Founded in 1917, Sparsholt is the oldest institute in Hampshire. Mrs. Cattley was our first President. At the time, local landowner Mr. Samuel Bostock, gave the ladies 20 rods of land at a rent of one shilling a year, to be used by them for the good of the community. It was known as “the Patriotic Potato Patch.” They worked hard for the war effort, producing food, making garments for the troops and supporting village residents.
Ever since then members have enjoyed friendship, support, learning opportunities and outings. Several of our members have belonged for over fifty years. We have an enjoyable monthly coffee get together in a local cafe. In March and October there is a fundraising jumble sale. We enter the WI competition at Littleton Show in September, and throughout the year we participate in Winchester Group activities and competitions like the quiz and skittles. So all in all, plenty to share and enjoy.
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm in Sparsholt Memorial Hall, SO21 2NR. We have an interesting speaker then tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards. Visitors are always very welcome. Why not come along and see if you would like to join us. Our current programme is listed below.
Contact us
Our President: sparsholtpres@hampshirewi.org.uk
Our Secretary: sparsholtsec@hampshirewi.org.uk
| 2019 Programme | ||
| Date | Event | Speaker |
| January 8th | St John’s Winchester Charity: Nine centuries of care | John Steel |
| February 12th | Research and Plot of a Novel | Glenn Salter |
| March 12th | 102nd Birthday Saxophones & Clarinet – a brief history and demonstration |
Simon Morgan |
| April 9th | The life and loves of a taxi driver poet | James Haddow |
| May 14th | AGM and discussion of resolutions | |
| June 11th | History of the Hamble Valley | Jill Daniels |
| July 9th | Handbags – an historical journey | Sarah Delves |
| August 13th | Members’ meeting in a member’s garden. Venue TBA | |
| September 10th | Hampshire “Live at Home” | Clare Morgan |
| October 8th | History of knitting 1800 – 1945 | Joyce Meader |
| November 12th | The history of British coinage | Dave Walton |
| December 10th | A Christmas Carol | Jonathan Jones |