Members of Box WI, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, have been looking at the minutes taken in 1930.

The newly-formed group had a programme of soft slipper and sweet making, Poor Law reform, home nursing, agricultural and horticultural subjects.

“Reading through the minutes makes me realise how far we have come in some ways,” said an unnamed member who has written to the Gazette.

“Though a lot of our programmes are similar, they tend to be more technical.”

She goes on: “When the WI started it was mainly to help those who found life difficult to manage on poor wages and isolated homes in the country.”

What a difference today when members have mobile phones, the Internet, and most have transport.

She says the older generation who carried members through the war and the difficult times must not be forgotten and ends with a plea for members.

“Our WI has been very active even though more than half the membership of 33 is over 80, our longest serving member joined in 1961 and we have at least two members who have belonged over 40 years.

“We have a programme of interesting speakers over the year and have just been on a mystery tour to the Forest of Dean which was enjoyed by everyone who came.

“We are celebrating our 80th anniversary with a lunch at our president’s house in August; we then look forward to our 90th anniversary.”

If you have memories – either words or pictures – to share, contact Diana Deal at 14 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT or ddeal@gazetteandher ald.co.uk