All about the WI

Carolyn Wilde of Burleydam and District WI has sent Audlem Online the following, titled 'What does the WI mean to you?'

The Women's Institute is the largest voluntary organisation for women in the UK with 205,000 members in England and Wales. Each one of those women has their own reason for belonging.

"When I moved to the country the WI provided me with a source of practical advice to help me feel part of the community"

The WI has its roots firmly in rural England and Wales. Its members are keen to pass on rural skills and knowledge. Shows at local and county level offer the opportunity for group and individual entries into the many craft, cookery and horticultural classes.

"I belong for the stimulus and enjoyment I get from playing bridge at county level" or scrabble or dominoes or bowls or by entering the county quiz.

"The WI provides me with the opportunity to make a difference to the community and the world I live in"

WI campaigns have been an essential a part of WI life since the organisation began in UK in 1915. Burleydam and District WI's resolution urging members to return to eating food in season from local producers was debated at the Cheshire Federation's AGM in March 2007 and overwhelmingly approved.

"I gained confidence in speaking in public when I became secretary of my WI. It helped me become more organised."

No one has to become a member of the committee or take up office of President, Secretary or Treasurer (though your local WI could not continue without these volunteers). If you are interested in getting involved, though, becoming a committee member gives you the chance to influence the direction of your WI. It can give you a route to county level committees as observer or committee member.

"Going to the theatre or out to lunch or going on garden visits in summer are all important to me. I don't like going on my own so I appreciate the trips organised by the WI."

We try to offer additional activities for members to enjoy with trips to the theatre in Crewe and the Potteries and lunch at local pubs and restaurants.

"I enjoy the monthly meetings where I can meet my friends in a relaxed atmosphere and listen to a speaker or watch a demonstration. I have enjoyed hearing about people's lives and learning about our local history. I am not too keen on the competitions though but I don't feel any pressure to enter."

WI meetings provide a wide variety of activities which appeal to different members. Everyone is encouraged to participate in their own way. There are some common elements – the singing of Jerusalem, the business part of the meeting, the social part of meetings – catching up over a cup of tea and cake and the annual programme of speakers.

Burleydam WI's meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month (except August) in the Community Meeting Room in Burleydam starting at 7.30 p.m. Audlem WI meet at 7.30 pm on the 1st Thursday of each month (except August) at the Scout and Guide Hall on Cheshire Street. Information on Audlem's forthcoming meeting dates and events is listed on the noticeboard outside the village Post Office.

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