Introduce yourself
Hi, my name is Margaret Roper and I am member of the Packington and Maxstoke WI in Warwickshire. I am a recent addition to the Committee and serve as the Press and Publicity Officer. After working as a scientist in the Pharmaceutical industry in Australia for over 20 years I had a complete change of lifestyle and spent four years gaining my PhD is Shakespeare Studies at the University of Birmingham where I met my husband. I currently work as a Library Assistant in the Special Collections library at the University of Birmingham surrounded by old and rare books and archives which is a delight.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
When I moved permanently from Australia to the UK last year I knew no one in the local area, except my husband and his family and I really wanted to settle in and feel that I was part of my local community. So I joined the WI and what a wonderful, warm and welcoming experience it has been.
How would you sum up your WI?
The Packington and Maxstoke WI is a dynamic and diverse group of women with boundless energy and enthusiasm and a great community spirit. There is also the advantage of meeting in a stately home, Packington Hall, surrounded by a beautiful garden and a deer park!
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
Through the WI I met some amazing people, I have gained a fantastic group of friends, had much fun, and learnt a lot too from speakers and craft days and just speaking with the members. Now I not only feel part of the community but also feel I am contributing to it too. I would encourage anyone who eager to learn, make new friends and participate in their community to join the WI.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
I am looking forward to the continuing celebrations of the Centenary year, I attended the baton handover luncheon in Warwickshire last year and am looking forward to a trip to Anglesey, home of the first WI meeting. I am particularly looking forward to the Centennial Fair in Harrogate in September which will be a great celebration of our wonderful and important organisation.