Week 21 - Packington & Maxstoke

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.

Week 20 - Charlbury

Introduce yourself
My name is Louise Cashman, I'm 51 and I’m the Secretary for Charlbury WI in West Oxfordshire and I also manage the marketing side of things.  Charlbury is part of a group of five local WIs (the Evenlode Group) and together we come under the Oxfordshire Federation.  I live with my husband & our Labradors & have one daughter who’s away at uni.  I work full-time for a publishing company in Oxford as a print-buyer (I‘m responsible for printing the Marketing team’s publicity).   

Why did you become a member of the WI?
I lived in a fairly remote rural spot at the time and wanted to feel more a part of the local community.  I also wanted something more varied that an evening sport or hobby class.
How would you sum up your WI?
Ours is a market town WI and as such, we have a real diversity of ages, backgrounds and characters. We're a good mix of both the traditional and modern face of the WI - we have fund-raising cake sales & recently started up a Yack & Yarn group,  but then also make full use of social media to attract new members and last summer took craft workshops (with a yarn bomb theme) at a trendy local music festival.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
You’ll have an instant group of friends, hear talks on subjects you’d never have looked into yourself & enjoy the opportunity to learn & use new skills (committee, Denman, community events).
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
Sharing the sense of pride and community that members have in the organisation.

Week 19 - Teddington

Introduce yourself
I'm Sarah Hallett and I'm the social media representative of the Teddington WI. I was asked to join our branch's committee in October 2014 and I am enjoying the role a lot. I'm a full time Mum to 2 children, Amy who is 11 and James who is 9. Before having my children I was a regional training manager for Monsoon.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
I was introduced to the WI by friends who were already members. I like the fact that you get to meet a wide range of people with different backgrounds.
How would you sum up your WI?
Teddington WI is a great group of characters, all keen to learn something new, make new friends and having a great time doing it.... we're a very social bunch!
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
Getting involved in the WI brings you into contact with a lot of great likeminded people who live in the same area as you. The monthly meetings cover a wide range of different topics, so you're always learning new skills or nuggets of information, or just having a great night out once a month. It's great fun... you'll never regret joining!
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
I'm excited to be part of the WI in this centenary year. It's a great milestone and something I think we are all proud of in our local group. We are all looking forward to some great times ahead and having another successful year.


Week 17 - Sotonettes

Introduce yourself
I'm Jen Thomson, a committee member of the Sotonettes WI which is based in Southampton city centre. I look after the website and social media for the Sotonettes but get involved in a bit of everything from hostessing meetings, entering competitions and planning the programme for the next year. When I'm not working on WI things, I am employed full time as an air traffic controller for NATS and am based at their control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire. I'm not sure which is more stressful!
Why did you become a member of the WI?
Back in January 2012, my other half got a one year contract to work in Spain. We both work shifts and we both realised that I probably wouldn't see him very much and I might be a bit bored and lonely. Just before he left for Spain, he spotted an advert for a new WI in Southampton which had it's first meeting in February. He thought it would be a good way to meet new people, take part in activities I was interested in and avoid boredom - he was right! After all that organisation, the contract only lasted a month but my WI membership has continued ever since!
How would you sum up your WI?
We consider ourselves a modern WI, but the modern part is more based on interests rather than age! The Sotonettes are a city centre WI that meets in the evening, so we tend to attract quite a lot of 20- and 30-something women but we've got a great mix of ages (and characters) that come along to our meetings. We like to be inspired by WI interests like flower arranging or dancing but with a 21st century twist - we're not often found sitting down listening to a speaker; we like to be up and at them with active meetings.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
I've met so many different people since I joined the WI three years ago and I've made some brilliant friends along the way; I know my social calendar would be a lot more dull without the Sotonettes. The WI is fantastic at introducing things that we might not have tried before - sometimes I've enjoyed meetings on subjects that I probably wouldn't have sought out myself. I'm also a keen crafter and the WI competitions give me a bit more focus and determination to improve my skills.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
One of the centenary highlights has already taken place for us in Hampshire as the Centenary Baton passed through the Sotonettes' hands in January. I'm excited to see the WI get some more PR in the mainstream media and hope to welcome lots more WI newbies soon.

