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1960s

During the 60s the WIs continued to grow in number and the Golden Jubilee was celebrated in great style in 1965 with, amongst other celebrations, a memorable garden party when the Queen invited her fellow members to Buckingham Palace.The Brilliant & The Dark scene


Peter Rice's Costume designs
Between 1962 and 1966 the WIs raised £182,000, and the WI Markets a further £3,000, for the Freedom from Hunger Campaign. There were two notable cultural events during the decade: the first national art exhibition, and the specially commissioned operatic sequence 'The Brilliant and the Dark.'

The rule that restricted WIs to being formed in communities with a population of 4,000 or less was repealed in 1965 and in 1968 there was a major conference on the countryside.

1960
An AGM resolution was passed voicing concern about the use of toxic sprays and urging more stringent control.

1961
Gabrielle Pike was elected NFWI Chairman and the WI had a market place at the Ideal Homes Exhibition. The WIs pledged to support the Freedom from Hunger Campaign. The total number of WIs had risen to 8,517.

1962
The WI Subscription was raised to five shillings (one shilling and six pence to the National Federation, two shillings to the county federation and one shilling to the WI). The County Feasts and Festivals competition took place at the Dairy Show and Gabrielle Pike visited Russia. The NFWI AGM voiced concern about the dangers of radiation, joining with other women's organisations to reduce experimental nuclear testing.

1963
The first National Art Exhibition 'Painting for Pleasure' took place at the Galleries of British Artists and the first WIs were opened in psychiatric hospitals. The AGM called for coordinated public transport in rural areas.

1965
The NFWI celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a number of different activities including:

• C. Day Lewis was specially commissioned to write a poem, called 'The WIs' which was published in a Jubilee Book 
• A commemorative glass goblet was sold 
• The WI mounted a Golden Market Place at the Ideal Home Exhibition Olympia 
• In May 1965 the WI held an exhibition, The Countrywoman Today, at the Ceylon Tea Centre 
• AGM 1965 attended by HM the Queen Mother 
• Reception by the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London at the Guildhall
• Special garden party at Buckingham Palace by invitation of HM the Queen

1966
The Marchioness of Anglesey was elected NFWI Chairman and the AGM raised concerns about the availability of habit-forming drugs to children and young people. The WIs had now reached 8,864.

1968
The WI organised a conference on the countryside at Central Hall, Westminster.  The WI subscription was raised to 10 shillings (50p) (10p for National Federation, 15p for the county federation and 25p for the WI.

1969
Sylvia Gray was elected NFWI Chairman and 'The Brilliant and the Dark' was performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Alison King resigns as General Secretary, and is succeeded by Meriel Withal. There are now 9,051 WIs. The AGM urged members to conserve the countryside to the best advantage of the whole community.