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