The WI

[Isitdone]

Does anyone still belong to the WI?

Im in my early 30s, a few young DC and would like to be part of a group of like minded women, I’m new to my area and figure it might be a good way to meet new people however, what do they do now?

Im not on SM (apart from dabbling on MN) so out of the loop

I’m a member of the WI :)

I’ve made some great friends through it and we have lots of meetings, outings & activities - all groups are different, some are very traditional, ours less so!

If you look on the NFWI website you can search for a group near you, and you should be able to attend a couple of meetings as a guest before needing to sign up to see if you like it.

Because each group is different, if the first one you try isn’t for you then try another 😊

@AnneLovesGilbert Do the WI accept trans women?

@Hotandbothereds ooh that’s great to hear, I’ll definitely message them to see if that’s an option to visit before committing

I almost joined in lockdown. But no one responded to my emails about the issues I had paying the fees (their bank details weren't recognised).

So I figure they didn't really care if i joined or not. So I didn't.

Fees? 😬 oh 😔

Technically yes this is true, but I’ve been a member for 10 years and in reality it’s never actually happened.

I used to love the WI.

I left when they put the husband of one of the regional associations who had ‘changed sex’ on the cover of the mag. She tours the country telling WI ‘s how to embrace transgenderism . I preferred the talks about jam, really.

I was going to join but didn’t because they accept men who identify as women.

Yes, this has thoroughly put me off

They’ve shot themselves in the foot. This is where “be kind” gets businesses and charities. They’re not being kind to women.

That's why I haven't joined as well. I would like to join a single sex group to socialise so I can relax and feel safe with other women.

I am in the WI. If you want to make friends, this is the way to do it.

My mums group left the association, mainly because they felt they didn't get anything for the subs.
They still have a group, same place same people just a different name - I can't remember what they are called but everyone refers to them as "Not the WI".

I set up a WI in North London when I lived there, great mix of ages and interests and fantastic way to meet people.

www.thewi.org.uk/become-a-member/membership-options/subscription-rates

I went for a couple of taster sessions.
I was mid 40s.
I was the youngest by about 30 years!
I decided that it wasn't for me after an evening of slides showing one member's meticulous transformation of her garden from early 70s to present day.

Ladies were pleasant but not overly friendly. Bit cliquey actually.

I'm not, but I've been along to a few at a couple of different groups.

I would agree with pp who said to go and try your nearest one for a meeting or two and if it isn't for you then you could try a different one.
What they do does depend on the people who are in the group at the time.

Other groups you could look at might be
Townswomen's Guild
Soroptimist
Inner Wheel
National Association of Women's Clubs
Ladies Circle (for 18 - 45 yr olds)

Wow.. £110 a year. That’s extortionate 😬 I definitely can’t afford that.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for groups/meet ups for women in the north west of England?

@Kite22 Thank you for the recommendations! I’ll definitely check those out 😊

I joined at 25.

the other members are 30+ years older. They’re great. Lovely bunch. We would love younger members, but when people ask how old other members are they get put off. It’s a bit chicken and egg

persinally I support single sex spaces. But transgender people have not been discussed at any of our meetings so it’s not something that affects my day to day life in the WI

Where does it say that?

All I can see is £44 a year

Ah.. Ladies circle looked great until I just recognised a VERY irritating woman I met at a baby group some years ago (she wouldn’t leave me alone!) who’s now chair of my whole area 😥 😆 so that ones out!

@Agadoodoododont

44 a year I think. At least that's what I paid last year.