Thursday 5 July 2012

Joining the Women's Institute



I finally made it to my local WI meeting on Tuesday evening, much to the amusement of my friends and family.   Pah! What do they know - I am so glad I went!  


I'd been meaning to join for ages. We don't have a group in my village so I had the choice of neighbouring villages or the main one in town and I wanted to choose exactly the right one for me.  I didn't fancy the meeting in town.  The group has recently formed and so is a 'new breed' of WI - I wanted to join a traditional group that had been running for decades so I plumped for the village next door.



I went along with a couple of women who are already members - the WI put me in touch with them so that they could be my 'buddies' for the meeting and they gave me a lift.  Isn't that nice?!  I was a bit apprehensive because I didn't know what to expect but I needn't have worried.  There were about 30 women there - all ages but mostly between 40 and 60 I would say.  I was one of the youngest there and, conversely, there were one or two really elderly ladies but age didn't matter - it was super friendly, everyone came over to chat and say hello and we all had things in common.  It made such a nice change from a usual weekday evening.

It was a more formal meeting that I'd expected.  We took our seats and the President gave an opening speech before running through the minutes and a few notices.  Then we had a presentation from a speaker.  They have a different guest speaker each month and this time it was a vet.  He was quite young and good looking and the way that the women responded to him reminded me of a Gilderoy Lockhart book-signing session in Harry Potter! Ha!   There was lots of eyelash fluttering, overly-loud giggling and innuendo.  It was so entertaining; they were such a cheeky, fun-loving bunch.  



The ladies I went with were running the refreshments this time so I helped them out and it was nice to have a reason to chat to people. I'm quite shy in group situations and am right out of my comfort zone mingling and networking.  If you fancy going to your local WI and feel a bit shy I'd recommend offering to help on the tea stall when you're there.  You feel less of a spare part.

So we meet once a month and next month we're going for a little country walk followed by supper at the gorgeous pub in the village.  Partners are invited this time so I went straight home and told Andrew I'd signed him up for a walk with the WI next month.  He took it in good spirits, bless him!  

I had so many reasons for joining the WI, not least because I wanted to get to know my neighbours and become more involved with the local community.  There are loads of activities and charity events that the WI is involved with and I am so excited to be a part of it - I feel like I am doing something worthwhile with my spare time.



As a result of chatting to the women at the WI I've now also found a local yoga class to join (I'm going with a couple of women on Monday night), met someone to teach me how to make a patchwork quilt and been introduced to a school's volunteer group that I have wanted to contact for ages.  I've also found a crafty companion who wants to start a knit (or crochet) and natter group with me at the pub.  Yay! 

Nicki 

x

21 comments:

  1. How lovely, I'd love to join WI ... My friends would scoff and ridicule me too ... Idon't think there is one in my area though. Good for you! Xxx

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  2. I once did a talk for a local WI and they all sang Jerusalem before the meeting started. It is a lovely way of getting to know people and they do so much for charity, well done Nicki.
    Jo xx

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  3. Ahhhh Nicki! Bloody good for you! That sounds most excellent :) how exciting and bless your husband for agreeing to go on the walk. Look forward to reading more about your WI adventures!

    Love & hugs,

    Jo x x x

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  4. That's really great, lovely. I'm so jealous. I've always wanted to join but there isn't a branch local to me. I did join the Embroiderer's Guild nearby, hoping that it would be a good alternative, but it wasn't great. I can't wait to hear all about your meetings. Xxx

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  5. I want to be your friend! You sound so lovely and generous.

    I'd love to join the WI. You may have inspired a few people with this blog post :)

    x

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  6. You will learn so much I'm sure... and them from YOU ! I wonder if they all blog? Ha.
    Great for crafting.
    jennie. x

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  7. Good for you, Nicki. I have been thinking of joining the WI but will wait until I move now as I don't want to get settled in and then have to leave. Keep us updated with the things you do. Lily. xxx

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  8. Yo Beauty!
    But did you wear your CK twinset????!!!
    I am so glad you loved the W.I. I went to my first meeting last week. I was armed with gin, pre sliced lime and had an absolute ball. I am thrilled you had such a good experience too. It's lovely.
    Not sure about yours in terms of the baking thing, but I plan to take some cake next time, I think it would be appreciated as everyone was scoffing their way through various sponges.
    I left at 11pm and the die-hards were getting rather sozzled!!!
    Can't wait for the next one. Shame you and I don't live closer, we could go together!
    xx x x

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  9. Well after seeing your pic on instagram I googled and found a 'new breed' WI group and will go along to the August meeting to see what it's like! Your hubby sounds a good sport for going along to the walk. Love your pics.
    Ali
    X

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  10. I loved reading this, and now I want to join a WI!!!!

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  11. Good for you! I'd love to join the WI x

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  12. Well done you! Sometimes it's just worth ignoring all the people who laugh and going and having a ball anyway!

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  13. Hi Nicki,sounds like such fun,I've been thinking of joining up too. You've already so much to look forward too,with the knit and natter group and the yoga,such a great way of meeting local people and making new friends.I'm looking forward to hearing more,have a great weekend,love juliexxx

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  14. That sounds like a great group! I wish we had something like that here.
    It sounds like you fit right in and are making wonderful connections. Have fun! Can't wait to hear about the quilt and the yoga!

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  15. I remember when I was 9 we moved to the country and my mum joined the local WI, I was envious even then and vowed to join myself one day... hoping I find one as good as your sounds

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  16. Yey get you, might just have inspired me to look into a group in our local area. I find it really hard to find people nearby who have similar interests. I reckon I would hate going the first time but sounds like it was actually o.k, do keep us updated.
    Nice to be back reading your blog, I have had to start a new one since nellys eggs was driving me mad. Have really missed it though and enjoying a night of catching up,
    Nelly x

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  17. That sounds fab.... and the opportunity to learn new skills and pass on yours - what could be better? J x

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  18. Sounds as if you're going to be busy!!!

    I would love to join the WI here, but the one in the village is very old school - my Mum tried it when she moved here but gave up after three weeks of embroidered hanky competitions and talks on flower arranging. Perhaps I should look further afield!

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  19. Sounds great. I once did a talk about making my bears, they were a lovely group but too far away to join.

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  20. Hi new follower here! Found your blog through your Instagram posts, and very glad I did! x

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  21. Hi there - another new follower - felt a bit intrusive and kinda like a stalker when I first started reading blogs, however I am now totally addicted - esp yours! You have a beautiful home and I love reading about your life! x

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