Week 4 - Manchester

Introduce yourself

I'm Amy Newlove, I'm 29 and I'm a member of the Manchester WI. I'm also a committee member and half of the team that look after our social media updates. Sophie is our other updater and she'll be taking over the twitter account from Thursday. My day job is as a Pensions Consultant and when I'm not working I'll most likely be on holiday, working through my long list of countries to visit! The last one was Japan and the next one Italy!

Why did you become a member of the WI?

I joined the WI a year ago. I suppose the main reason was to find something else to get involved with as nights out started to dwindle. It's a great way of meeting new people without having to go out and drink copious amounts of alcohol (although that can sometimes happen!)

How would you sum up your WI?

Our website says 'we're an eclectic mix of sisters jazzing up the WI tradition' and I think that sums us up perfectly. We still retain some of the traditional elements of the WI but also get involved in activities and events affecting modern women. This really works well being a large city centre WI. Cities are often full of new trends so it's nice to retain something traditional.

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

It's a great way to meet other women, especially living in a city. Most of the activities I've had a chance to do I would never have done if I hadn't been in the WI. If you want the chance of an international superstar eating your cakes (true story), join the WI!

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

Our president, Lex, is one of the lucky ones going to the centenary annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall in June. I think that will be one of her highlights for 2015 and for the rest of us, we're looking forward to getting the WI name out there and letting all women know how great it is. If you're thinking about joining up my advice is do it, you won't regret it.

Week 3 - Hebden Bridge

Introduce yourself

I'm Kirsty Hall, I'm the president of Hebden Bridge WI in West Yorkshire. I'm a contemporary visual artist (I describe myself as an artist & purveyor of mad obsessive projects) and I'm pierced, tattooed and bisexual. I think it's fair to say that I don't fit most people's stereotype of a WI president!

Why did you become a member of the WI?

Before we moved to Hebden Bridge from Bristol three years ago, I was researching the area and so I started following Hebden Bridge WI on Twitter. They seemed like a great bunch of women who were into similar things to me - activism, crafting and eating lots of cake. My first meeting was a chocolate tasting and I thought, 'yep, I've definitely come to the right place'.

How would you sum up your WI?

Friendly, non-traditional, artsy-craftsy and a bit anarchic. If you like a very structured, Jerusalem-singing type WI, then we are probably not for you.  

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

It's a brilliant way to get together with other women of all ages and backgrounds and learn new things. I'd never tried self-defence or belly-dancing before I joined the WI. And if there isn't a WI that suits you, I'd encourage women to start their own. The WI is what you make it and all WI's have a great deal of autonomy under the umbrella of the larger organisation.

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

Breaking down the tired old cliches about the WI. I want people to learn how radical we have always been. I'm really proud of the WI's campaigning history and the way women in the last 100 years have just cracked on and made a real difference.

Week 2 - Cottonopolis

Introduce yourself

I'm Rebecca, I'm 27 and I work as a Costume Designer for film and TV. I live in Manchester with my husband and two dogs and I have just helped to set up Cottonopolis (the historical nickname of the cotton mill district we're in) a newly formed WI in Ancoats Manchester. I run the social media and am currently building our website. And we are one of, if not the first WI to open in 2015 the centenary year (federation are checking!)

Why did you become a member of the WI?

I moved back to Manchester from London and realised I didn't know anyone locally any more. So I joined the WI to meet women with similar interests to me. Plus it genuinely sounded like amazing fun... Didn't disappoint!

How would you sum up your WI?

Cottonopolis WI was started for the local women of Ancoats and Manchester. We only opened last week but are really hoping to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for our members. Somewhere they can learn and have fun, but also importantly get to know each other and hopefully make some long lasting friendships.   

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

It is a great way to meet women with similar interests. Moving to a new place and especially living in a city can be lonely and joining a WI can help to overcome this with a lot of tea and cake thrown in for good measure!

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

Helping to grow Cottonopolis and getting to know our new members. Also Tea & Tents in the summer, it was brilliant last  year and this year I think it will be even bigger and better!