WI (womens institute)

PlymouthMaid

I would love WI in some ways but my local one seemed rather old when I enquired before. I am getting old now (post 50) so may give it another try soon.

THIRZAH

I've been a member of the WI for about 15 years. Our youngest member is 32 and our oldest 84 (we did have one who was over 90 but she died earlier this year). Groups do vary a lot though.One group near here had the same President for years and was very staid.We have a rule that no one can hold the same office for more than three consecutive years.

It really doesn't matter if you aren't a great cook or good at crafts. We have members who are great cake makers and some who admit that you could slide their Victoria sandwiches under a door. My local WI is great. As well as the meetings we have a trip out most months . Quite a few members go to the local theatre together , we go on walks and try to raise money for local charities.

You should be able to go to three meetings before joining. Don't join before October. If you join in September you will have to pay full fees and then pay again in January. If you join in October you get 15 months for the price of 12.They are changing that system next year , I think. Go to a couple of meetings and see how things go. We always try to find somebody to "look after" a visitor but some meetings are busier than others and sometimes that doesn't always happen.

MrsAtobe

I'd love to join my local WI, but I work full time and all the ones local to me meet during the day

whitesatin

When I lived in Surrey, I joined the WI and enjoyed some aspects of it. The age range was from late twenties right through to seventies or eighties.

What I didn't like was the "business" agenda, discussions going round and round and getting nowhere. I had to put up with enough meetings when I was working and wanted something more hands on.

But, as I said, some bits were ok, the trips and some interesting speakers.

My daughter belongs to one in Hertfordshire which is made up mostly of people in their late twenties, early thirties. I went to a couple of their meetings - much more fun and less stuffy.

Give it a go, you will soon know if it is for you.

redsunglasses

I'm 26 and on the committee of my WI, we are largely in our 20s / 30s with a few at either end of the scale. A lot of our member s are not very crafty either so I wouldn't worry about that Our group is really friendly and fun with lots of offshoot sub groups for more specific interests.

In our group you can come as a visitor and pay an entrance fee as many times as you want to get a feel for it. Go along and see what you think!

Aura

I'm in the WI and I am the youngest member.

Eyeore

I too would love to join the WI, have tried a couple of my local branches in Herts and although they were all very nice it was a bit staid for me. I am a young 48 so think I am in the 'middle' of the younger branches and the very long time branches - hey ho, one day!

Kevie192

I would love to join the WI. I love to cook and I can turn my hand to any crafts. I've taught workshops on both of these, always make my own jam and cakes, generally get on really well with people of all ages, love to get stuck in and help out and at 27 I seem to be in the age group of those who the WI want to encourage to join.

Only one problem really, I am a man.

Aura

Kevie192 wrote: »

I would love to join the WI. I love to cook and I can turn my hand to any crafts. I've taught workshops on both of these, always make my own jam and cakes, generally get on really well with people of all ages, love to get stuck in and help out and at 27 I seem to be in the age group of those who the WI want to encourage to join.

Only one problem really, I am a man.

Nothing wrong with that, the WI had to start off somewhere. Why don't you start a group for men? Who know's where it may lead.

I too would love to join the WI, have tried a couple of my local branches in Herts and although they were all very nice it was a bit staid for me.

This is what I'd like to change.

curiouscrafter

Afternoon All,

I have this week become a committee member for a newly formed WI.

I was wondering if anybody here could offer any advice.

We are having our first committee meeting this week and first proper group meeting at the end of February.
I am very much looking forward to meeting new people.