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1980s

There was a three-year campaign to raise the profile of the WI and the promotion bus toured the country while federations staffed promotional stands in British Home Stores. The WI 'Life and Leisure' Exhibition was held in 1984 at Olympia, attended on its opening day by the Queen.Chelsea Flower SHow Countrywoman's Garden
Promotion Bus
The decade ended with the WI's first appearance at the Chelsea Flower show, bringing great success. The subjects of the resolutions debated at the annual meetings reflect women's concerns for current issues and show an awareness of modern technology with references to embryo research, DNA testing, osteoporosis and AIDs.
1980
The NFWI opens an office in Wales.
1981
The Consultative Council was replaced by the National Council and Anne Harris was elected National Chairman. The number of WIs was 9,306.
1982
The AGM passed a resolution calling for education about the dangers of solvent abuse.
1983
'Women In the Community' campaign was launched. A promotion bus was sent off from the steps of the Guildhall by the Lord Mayor of London. The AGM requests legislation on the status of artificially produced human embryos. The total number of WIs was 9,153.
1984
The WI 'Life and Leisure' exhibition at Olympia was opened by HM the Queen and the London Federation was formed. The AGM passed a resolution urging vigilance against child abuse.
1985 
Agnes Salter was elected National Chairman and the NFWI celebrated its 70th anniversary. The £1million appeal for Denman College was launched. The NFWI held a 'Festival of Sport' at Bath University. The total number of WIs was 9,242.		Making a noise at the AGM!
1986
The AGM pushed for more information about AIDs.
1987
The flower festival was held at Denman College and the AGM called for better control of the credit industry.
1988
Tennis Tournament Programme (1985)
The WI and Bridgemere Garden World win a gold medal and the Wilkinson's Sword Award at the Chelsea Flower Show. Jean Varnam was elected National Chairman and the AGM called for heavier sentences for rapists. The total number of WIs was 9,108.
1989
The WI magazine, Home and Country celebrated its 70th anniversary with the publication of a book of extracts from the early years of the magazine.