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1930s

By now the WI had become firmly established in the countryside, and was so well known that it was the subject of cartoons in Punch. There was a light-hearted feel to WI activities, with WI members taking part in music festivals and country dancing, and some very ambitious pageants and plays were performed.Cartoon from Punch 1932
The organisation continued to support the League of Nations and in 1934 it sent a delegate to the International Congress in Brussels. When war seemed inevitable, the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) had to decide what role it would play.
1930
The NFWI AGM passed a resolution asking for improved water supplies in villages and also called for the preservation of ancient buildings.
1931
Another resolution was passed this year calling for better medical supervision of pregnant women in rural areas.		A member showing unemployed men how to make thrift rugs
1932
A grant was given by the Carnegie Trust to expand WI markets.
1933
This year saw another resolution passed, this time calling on all WI members to support efforts locally in dealing with unemployment and distress among men and women. Madge Watt set up the Association of Country Women of the World. The number of WIs had now reached 5,111.
1934
Nancy Tennant was chosen as the NFWI delegate attending the International Peace Conference in Geneva. A resolution at the AGM was passed, reaffirming faith in the League of Nations and urging the government to continue to press for world peace.
1937
Lady Denman was presented with an Institute book to mark the 21st anniversary of the NFWI.
1938
The 'WI war week' was organised during this year when plans were made for evacuation at the time of the Munich crisis. Lady Denman was asked by the Minister of Agriculture to become Director of the Women's Land Army, a post which she accepted while remaining Chairman of the NFWI.
1939
The Produce Guild was formed and the WIs helped with the evacuation scheme.