A Brief Introduction to the Women's Institute

The first WI was started in Canada by Adelaide Hoodless in 1889.

The first British WI was formed in 1915 in Anglsey, Wales. There are over 250,000 members in approximately 8,000 local WI's which are in 69 Federations accross England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

 

Stanbury and District WI was founded in 1948.

Stanbury and District, Laycock, and Morton WI's form 'Aire Gap Group'.

The Aire Gap Group events include the group business meeting early in the year, 'the Rally', (a speaker and scrumptious tea) in the spring, ‘The Social’ (entertainment and, yes, delicious food) in autumn, and the Carol Service, with mince pies and a drink, in December. The Group also holds biennial handicraft, produce and flower show (Next Spring – 2016). So you can show off your sewing, craft making, baking, and flower arranging skills. Notice how our meetings appear to involve food?

 

West Yorkshire Federation

The West Yorkshire Federation was formed in 1983. It currently has 70 WI's and over 2200 members. This is made up of several groups and new WI’s. The Federation holds its annual meeting in spring (April), to which we send a delegate and any other interested members. There is a guest speaker.

 

(WYN) West Yorkshire News Paper which is available for members each month, and contains details of Federation events e.g. quiz nights, rambles, craft classes, fencing, bowls, snorkelling, scuba diving, campaigns, outings, holidays, Denman courses etc.

 

The National Federation ('National') hold an annual meeting in June with various speakers. Members put forward Resolutions for discussion and delegates vote according to their Institute’s wishes, which will have been previously discussed at institute meetings. Resolutions lead to WI Campaigns. Some past campaigns have been for equal pay about AIDS, children’s diets, human trafficking, preservation of bees, more midwives and this year, organ donations. Come and get involved!

 

Subscriptions. Membership subscriptions are due in January each year, and members receive 8 issues of ‘WI Life’, the national magazine and the membership book which contains many vouchers. Visitors may attend 3 meetings before committing to membership.

 

Denman College, near Oxford, is the W.I. college which gives members a chance to attend a wide range of courses in a beautiful residential setting. Bursaries are sometimes available to help with travel and course expenses.