When our President Alison Kay asked me to review A Force to be Reckoned With, a History of the Women’s Institute by Jane Robinson I was apprehensive as it was very different from the books I normally read. However, I quickly realised that it was not only interesting and informative but also enjoyable.

The author tells the story of the birth of the W.I in Britain and the reasons for its inception, which were to offer support, friendship and education for rural housewives who often lived isolated lives. Hygiene and child-care were high on the original agenda as well as to empower women to help themselves.

The narrative on how the women of the W.I were essential to the war effort as they worked tirelessly to provide food grown in their gardens or raising livestock such as pigs, chickens and rabbits is fascinating. It was interesting to discover that The WI was also prominent in helping feed members of the Home Front, helping with the Land Army and also assisting with the evacuation of children from the cities. Robinson brings to life the many strong minded members who helped shape Britain as we know it today, not only with the work carried out in the War but also assisting the Government with information about rural conditions. Numerous local branches kept detailed records of home conditions and the work they did during the War enabled many changes to take place to improve the lives of rural families.

After the war the National Federation of W.I’s founded Denman College to offer women, most of whom had left school at about 12, access to further education. The members worked tirelessly to finance the College and to provide education for women.

Robinson humorously navigates the undercurrent of envy and of petty jealousies among the members over the decades to show that overall the ideals of friendship, education, fund raising and campaigning prospered and still do.

A Force to be Reckoned With really highlights the indomitable spirit of the members of the NFWI.

 Elisabeth Cavanagh, Southport WI Book Group leader