What's the WI all about?
The Womens’ Institute was first founded in Canada to help rural women learn domestic tasks, - cooking etc. We are not sure why women didn’t have these skills but there was a major need. When it came to England over 100 years ago it was against set up with this in mind - Jam And Jerusalem? However, it was far more important. This was a group for women, women had a reason to get out of their homes for an evening, pass over child minding to their husbands, meet people and, most importantly ‘have a voice’. It was not well received by the male population.
The WI was and is a place where women can be heard. It is totally inclusive to anyone who identifies themselves as female. The WI is powerful. The WI has grown. The Towns’ Women’s’ Guild chose to join the WI. Now it doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. There are more members of the WI than members of the armed forces. The WI is one of the biggest lobbyists anywhere and we lobby for things that are important to women, whether it’s ‘Keeping Britain Tidy’ ‘Saving Bees’ ‘plastic soup’, ‘female genital mutilation’, ‘cervical screening’, or supporting ‘the climate coalition’ this coming September . The WI is a voice heard in parliament, a champion if you like and can be a way of bringing issues to our own communities.
The WI is fun. We laugh a lot. We go to the pictures together. We learn how to turn old T-shirts into string bags and how to make jewellery with buttons. We make fused glass coasters and sunken trinket trays. We always go to the Federation Quizzes - don’t worry ladies, we have a secret weapon. We’ve been to the dogs, inviting SKWI other halves to drive so we could have a jug of Pimms and to supply our stakes. One summer we went on a trip up the Witham on a bathtub of a boat. We had the most delicious fish and chips served to us. On the return journey we were mooned by a pre teen who ran along the bank, only stopping when he reached the houses where he could be spotted. We retaliated. We sang Jerusalem at the top of our voices. I have lovely photos and memories of that night. We may have been small for the past few years but we have been mighty.
When I was invited to join SKWI, I thought at last, someone will teach me how to bake a proper Victoria Sponge. Hasn’t happened. I’m still waiting. I’m the lady that brings the traffic light sugar-free jelly to the Chine Supper.
Mary Jackson - President July 2021
The WI was and is a place where women can be heard. It is totally inclusive to anyone who identifies themselves as female. The WI is powerful. The WI has grown. The Towns’ Women’s’ Guild chose to join the WI. Now it doesn’t matter where you live. It doesn’t matter who you are. There are more members of the WI than members of the armed forces. The WI is one of the biggest lobbyists anywhere and we lobby for things that are important to women, whether it’s ‘Keeping Britain Tidy’ ‘Saving Bees’ ‘plastic soup’, ‘female genital mutilation’, ‘cervical screening’, or supporting ‘the climate coalition’ this coming September . The WI is a voice heard in parliament, a champion if you like and can be a way of bringing issues to our own communities.
The WI is fun. We laugh a lot. We go to the pictures together. We learn how to turn old T-shirts into string bags and how to make jewellery with buttons. We make fused glass coasters and sunken trinket trays. We always go to the Federation Quizzes - don’t worry ladies, we have a secret weapon. We’ve been to the dogs, inviting SKWI other halves to drive so we could have a jug of Pimms and to supply our stakes. One summer we went on a trip up the Witham on a bathtub of a boat. We had the most delicious fish and chips served to us. On the return journey we were mooned by a pre teen who ran along the bank, only stopping when he reached the houses where he could be spotted. We retaliated. We sang Jerusalem at the top of our voices. I have lovely photos and memories of that night. We may have been small for the past few years but we have been mighty.
When I was invited to join SKWI, I thought at last, someone will teach me how to bake a proper Victoria Sponge. Hasn’t happened. I’m still waiting. I’m the lady that brings the traffic light sugar-free jelly to the Chine Supper.
Mary Jackson - President July 2021
February 2017
News from Sue Lock who, as well as our being our Treasurer, is also a member of the Public Affairs Committee:
As a member of the Public Affairs Committee, we have been busy over the last few months with the mandate for dementia awareness. As per the latest newsletter from federation office, we had a joint meeting with Lincolnshire North Public Affairs and Jennie Negus, Deputy Cheif Nurse at ULH. Jennie suggested that WI's can give practical help by volunteering in all hospitals, producing twiddle mitts/muffs/cushions/aprons, as they require a continuous supply, the emergency overnight wash bags and PCA (syringe driver bags). There will be a variety of samples, patterns and instructions available on the PA stand at Spring Council.
Last year we acted on 2 issues and had a Bee Inspired Day and afternoon tea, in a wildflower garden during the summer and a Waste and Warmth Day in the Autumn.
Forthcoming events will include an Agriculture Day which is being organised for 5th July and hopefully Dara will be one of the main speakers.
I have given two talks on the Air Ambulance. The first to to Dyke WI in January and then to Carlby WI in February. I am also booked to give a talk in August to Amber Hill WI entitled Carry on Costumes.
I am also appearing at the Federation event Speakers Corner on Monday 27th March.
As a member of the Public Affairs Committee, we have been busy over the last few months with the mandate for dementia awareness. As per the latest newsletter from federation office, we had a joint meeting with Lincolnshire North Public Affairs and Jennie Negus, Deputy Cheif Nurse at ULH. Jennie suggested that WI's can give practical help by volunteering in all hospitals, producing twiddle mitts/muffs/cushions/aprons, as they require a continuous supply, the emergency overnight wash bags and PCA (syringe driver bags). There will be a variety of samples, patterns and instructions available on the PA stand at Spring Council.
Last year we acted on 2 issues and had a Bee Inspired Day and afternoon tea, in a wildflower garden during the summer and a Waste and Warmth Day in the Autumn.
Forthcoming events will include an Agriculture Day which is being organised for 5th July and hopefully Dara will be one of the main speakers.
I have given two talks on the Air Ambulance. The first to to Dyke WI in January and then to Carlby WI in February. I am also booked to give a talk in August to Amber Hill WI entitled Carry on Costumes.
I am also appearing at the Federation event Speakers Corner on Monday 27th March.
July 2016
Pretty muddy Race for Life
One of members, Jane Ball, took part in the Pretty Muddy Race for life, on 2nd July at Clumber Park, Nr Worksop. She arrived with the rest of her team, "Bills Angels", at 9.30 and was launched immediately into a large, very pink, group warm up.
The weather was fine the sun was out but the grass was WET! Part of the warm up consisted of sitting down and swivelling around - MUDDY BOTTOMS so soon!! The klaxon sounded and to a large puff of pink smoke and purple streamers she was off, over inflatables, through mud, through tunnels, mud being thrown when she emerged, under nets belly down in mud, through tyres filled with mud, running through mud, down a slide as the finale you guessed it - into a mud bath!! The team had a great time and raised nearly £500 for Cancer Research UK, so all in a good muddy cause.
The weather was fine the sun was out but the grass was WET! Part of the warm up consisted of sitting down and swivelling around - MUDDY BOTTOMS so soon!! The klaxon sounded and to a large puff of pink smoke and purple streamers she was off, over inflatables, through mud, through tunnels, mud being thrown when she emerged, under nets belly down in mud, through tyres filled with mud, running through mud, down a slide as the finale you guessed it - into a mud bath!! The team had a great time and raised nearly £500 for Cancer Research UK, so all in a good muddy cause.
Boat Trip & Supper
South Lincs Federation Newsletters emailed from the office
If anyone is still NOT receiving these, please let me know and I will forward the latest one to you. Please read it as it tells you everything that is happening in the area.
If anyone is still NOT receiving these, please let me know and I will forward the latest one to you. Please read it as it tells you everything that is happening in the area.