Boscastle WI was founded in 1946 and has always been strong in its desire to create a safe haven for women as well as to reach out into the community to make a difference that is meaningful. In 2026, in honour of our 80th year as a vibrant organisation, it is fitting to bring out and show our pride in a symbol of our organisation.
Back in 1977 three members joined together, using their combined talents to create a banner: Mrs F Dale, Mrs I Pritchard and Mrs P Molesworth. The banner illustrates the safe haven of Boscastle harbour, hidden away on the treacherous North coast of Cornwall. It includes fabric, painted image, embroidery and appliqué, resulting in a beautiful rendition of scenery that is iconic in our village. (Picture: Banner after restoration, with members of Boscastle WI in 2024)
After 44 years, and the ravages of storage in a village hall cupboard with no regular heating and the very damp North Cornwall climate, the banner was in need of some tender loving care. In 2021, to the rescue came our member of many years, Mary Shepherd, who cleaned, repaired and stabilised the beautifully crafted banner.
Why wouldn’t we be proud of this beautiful banner? We think you’ll agree that we should be.
For further information, contact: Gillian Schultz, boscastlewi@westcv.co.uk
Ladies of the Women’s Institute in 1951.
Left to right, back row: Nella Mitchell, Pam Pridham, Violet Mugford, Annie Beard, Christine Olde, Muriel Knight, Zelma Allen, Miss Carr, Elsie Williams, Jess Perry, Mrs Kellow, May Tippett, Mrs Nash;
middle row: Miss Sleep, Annie Pridham, Miss Edwards, Miss Turner, Miss Robinson, Mrs W. Pridham, Mrs K. Higgins, Mrs Serena Brown, Anne Billing, Miss Gay, Elsie Tippett, Mrs N. Ferrett, Mrs C. Ferrett, Bertha Smith;
front row: Miss M. Beadon, Betty Honey, Connie Olde, Gwen Parnell, Molly Nicholls, Rita Symons, Effie Brewer, Kath Snowden, Jane Lobb, Mary Hilton, Vi Honey, Dora Cann, Miss Calloway.
