However, in editing, with Elsa Christy, It Happened in Hampshire, published in 1937, she made an invaluable contribution to the popularisation or ‘democratisation’ of local history. The WI bestseller that boost local history (Image: Contributed)He had the house substantially modernised, with electricity and a telephone, but sadly died before he could move in. Undoubtedly, it stimulated considerable interest in local history and in particular its visual and dramatic aspects. Although Winifred died in 1952 she and Elsa had laid the foundations for three post-War WI local history projects covering much of the country. It is likely that many of the local history societies which came about after the Second World War gained as a result, with some WI members fostering their establishment.