Women’s Institute: would you recommend joining?

[LorenzoVonMatterhorn]

Ive recently moved to a village where we know nobody and I am considering joining the women’s institute. Im in my early 40’s. I went to a cake sale event run by them today to express interest and they all looked close to retirement, or actually retired but there could be other members not there today.

Is it worth joining for networking, meeting new people, activism etc etc? Or does it really depend on the individual group?

I joined in my early 40s. I quite like it!

It does very much depend on your local group, but I’ve been a member since my 30s, often the youngest and I love it! Hope they’re a good fit for you, it’s a great way to get to know people.

Easiest thing would be to go to a meeting/event and see how you feel. They might be lovely and make you welcome whatever their ages. If not, no harm done. Good luck.

Ab I’ll give it a go then. Next meeting suitable for a newbie is December as next month is the AGM.

Thank you

I was disappointed , it was quite cliquey, no one spoke to new members and lots of reserved seating! All the regulars sat with their friends. Could just have been that group I guess but I have never bothered trying another one.

It can be quite mixed, but I love my group. There’s one clique of women who joined together and don’t really mix, but otherwise it’s very friendly.

A couple of “young” WI groups started up in my area (ie 50 plus rather than 70 plus). But I found it difficult to break into groups of women who knew each other from other activities/groups and the person booking the speakers and activities was just obviously not on my wavelength so it all became a bit of a chore. I used lockdown as a excuse not to renew my membership. But I think groups really do vary so it’s a bit trial and error

I would love to join, but all my local groups have afternoon meetings impossible if you work full time.

I love my group. They're all very different so if one doesn't work for you the next one could be totally different.

I was surprised as it was a youngish group, mostly 40s and 50s, younger than I expected

A couple of “young” WI groups started up in my area (ie 50 plus rather than 70 plus)
My parents local bowls club was looking for ‘young blood’ a few years ago. They wanted newly retired people, late 60’s.

The woman today told me there are a couple of designated members who look after and sit with new members, so sounds welcoming…

And ive had a look and the next village also has one so there are options!

Thank you

What sort of things do they do?

We have a variety of speakers, had historical speakers, local chocolatier, celebrity gardener, a few travel ones and people from other cultures, a gemstone lady, walks, meals, treasure hunt, coffee morning fundraisers.

Then also there’s access to the county stuff so I’ve been on a writing course, a willow weaving one, a web site building course and represented the WI at a local big event. Oh and I used to record our newsletter for members with visual impairment. That was a great experience.

Thanks @PaperMonster thats great info

I’m joining WI right now. Just moved to a new area and looking for things to do. It’s once a month, so not onerous, and you can access the county stuff too.