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
February 2020 – Members and friends of Sparsholt WI sorting embroidery wools ready for sale at the Denman Shop
Programme
January 14th 2020
- Talk – Terrorism and security awareness
- Speaker – Kevin Roberts
February 11th 2020
- Talk – Mapping seabirds on Ascension Island
- Speaker – Dr. John Hughes
March 10th 2020 (Our 103rd Birthday)
- Talk – Orchids, wild and beautiful
- Speaker – Dr. Peter Ashburn
April 14th 2020
- Talk – A passion for dance
- Speaker – Bronda Dossett
May 12th 2020
- AGM
June 9th 2020
- Talk – “So far, so good”
- Speaker – Malcolm Wells
July 14th 2020
- Talk – Singing for Wellbeing
- Speaker – Sharon Marnell
August 11th 2020
- Members’ Garden meeting
- Venue to be agreed
September 8th 2020
- Talk – “Who the hell is Arthur?” – a genealogical mystery
- Speaker – Neil Littleales
October 13th 2020
- Talk – My glass fusing journey
- Speaker – Louiza Papadopoulos
November 10th 2020
- Talk – “The good, the bad and the downright funny”
- Speaker – Jackie Dimmock
December 8th 2020
- Talk – “We play; you play”
- Bishops’ Bells