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!

Week 33 - Elsenham

Introduce yourself
My name is Moyra Jackson and I am 56 years old. I am married and we have a daughter who is 24 and lives and works in London. I am Scottish and have settled happily into life in Essex after living in Germany for many years. I worked for a major bank for over 20 years then retrained in teaching and worked in an international school in Dusseldorf before moving here 3 years ago. I joined our local WI 2 years ago and last year was voted onto the Committee. I deal with communications mainly - posters, local newspaper articles, Facebook, Twitter and I am also events organiser.

Why did you become a member of the WI?
I was invited as a guest by my friend who was president at the time - and joined the next month. It helped me get to know people in the village and I enjoyed the feeling of becoming part of an association with a great history.

How would you sum up your WI?
Small - around 30 members  - and is very popular and active in village life. Our meetings are well attended. We have a crafts group meeting in addition to our monthly meetings, a lunch club and as a group are active in many village events.  
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
There is something in it for everyone whether you are looking to just attend meetings or to take a more active role in the wider aspects of the organisation. And it's really good fun!
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?

Moving with it into it's next 100 years. It's a great opportunity to tell people about our history, our present and most importantly our future.

Week 32 - Park Appleton

Introduce Yourself
Hello, my name is Gwyneth Richardson; I am the current President of Park-Appleton WI.  I am also a member of our Social Media team, along with 3 other ladies.
For many years, my husband and I, lived in Camp de Mar, in the SW region of the beautiful island of Mallorca but sadly, due to the failing health of my husband’s daughter due to MS, we returned to Warrington, 4 yrs ago.
Besides being involved in all matters of the WI, I enjoy gardening, reading, learning about The Internet and travelling.
I have 2 daughters, my eldest lives in Warrington and amazingly at the ripe old age of 44, gave birth to a baby girl, now 2yrs old and much loved.
My youngest, married to an American, lives in Denver, Colorado and has 3 boys.  The boys all play Ice Hockey and it is amazing, how much I have learnt about this sport, over the last 15 years.  I think I have visited all the Ice Rinks in the Denver area and even some out of State, so I can cheer the boys on in their game.


Why did you become a member of the WI?
When my husband (Allan) and I returned from living in Mallorca, it was so very difficult.  My old friends had new friends, so the dynamics of all my English friends had changed.
So after much discussion with Allan, I decided to start afresh but still keep in contact with ’old’ friends.
I joined 2 WI’s, that both met in the local Village Hall.  After 1 year of joint membership, I decided to join only Park-Appleton WI, as the ladies were very welcoming and above all-- friendly.  It was a very daunting experience walking into the Hall on my own, wrapped up within an inch of my life, from the English weather and occasionally struggling to speak English words that I had forgotten.  I couldn’t even spell my name in English!
Now it all seems so very amusing.


How would you sum up your WI?
Friendly and Welcoming!
We are an ‘old’ WI and have celebrated our 53rd Birthday.  We badly needed new younger members with fresh ideas or we would ‘fade away’.  So we set to work!
This year the committee have worked exceptionally hard---we started a Newsletter, which is very much appreciated.  We have a colourful and informative Notice board.  The Social Media Team work on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and StreetLife.
We have popular Walking and Gardening Groups and are now involved in many community activities and events.   Ladies even sing in the Community Choir.
Two coach trip, a theatre trip, Book Club are in the planning stage for 2016.
It is very hard work though rewarding and there is still much to do, in attracting new members.
Happily I can write-----our numbers are slowly creeping up.


Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI? 
It is a wonderful way of meeting ladies of all ages, making new friends, listening to great speakers and taking part in discussions, on serious and sensitive subjects.
The WI is what you want it to be!  You can just enjoy coming to a meeting or throw yourself into WI life with gay abandon!
 
