General Chat

Lucky you Ann, not an outing I would recommend :-D :-D :-D

LG :-D Well I didn't try that one so just as well!!

I went to a local WI as a visitor recently. Was bored rigid, luckily I went with someone I know - otherwise I would have been lonely and bored.

Was a bit shocked when the chairwoman didn't understand what the campaign was all about. She should have done her homework.

Bet you're not surprised I didn't go back.

You have just described my local one Ann :-D. I used to love going to WI in another village not so far from here and I was also on their darts team for many years. I tried the one here when I moved and found them stuck up ,cliquey and not at all welcoming. They are still the same now so I have heard

I think it depends on the age mix. I can cope with a mix of females' ages but the WIs I have sampled since the original one have all been 'old school' mostly my age or older and 'gossipy'. and cliquey

I know exactly what you mean Sharron........I can cope for a while with the all women scenario, but really prefer mixed company.

I think I must be a product of my time. I avoid anything that is gender specific and would really rather not be in any group composed entirely of women.

Thank you Huia.

My sister has recently joined a WI that meets in the morning. They sound as if they are very modern in outlook.

Loads of men's group throughout the country.........some secular, some religious and some just pure fun....I particularly like the sound of the Men's Sheds Association :-D


I spent over 30 years as a member of the Church of England's Mothers' Union - a vast organisation spread across the globe. It had an enormous impact on my life - boosted my confidence and brought out talents I didn't know I had.

Because I was a 'speaker' and travelled from branch to branch, I made literally hundreds of new acquaintances, some of whom became real friends.

Unfortunately, as with WI, there are some groups which are still rooted in the past and who need to move on.


Give WI a whirl Lynda - let us know how it goes. :-)

Sorry Ann, I am not sure but if I come across the booklet some time I will contact you.

How many of you know that Women's Institutes began in Canada???

It was founded originally in Stoney Creek, Ontario in 1897, by a lady called Adelaide Hoodless. The first meeting was when she gave a talk to the wives of the members of the local Farmers' Institute

The movement then expanded to other countries. The first meeting in the UK was at Llanfair PG, Anglesey in 1915

There are mens' equivalents - up and down the country

I won't join because it is all women and I certainly wouldn't think much of there being a Mens Institute.

The first British meeting was held at The Fox, now called The Fox Goes Free, in the village of Charlton, under the Trundle at Goodwood, between Singleton and East Dean.

There is a plaque on the wall there and it is worth a visit even if you have no interest in the WI.

Not only survived but made many great friends too!

Huia do you know whic Churchdown WI that was there are two now and both have been going a long time I think. That is my village.

I have never joined, but my mother was a member for many years. She had an English penfriend in the WI in Churchdown, Glos. Her name (long dead by now) was Mrs Stamp. I have a copy of a booklet she sent mum on the (Churchdown?) WI.

There is a local WI in our rural village of Hunua.

I will be passing Portcullis house on Saturday Renes ??

Det, there are a couple of W Is who meet near me, I will investigate both??

Ann, I'd be the youngest at whatever W I I'd go to ;-)

Although it was in the 1980's I did attend a few meetings. Even then the majority were in a lot older than me.

I found most people extended a warm welcome - if you were interested contact one of the 'officials'. There's usually a phone number in the Parish/Local mag.

Renes is having problems accessing GR, and has asked me to post the following for her ................


I am a member ...and Secretary of my village group ...and representative of a collection of WI

I am off to hear a historic speech in Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment ,
100 yrs of the WI ;women as agents of social change

The WI is having a wonderful resurgence of member ...all different

Just google Shoreditch Sisters WI ...or Tea & Tarts Huddersfield

Most of the original Presidents were Suffragette members ...and that ethos
had remained within the W I ever since

Pleased you ventured in to a WI meeting, Errol, and survived the experience :-D



Renes

eRRol ....


well, now you know what you have to do next time :-D