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1920s

Once the war was over, the newly formed WIs began to concentrate on planning programmes of activities to suit their members. This new organisation attracted members from the Lady of the Manor to her housemaid and cook, from the local shop-keeper to the wife of the farm labourer. 

Working together in the WI helped to break down the social barriers between countrywomen who had rarely met together in the past. Women had now received the vote (at least those over 30) and the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) was anxious to encourage women to become active citizens.

Halloween party Poster
Flower Show
Within villages the local WIs brought together communities in a way not done before. They organised parties, fetes and ambitious outdoor pageants, events in which all could participate. Examples are a Halloween party in 1928 advertised by an attractive hand drawn poster, the flower show and the carnival float.

1920
Lady Denman continued as Chairman, Grace Hadow was Vice-Chairman and Helena Auerbach remained Treasurer. 

The Guild of Learners of Handicrafts was formed and a grant of £10,000 was given to the NFWI by the government. It also offered a series of decreasing grants until the organisation became more self-sufficient.		Grace Hadow-Vice Chairman 1920s-1930s
The AGM passed a resolution urging the Government to pass the Bastardy Bill without delay.  It also urged WI members to stand for parish and district councils and for the health and housing committees.
1921
By this year a total of 2,237 WIs had been formed nationally. Margaret Winteringham, WI member and Honorary Secretary to Lindsey (Lincolnshire) Federation was elected Member of Parliament for Louth. She was the first English-born female MP, and the second woman to be elected to Parliament.1920s WI Badge
1922
A resolution was passed at the NFWI AGM urging more public health education to prevent venereal disease.
1923
The formation of the Welsh Counties Conference and the first WI choral competition for WI choirs was held in East Sussex.
1924
The song Jerusalem was first sung at the NFWI AGM, starting a tradition that continues to this day. The number of WIs totalled 3,223.
NFWI Executive 1925
1926
The NFWI received a final instalment of the government grant and the NFWI Headquarters opened at 39 Eccleston Street, Victoria.
1928
The First National Drama Festival took place during this year with up to five plays being produced at the Scala Theatre in London. The total number of WIs had risen to 4,244.
1929
It was during this year that Inez Jenkins (nee Ferguson) resigned as General Secretary and Dame Frances Farrer was appointed in her place.
Carnival Float