Celebrating 100 years of Diss WI

With centenary plans put on hold due to COVID-19, the ladies of Diss Women’s Institute (WI) have had a little longer to wait for their celebration. And a little longer to reminisce. We talked to past presidents Pat Simms, Dorothy Howling and Jean Sudron to find out more about their WI story.

When did you join Diss WI and why? Pat: I joined Diss WI about thirty years ago when a young wives’ group I was a member of closed. My mother and grandmother had gained a lot from WI membership, so I thought I’d try it myself. Dorothy: I joined in 1975. At one time you had to wait to be invited (members would be encouraged to bring a friend), you couldn’t just turn up.

Describe a typical meeting Pat: We enjoy a chat, but we also hear about what’s going on at national and county level. Our president, secretary and treasurer update us and then there may be a competition or two. There’s also usually a speaker or demonstration. And of course, there are the regulation cups of tea and coffee! Dorothy: Demonstrations of crafting skills are always very popular. Pat: We have a programme secretary who investigates anything that could be of interest and - with at least ten meetings to cover in a year – variety is key. Diss WI is one third of the Boudica Group of WIs (Scole and Pulham Market being the other two). And once a year we all meet for fashion shows, talks and demonstrations. We also have a member of our committee specialising in outings.

What’s your most memorable meeting? Dorothy: I’ve always particularly enjoyed our lovely summer picnics at various locations around Norfolk. Jean: My most memorable meetings were Pudding and Play Reading evenings. These were always fun and a chance to chat and get to know one another. There was also the World War dinner we held in Diss church. The menu consisted of dishes of the day, and we all dressed accordingly - some

Photo: Photo Elite, Market Hill, Diss

ladies even wore their Land Army uniforms. Pat: I was president when we celebrated our 75th birthday. We had a local entertainment group and Dorothy was a hit with her comic sketch. I also enjoyed our Pudding Evenings when members each made a pudding and we produced a ‘recipe book’ (which I still turn to now and again). We added a bit of musical entertainment and it proved to be a popular event.

How did you mark your 100th birthday? Pat: Our centenary fell right in the middle of the pandemic, so we closed for a bit. We did have a few meetings in Diss park where we caught up with each other’s news – and even blew a few bubbles. In May (the date of our centenary), each of our members received a flowering plant in a pot. And towards mid-summer lots of us gathered for a photo on the Diss boardwalk. Now we’re looking forward to our December meeting for a Christmas-cum-birthday meal with all sorts of extra tweaks, including a souvenir for each member.

What do you value about Diss WI? Pat: Diss WI is very inclusive. We welcome all ladies in Diss, and the committee always listens and considers all suggestions coming from members. Jean: Our door is open to all, and we always look out for each other in hard times particularly sickness, loneliness, and bereavement. Pat: We’re lucky to have some truly inspirational members too. Former president and county treasurer, Hilda Corbett deserves a special mention. And we’re pleased to have president, Jo Locke, at the helm now. She’s already done so much including arranging a display showcase in Diss Museum about WI history and Diss WI in particular.

How has the group benefitted the town and its residents? Pat: Over the years we’ve given many gifts to the town, but didn’t really publicise them. These include a special mirror for the health centre which helped physiotherapy patients, a hand-built table for the museum to hold the famous dolls’ house, two trees for Quaker Wood and oximeters for Diss surgery. We’ve knitted trauma teddies, heart shaped cushions for breast cancer patients and hats and bonnets for premature babies. We’ve donated a picnic bench for Mere’s Mouth, with a plaque commemorating our 100 years. Jean: We do lots of fundraising for local causes. We had a fashion show at The Corn Hall and hold Saturday cake stalls on the Market Place and craft and cake stalls at the Diss Town Carnival. As well as raising money, these events offer a chance for people to find out more about us.

And finally… where do you meet? Pat: We meet at Montgomerie Hall in Diss (next to the park and opposite the Thatcher’s Needle), at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month - unless there is an outing.