English: The Women’s Gas Council (WGC) was formed in 1935 to provide a professional and social network for women working in the gas industry. At the time, most women in the gas industry were employed as demonstrators who promoted the sale of gas appliances and their usage in the home. The WGC continued throughout the War years until 1953, when it was reorganised and renamed the Women’s Gas Federation (WGF). Within a year of its foundation, WGC membership had grown to over 7,000 with 23 branches throughout England and by 1939 it had over 13,000 members with 42 branches.

The Women's Gas Federation continued in a similar role to it’s predecessor until it was disbanded on 31st December 1993 when the regional gas companies were restructured into separate business units. As these newly formed gas companies were each autonomous, the old Central Support Services (of which the WGF were a part) became redundant and it’s national network dismantled, so the WGF ceased to exist. Privatisation had led to a shift in the status of public utilities (including gas) from producers of social goods and services to traders in commercial commodities. In such a business environment, the likes of the WCG and WGF would be considered surplus. Their demise reflected a trend towards a more detached and impersonal style of ‘customer service’.

The WCG and WGF both provided an important social function to their customers through a national network of branches. Education and training on diverse matters relating to the usage of gas in the home was offered, with the focus on important social issues of the day such as child welfare, hygiene, housing, slum clearance, smoke abatement, etc. The social element was also of vital importance as it promoted mixing of middle and lower classes through ‘field trips’ and cookery demonstrations that took place mainly in the gas showrooms, quite innovative for the time. Yet despite its strong commercial links with the gas industry, the WCG and WGF primarily saw their roles as ‘educational, professional and social function’. They also fostered close links with other women’s organisations, especially the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS).

These badges are made from die-stamped brass with enamels and a gilt finish. All have pin clasps on the reverse side with the maker’s name – H.W.Miller Ltd, Branston St, B’ham 18.

The standard badge has two enamels (blue & red) and was issued by both the WCG and WGF. The one pictured has the text WOMEN’S GAS FEDERATION and the WCG version (not pictured) would be of the same design and colours but with the wording WOMEN’S GAS COUNCIL. The WGF badge dates to the 1950s/1960s.

The ‘HOMECARFT’ edition has three enamels (red, pale blue & white) and was issued to home and showroom cookery/appliances demonstrators. One of the badges has a blue-star dangler, which would have been added to indicate a special proficiency award. Exactly what the ‘star’ was awarded for I don’t know but if anyone does, please comment.

Thank you for reading.

Stuart.