Week 48 - Forest Gate

Introduce yourself
Adzovi Nyanyo Forest Gate Wi Essex Fed. President ( for my sins) (  Housing a Benefits Team Leader local govt. Mum of one , devotee of yoga, swing dance, drinking, supper clubs, searching for cocktail bars.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
Founder member of FGWI- first thoughts developed  at a friend's birthday meal. Thought it would be a good idea for  women to get together in a diverse community.
How would you sum up your WI?
Definitely large, -,opinionated women, who are all here to make a change ,  friendly, like a laugh, but care about our community
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
I would encourage women to join the WI, to make friends, drink tea/ cocktails, eat cake, get involved in  and be part of  group of women from all walks of life,  and  from a diverse community, .  Showcase existing skills, learn new ones! Listen to  interesting speakers, boost their confidence levels, to stand up and make a difference.

What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
I'm looking forward to being part of the bigger picture, and  an iconic organisation. Show people that we are resourceful, friendly, committed, feisty ,  confident , not afraid to  speak up  about issues that affect all women,  as well as making cakes, jam and crafts, and to encourage younger women and girls, that being  part of the WI  is  worth thinking  about .., . We have certainly put the WI on the map in Newham.

Week 45 - Wandsworth

Introduce yourself (tell us who you are, which WI you are part of, any role you have and what you do for a living)

My name is Claire Wilson and I am currently the Vice-President of Wandsworth WI in South West London. I work in the NHS and live in Balham, which is the part of Wandsworth where our WI meets. I have been a member of the WI for four years and on the committee for three years. 


Why did you become a member of the WI?

I moved to London in 2011 and wanted to make more friends who lived locally. I saw that my local WI in Wandsworth had the tag line 'Culture, Charity, Craft and Cake' and I thought that sounded like fun! I really like the way the WI gives you the opportunity to do so many things - make friends, learn skills, support local causes and campaign on important issues.

How would you sum up your WI?

We still focus our programme on the ethos of 'Culture, Charity, Craft and Cake'. Our craft themed meetings are always very popular, but we also enjoy hearing from speakers on other skills and of course social issues. We are a London WI with members hailing from lots of different countries. Our membership would probably be categorised as being on the 'younger' side - but we welcome all women and have members of a variety of ages. Regardless of our actual age, we are 'modern' women who also enjoy the traditional WI pursuits! We support the women's domestic violence service in Wandsworth by raising funds and also regularly collecting donations of toiletries and other needed items. We have a book group, a running group, and we've just launched a new craft group. Our membership has grown by 60% over the past year, so we are thrilled! We are a friendly bunch and often arrange social activities outside of meetings that anyone is welcome to attend, such as going to the local pub quiz.


Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?

It's a fantastic chance to make new friends and try new things in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. On a local level, we have lots of fun and really appreciate the support and friendship of our fellow WI members. As a national institution, the WI is modern and member led, it's an organisation you can feel proud to be a part of.

 
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?

I've really enjoyed celebrating the centenary throughout the year. Lots of us attended a celebration picnic in Hyde Park, with other London WIs that are part of the Surrey Federation. We loved meeting other WIs, holding the centenary baton and singing Jerusalem! Also, in June I was interviewed on local radio about the WI centenary. Although it was nerve wracking to be interviewed live on air, it was a fantastic experience! You can hear it here at about 36 minutes in https://soundcloud.com/wandsworthradio/wandsworth-tonight-extra-050615 

Week 43 - Market Harbrough

Introduce yourself
My name is Claire Salisbury, 34 and I am a member of Market Harborough WI, this is my second year and I am on the committee.
I work for company that sells pharmacy robotics in the UK and worldwide and I get to travel a lot and I also set up as a wedding planner for Lefkada, Greece three years ago which I do in my spare time!
Why did you become a member of the WI?
My mum joined first to meet new people as she worked from home. She told me about the meetings and undertook to build their website. I was giving lots of promotional ideas and finally she said, why don't you come and join us! I had a lovely email from the first president and founder Hazel Stacey and I went along to see what it was all about.
I had tried a couple of other WIs previously. The first was a nice evening but everyone was at least twice my age or older and exactly what my perception of the WI had been. Having read articles of young, modern WIs in London I was disappointed. The second group was more modern and average younger but there was a long waiting list so I forgot about it completely until about 18 months later when I was persuaded to try MHWI.


How would you sum up your WI?
Our phrase is old and new and I think we encompass that perfectly. We try to keep the ethos of the WI and the focus is on the local area and promoting women but with a modern, forward thinking outlook. We have members from ages 20s to 70s which is really great. We featured in an article about the new WI in The Sun newspaper Dec 2013

Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
Meet new people, try new things you might never have considered before. As well as the meetings you can also access the monthly social events which are only open to members. The meeting attendance is not compulsory so you can get as much out of the membership as suits your lifestyle or availability!
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
We are trying to do a number of events and theme things at our meetings all with a '100 theme' where ever we can.

