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
Programme
September 10th 2019
- Talk – Hampshire “Live at Home”
- Speaker – Clare Morgan
October 8th 2019
- Talk – History of knitting 1800 – 1945
- Speaker – Joyce Meader
November 12th 2019
- Talk – The history of British coinage
- Speaker – Dave Walton
December 10th 2019
- Talk – A Christmas Carol
- Speaker – Jonathan Jones