Introduce yourself
My name is Corinne Davies, I'm secretary (or secretart) of the Treacle tarts WI in Nuneaton. The name comes from the fact that Nuneaton is often affectionately known as 'Treacle Town'. Some say this is because we used to have a jam factory in the town, others claim it's because people from Nuneaton are a bit 'thick'! We like to think it's the former and coupled with the fact that WI's are famous for cake baking, we thought it made an excellent name.
I work part time as a community arts worker and part time as a county councillor. I have 4 kids, 2 dogs, a husband and parents! Enough said.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
The Treacle Tarts WI is quite a new group. We started in May 2014 and already have over 45 members and growing. The idea was born from my friend and I getting fed up with various activities we tried (from Morris dancing to yoga etc) and from my mother in law sharing stories of the interesting activities she was involved in at the WI she had joined.
How would you sum up your WI?
The Tarts are young (well youngish!) open minded and willing to try anything. The group has a varied timetable and the emphasis for us has to be fun! The majority of our members are working mums and we want a group that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
I'd encourage any women wishing to expand their social circle and their mind to come along. We run trips as well and are open to suggestions from any members of new activities. We have many and varied skills from our group members and we hope to get a cycle group up and running late spring run by one of our accomplished members as well as a possible camping trip! (Well tea & tents sold out!)
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
There's no one specific event that I'm looking forward to over this centenary year but it will be fun to see how our group evolves even more as the year progresses. Oh the cakes, I'm looking forward to the cakes!