General Chat

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

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

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. :-)

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.

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.

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 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

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 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.

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

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