Week 16 - Woolavington

Introduce yourself

I am Teresa Hemms 65 years young and have been married to Robert for 9 years.
I am in my second year as President of Woolavington WI which I am loving. I am a member of Somerset County Federation Events Committee. I am also a Dual member of Walton WI a village nearby.
I lived in Cheltenham until I retired. I trained as a Registered nurse,qualified 1969. I nursed part time on the nurse bank at Sue Ryder Hospice at Leckhampton Court in Cheltenham and a manager of Supported Housing prior to my retiring. I have one daughter Lee who is married to Mike they have two children Oscar 13yrs and Charlotte 11yrs and live close by here in Somerset. I’m Stepmum to Roberts 3 children.Penny twin to Stephen and Julian. Step-grandma to 4 boys children, Julian’s sons Martin 18yrs,he’s at Loughborough Uni.Rob 13yrs Ed 11yrs and live in Brisbane Australia and Stephen’s son Caelum 2 and 3/4.
Robert and I are also volunteers with 40 Commando Royal Marines families,offering low level support.
I am a member of my GP surgery Patient Participation Group.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
When I retired 2011 and finally moved permanently to Woolavington (we had bought our bungalow in 2006 and travelled weekends to Somerset). I gave myself a year to settle in,then looked at what I wanted to do, I joined the gym and lost 4stone in weight and joined the WI to make friends in the village and see what it was all about. I have met some lovely people. Little did I know I would become President in such a short space of time.
How would you sum up your WI?
Our WI is a small but select group of ladies!!    Membership fluctuates numbers have decreased over the years we have 30 members at present. Our age range is mid fifties to early nineties,we are a friendly and fun loving group.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
I found the WI a great way of connecting with the village and this has led to Robert my husband making friends as well with the Church lads group. He is a stalwart helping with my WI activities,he’s modelled for a County Fashion show, and taken part in our WI evening in our Day at the Seaside as a Sailor and Ice Cream seller. Were hoping we can attract the younger ladies in the village to join the WI.
WI gives opportunities to learn new things and have fun on the way,share your own talents,join groups within the WI, Knit and Sew,Lunch Club, and Slimming among a few things available outside the meeting times.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
Where shall I start... What an honour. I have been given the wonderful opportunity to go to The Royal Albert Hall as delegate. I am looking forward to it immensely.
Beginning with The Centenary Baton is coming to Wells in March and as part of our celebrations in Somerset County we are staging Alice in WI land. The County WI’s have been divided into 4 and each has produced a short sketch around the Alice in Wonderland story. We will all perform at our AGM later in the year.
As a member of Walton WI I will be donning a black dress adorned with a sunflower and big hat as we do Richard Stilgoe’s Calendar Girls, this has been adapted for Alice in WI land Rehearsals start in February.
I am nurturing over the winter the Centenary Rose Inspiration that I bought from WI Life magazine. I’m eagerly awaiting the blooms.
PS I am also a Cliffette and will also be at the Royal Albert Hall in October for Cliffs 75th Birthday concert more and more excitement.
PPS I am hoping to go to Glastonbury Festival for the 1st time on the Sunday when Lionel Richie is headlining,we were unlucky and couldn't get tickets for all the weekend,but as a Somerset residents living near to Glastonbury we have applied and are entered into the draw. Fingers crossed we will be lucky.

Week 15 - Honor Oak

Introduce yourself
I’m Gila Tabrizi, a member of Honor Oak WI in South East London (West Kent Federation) and I’m the committee member responsible for communications such as publicising our meetings and updating twitter and facebook. I also coordinate our darts team. I’m an education and skills policy officer and I have a four year old son.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
I was interested in baking and crafts and obviously the WI is well known for that. What has been great is discovering topics I had no knowledge about before – such as beekeeping or aromatherapy, and trying out new things like singing as a choir or tasting Spanish cheeses!
How would you sum up your WI?
We are a diverse group that reflects our local community, we are interesting and vibrant women!  
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
It’s a chance to try out something new in a supportive and safe environment and gives you the opportunity to meet other women from the local area. I have made some great friends through joining the WI and love learning from some of our fascinating members!

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

Having a full roster of female speakers at the annual meeting!

Week 12 - Appleton - le - Moors

Introduce yourself
I'm Carolyn Frank and I'm President of Appleton-le-moors WI in North Yorkshire East Federation.  I own a retail jeweller in Helmsley North Yorkshire which I run with my partner Andy and our dog Lady.
Why did you become a member of the WI?
When I moved home to the village of Appleton-le-moors after many years working overseas, the WI had fallen in numbers to 12 and was in danger of closing through no fault of it's own.  My grandmas and great aunties had all been WI members and as a little girl I'd always wanted to join, so I grabbed a handful of ladies including my Mum & 4 of us signed up in January 2006, which boosted numbers.
How would you sum up your WI?
A friendly bunch!  We have just over 20 members and all get on, we're a lively group of mixed ages, and for a small WI we have a busy programme of events including our meetings, dinners, theatre trips, craft nights and fundraisers.
Why would you encourage other women to get involved in the WI?
Joining the WI encourages you to learn new things, meet new people and experience new interests.  There's never a dull moment, but it doesn't take over your life like some hobbies, you can dip in and out of the wide range of things on offer and get involved as much or as little as you like.  I love it that people have a view on what WI is about (twinsets, dragon-like old ladies, rural crafts and baking and dull/desperate speakers and outdated traditions!), then when they join they are astounded at what it's really like, full of fun and up-to-date in all sorts of ways, and always has been!
What are you most looking forward to as part of the WI centenary in 2015?
I am pleased the exhibition is going to be in Harrogate, and as a WI we will have a trip there.  I am delighted that our Secretary Gill Humphreys who does so much for our WI will represent us at the AGM and I look forward to her squealing when she sees our members who took part in the #IAMWI campaign on the big screen.  Most of all, I look forward to another successful year at Appleton-le-moors and to engaging & delighting our members young and old with the delights of the WI.

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