The Women's Institute (AUDIO: Brave New Town) - or WI - was a local organisation of women in the United Kingdom who came together to enjoy special activities, food and fellowship. Joan Redfern's Farringham-area WI once met to hear a lecture by Alexander Shuttleworth on the archaeology of bronze age Britain.
Beyond the academic discussions, the WI meetings were also naturally a haven for gossip. Redfern herself was the subject of some gossip from time to time. (PROSE: Prelude Human Nature)
The Tenth Doctor wanted to plant a Women's Institute flag on Earth's moon. (PROSE: I Am a Dalek)
Muriel Wilberforce served as the chairwoman of the Pease Pottage Women's Institute from 1922 until her death in 1964. (AUDIO: The Wrong Doctors)
By 1965, there was a Women's Institute in Lower Burford, Herefordshire. (AUDIO: The Forgotten Village)