What are you looking forward to as part of the WI Centenary in 2015? 
This centenary year has given our Institute a great sense of pride to belong to this wonderful organization.
Last year The Baton came to our Parish Hall, kick starting our celebrations.  Throughout 2015, The Cheshire Federation has organized many Centenary Events, which members have thoroughly enjoyed.   We have taken great pride in listening to our ladies recount their experiences at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party and the AGM in the Royal Albert Hall.
At our WI, we are continuing the celebrations even into next year, with a trip to Anglesey and of course will be visiting the very first WI.
More importantly we hope to gain new members due to the various TV programmes, which have publicized this great organization of ours.
Finally thinking of the future, from the TV series, ‘Star Trek’, I quote Capt. John Luc Picard, of the Starship, ‘ Enterprise’....  ’Our mission is to boldly go, where no one has gone before.



Week 31 - Baslow

Introduce yourself
Hello, my name is Ann McPhie, a member of Baslow WI and a WI Adviser for the Derbyshire Federation. I am a Past President of Baslow WI and currently a Joint Secretary sharing the role with a good friend,
Lorna. I do not have a paid job but the WI keeps me fully employed!
Why did you become a member of the WI?
I joined the WI when I moved to Derbyshire from Kent. I didn't know a soul. I looked in the Parish Magazine that someone had kindly dropped through my door, and saw the WI was meeting on Wednesday evening that week! I plucked up courage to walk into the hall. At the time there were over 70 members - quite daunting for a 29 year-old newbie! I need not have worried because as soon as I walked into the room three women, about my age, came up to me and said, "You're new aren't you? Do you fancy coming for a drink after the meeting?" And that was the start of it all for me, 32 years ago!
How would you sum up your WI?
We are a very active and welcoming WI, not traditional at all! We don't read Records of Meetings we don't sing Jerusalem. I edit the Newsletter and Website that substantially reduce time needed for 'business' - 'News & Information' at meetings. We walk, cycle, arrange outings and lunches etc. We are a very friendly bunch! I've seen many changes in Baslow WI since joining. Our membership numbers have plummeted and grown up again and are now pretty stable at around 60. We changed our meetings from evenings to afternoons and this helped increase membership. We are flexible; wehave to be to keep members interested. WI promotion is extremely important to us. As well as working together within our WI we join with other community groups eg SportsFest and Community Orchard. We have tried to make our WI fun, informative and relevant as well as 'inspiring' of course
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
I would encourage anyone to join if they want to learn new skills, make new friends and feel a part of something as big as the WI. There are so many things I would never have done had I not joined Baslow WI. This is one of them! The WI teaches you to try new things and supports its members through life's ups and downs.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
Briefly: (a) Centenary Meeting at The Royal Albert Hall. (b) NFWI Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. (c) Baslow WI is part of 'The Devonshire Group' we have various centenary events and outings planned. (d) I am also looking forward to sharing the centenary year with all the friends we have made on social media. People from as far afield as Tasmania, Canada and around the globe. (e) My week on the blog spot will be Bakewell Show week. Bakewell Show is a big agricultural and country show. The Derbyshire Federation will have a huge marquee at the show housing all sorts of competitions, sales tables, workshops and of course the catering area - visit it for the best cake and cuppa on the showground!

Week 30 - Catford

Introduce yourself
 
I'm Fiona J. and I'm the current President of Catford W I.   I also run the Twitter account.
I used to work in the City but took (early) retirement and now my life is a mixture of voluntary work (mostly for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice), and travel.  I have one daughter and three grandchildren, who live in Northern Ireland (where I visit as often as I can)
Why did you become a member of the WI?
One of my best friends, Sue, invited me along to a social evening. I remember saying, 'Women's Institute ! Me? I don't think so!', to which she simply relied, 'I'm in it?'. So I went along as a one-off. Met lots of terrific women, ate loads of yummy food - and never left. 

 
How would you sum up your WI?
Friendly and welcoming!
We're a diverse group of women who reflect the local area (ages, ethnicity, occupation, etc), and we've always encouraged everyone to make Catford W I exactly what they want it to be. We have events for all our members interests: walking; theatre; ten-pin bowling; Supper Club; Book Group; Darts Team; Cocktail Club...it just goes on and on.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
If they have as much fun with their local W I, as we do in Catford, it's a must!
Plus, there's companionship, support, learning - and sharing - skills...and cake! Cake at every opportunity: it seems to be a rule? 
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
Can't quite make up my mind between our Cocktail Club Meeting in September - or our Cruise in December!
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