Week 41 - Heath Charnock

Introduce yourself
Caroline Pharaoh Hesketh. Heath Charnock WI. I am President, media secretary, and also help booking our speakers.

Why did you become a member of the WI?
I joined because a friend of mine had been a member for a long time and encouraged me to go along.

How would you sum up your WI?
Friendly ladies of mixed age range. Was established in 1937, so has been going a long time.

Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
Would encourage other to join because of the social aspect, getting to know other women and learning about all sorts of stuff as well.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?

We have organised a Live Broadcast in a local theatre. All 236 have been reserved all ready. We are also hosting the Group meeting for 2015, the theme is 'The Mad Hatters Tea party' and this should be a really fun event.

Week 39 - Derby Federation

This week the account is being managed by Linda Singleton (Trustee), Diane McHarg (vice chair) Chrisse Booth (chairman), Bernadette Davies (Vice Chair) and Joan Rowland (Trustee).

Introduce yourself
Alfreton WI - I have been president, but don't currently hold office. First joined WI in 1984. As a Federation Trustee, I am editor of our inhouse monthly newsletter. I chair our Media Hub sub-committee which covers PR, our newsletter, website, a monthly page in Derbyshire Life, and Social Media. I am also personally responsible for our Federation Facebook page and Twitter account, and also helping our WI's to do their own Facebook pages, and Twitter when they want that, (most only seem to want FB at the moment, but it's a start!). I'm newishly retired having been an insurance broker for many years.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
I moved to a small village way away from my family and friends (husband's job) with 2 children and another on the way. At 23 weeks pregnant there were complications and after being hospitalized for a week, I was sent home to take it easy. A knock on the door proved to be the president of our local WI,  home made cake in hand, saying that she'd heard I was in trouble, and could the WI help with my washing! When baby 3 arrived safely, of course I joined!!
How would you sum up your WI?
I have moved around a bit, and experienced  various WIs. Sadly in this one 2/3 of the members are largely unenthusiastic and elderly, although the two don't have to go together. There's work to be done, and things are improving.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
WI is such an important part of my life and has made  a huge difference to me personally, I can't think of any woman that wouldn't benefit in some way.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?

The Royal Garden Party. Having given up my ticket (sob) due to the over-subscription, I was lucky enough to get a cancellation, so I had a second chance. Closely followed up by the AGM screening which I watched with a local group of WI's in an hotel, with lunch etc laid on too. As the only Trustee there, I was asked to cut the cake. I didn't have the same struggle as the Queen!.

Week 39 - The Alexandra

Introduce yourself
I’m Emma Watson, the President of The Alexandra WI, which is the WI for Muswell Hill and Crouch End in lovely North London. I’m an Australian who has lived in London for ten years, and an Architect by training now working in the retail property development sector in the UK. I’ve been a member of the WI for three years and, apart from my role as President, I’m responsible for our website and social media activities.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
I was looking for an opportunity to get more involved in my local community and to meet some like-minded local women. My late grandmother had been very active in the CWA (Country Women’s Association) in Australia, and my involvement in the WI makes me very proud to be carrying on her tradition.
How would you sum up your WI?
We are an eclectic group of truly fabulous North London women who meet next door to the iconic Alexandra Palace to learn and laugh.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
The best thing about the WI is that it is no one thing: it comes in all shapes and sizes and really is what you make of it. Throw away your preconceptions, try a few WIs and see what feels right!
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
As the year is progressing I’ve become so proud to be a part of such an amazingly rich tradition. I’m still learning about the immensely important role the WI has played in the advancement of women in the UK and the world since 1915. I am enjoying finding out about some of the influential campaigns initiated by the WI and what better time than this Centenary year to engage with this rich history?

Week 35 - Long Eaton

Introduce yourself
Hi! I’m Jo Bartram, Vice-President and Publicity Coordinator of Long Eaton WI in Derbyshire. I’m a 37 year old wife, mum, step-mum (Dan, 15 and Harvey, 12) and dog-walker (Trio, 9). I work at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham as Centre Administrator for Arthritis Research UK Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis.

Why did you become a member of the WI?
As a child I can vividly remember my mum holding lively NWR (National Womens’ Register) meetings at our home. When she moved to rural Wales in 1996 she joined her local WI along with my Gran. I loved hearing about the activities they did and the companionship and friendship they found in the WI. So… when I saw an advert in a local a magazine about a WI starting in Long Eaton I went along and here I am! It didn’t take long for me to be added to the committee and I love it!

How would you sum up your WI?
Non-traditional, friendly, inspirational and fun for all ages. We don’t use the traditional top table nor do we sing Jerusalem but the ethos of the WI flows through LEWI.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
The combination of friendship, activities, outings and resolutions makes it hard to resist!

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