THE GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY
THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN KETTLESTONE
The Girls' Friendly Society was established by a group of Anglicans in England in 1875 to address, through Christian values, the problems of working-class out-of-wedlock pregnancies. GFS soon grew into a support organization for unmarried girls and young women who wished to better themselves. The core values of the GFS aimed at high moral standards for its members; they attempted to supply "for every working girl of unblemished character a friend in a class above her own."
There were two classes of membership: the working-class girls, known as members, and the ladies, called associates.
Associates provided recreation rooms often in parish facilities, although sometimes in their own homes, where working-class girls could meet with associates and each other, read, sew, sing, and enjoy simple refreshments
THE FAKENHAM BRANCH OF THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY
The President was Mrs Lee Warner of Thorpland Hall
Local associates included the Rector’s wife, Mrs Share, and Mrs Brereton of Briningham Hall
12th July 1916 Annual festival of the GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY Fakenham branch was held at Kettlestone Rectory 2.30 to 7.30. Over 70 sat down to tea in Rectory barn. Members and associates from Walsingham, East Barsham, Hindringham, Gt Snoring, Thursford, Ryburgh and Fulmodeston. The address was given by Mrs Brereton of Briningham Hall. Mrs Lee Warner of Thorpland Hall presided. Three prizes were won by Kettlestone members for bread and needlework. A Hearty service in church concluded the happy meeting Collection for Cromer home of rest.
The annual meeting in connection with the Girls’ Friendly Society was held in Raynham Park on Wednesday. There was a large attendance. The girls numbering over 300 were conveyed to the park by conveyances lent for the occasion by ladies and gentlemen connected with the parishes from which they came. Tea was provided in the park to the entire company by Mrs Neauman and the day being fine, a very pleasant time was spent. Amongst the ladies accompanying the party were Mrs E. W. Palin Mrs. W. lrwin, Mrs Lee Warner, Miss Martin, Mrs. Tuthill, Miss Hall , and Miss England.