Behind the façade of the Women's Institute Hall in Carterton, Oxon is a remarkable story of determination and sacrifice. The hall might never have been built but for the efforts of three pioneering women, Jessie Offley Shore, Annie Clarke and Gladys Hammett, who established Carterton WI in 1922.

Carterton was a small hamlet then, attracting only about 150 residents. Despite this, it’s recorded that in the initial years, the WI had 62 members, equaling virtually every lady within the hamlet!

1925, a parcel of land, close to the village crossroads, was purchased for £25.00, with the idea of building a hall for members’ activities. Although, the construction of the hall almost didn't happen. Early fundraising events were held, yet sadly, they did not raise enough. The hall might never have been built but for the efforts of member Mrs. Ernest Clarke and her husband, who mortgaged their own home to raise the £25.00.

Throughout the decades, many WI activities have been held to fundraise to support building maintenance. In recent times, the Thursday morning WI Coffee Shop, where homemade cakes, tea, and coffee are served, has been a mainstay for the financing of the hall and a massive asset for the community. Over the decades, the WI Hall has been utilized for blood donation, a bank, baby village and nursery school, town council meetings, girls club, brownies, dance school, and so much more.

After almost a century, the hall needs extensive renovations to ensure its stability and accessibility and upgrade its energy efficiency. This includes installing insulation that it never received. However, we cannot do this without the support of our community, family, and friends.

Please join us in renovating this historic community hall and ensuring memories continue to be made here for years to come.