get-together in the Black Boy Inn for a social evening and buffet, when representatives from neighbouring WI's attended.
The group which finished with about 23 members, have been struggling for months to get new members and to make meetings viable.
Mrs Erica Dexter of Heage Road, Ripley, who has been president for over 30 years said it was a sad day for the group, which had been active in the village for 80 years.
She continued: "The main reason for the closure is that we are all getting older and new younger members aren't joining. Also with so few members, meetings are not cost-effective.
"It's been a big part of my life and I have enjoyed every minute of it, especially the visits to the Federation meetings in London. I've made a lot of friends and met some very interesting people."
In it's heyday, the group which had 40 to 50 members, used to meet in the church schoolroom. Later they moved their meetings to the Ebenezer Chapel.
The group has played an active part in the village and the president recalled the days when they took part in the carnival parades.
Mrs Dexter, who is hoping to join the Ripley branch, was presented with a garden ornament by Jill Stevenson of Ambergate WI. Presentations were also made to Ruby Lilley, secretary, and Val Bates, Treasurer, in recognition of their services."
Our thanks also go to them for their hard work over the years. Hopefully we can rebuild that success and longevity.
~~~
Heage WI 1963
A picture of the members of Heage WI in 1963 has been unearthed.
Do you recognise anyone?
Use the contact form page to let us know. Let's see if we can name everyone.
A picture of the members of Heage WI in 1963 has been unearthed.
Do you recognise anyone?
Use the contact form page to let us know. Let's see if we can name everyone.
Heage WI 2013
A picture of the members of Heage WI in November 2013 has been taken. Spot the change in fashions 50 years on (not a single hat in sight).
A picture of the members of Heage WI in November 2013 has been taken. Spot the change in fashions 50 years on (not a single hat in sight).
~~~
If you can provide any more history of Heage WI or past Heage WI members who have gone on to greater things, please get in touch.