1902: The land that our WI Hall stands on, was donated by Lord Bath. The first building was an army hut purchased by the members of the WI, by taking up 5 shilling shares. They appointed trustees and paid a £90 deposit, plus £35 haulage and £25 for fencing. Tables were purchased for 11 shillings and each member brought their own chair!

1924: Electricity came to the village of Backwell and was purchased for the hut.

1927: The last payment was made, ensuring the hut was now owned in its entirety by the WI.

1937/38: The kitchen and cloakroom were added at a cost of £155.

1939: Somerset County Council requested the use of the hut as a Welfare Centre for evacuees from Hammersmith School. The hut was used throughout the war, including as a distribution centre for clothing that was to be issued after air-raids.

1945: Backwell’s baby clinic began here and ran in the hall for many decades.

1952: Plans to build a new hall started. A village appeal was launched and £100 loans were made.

1953: Miss Robinson donated £1000 to the hall appeal, ensuring the hall was opened and fully paid for by December 1953.

1955: The car park was laid and central heating installed.

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During the 1980s, a WI Market was held on Fridays in the hall. Items made by local businesses and WI members were sold to shoppers – with many Backwell residents having fond memories of shortbread and viennese whirls produced by the talented WI ladies!

2008: Backwell WI amalgamated with West Town WI.

2022: the WI closed down for a few months but was re-formed in 2023 and a new hall committee was appointed.

The hall is funded by rental income and remains a valuable resource to the whole community. It is currently hired on a weekly or monthly basis by groups such as karate, sequence dance, pilates, the local gardening club, Backwell’s camera club and the very popular North Somerset Quilters among others.