Is anyone a member of the Women’s Institute? What’s it like?

[MatterofTime24]

I was looking at things to do in my area and googled the WI out of interest. I’m sure the groups are different in different areas but the way the information was presented sounded really unfriendly and as if they are discouraging anyone from applying to join! Some of the activities sounded interesting but it has definitely put me off even finding out more. I was wondering if anyone is a member and what it is like in real life?

Anybody?!

I am. You’re right that groups differ enormously. The one I go to is run by someone young and we do a lot of interesting activities and have all sorts of speakers. Politically a lot of the members are left leaning and open minded which suits me. There’s a group that’s as near to me as the one I go to that’s the exact opposite. So boring, women very set in their ways and it’s very churchy and seems not very accepting of anyone who isn’t just like them.
Not right for me at all. You can visit a group and see what you think . Do you have just the one near you or are there a few you could check out,

A mixed bag, each WI will have its own particular 'flavour'. I think city WIs are more friendly and lively. My experience of two small town ones was very off putting, quite cliquely, elderly, conservative, boring! Never again for me!

There are a number of 'new wave' WIs which are great but many of the others are full of older ladies and can be very unfriendly / set in their ways.

I found a better fit personally with Ladies Circle and, now I'm over 45, a Tangles / Tangent group. My group has done a wide range of activities- archery, fused glass, meals out, art, etc.

My mum is in the WI. I can't speak for her personally but from the outside they go on a lot of rambles. At meetings they do sing Jerusalem and have speakers but they don't do much baking.

My mum has made a few new friends. They are all over 50, I'd say.

Joined last year. The group has only been going three years so the average age is much younger than at the group in the town I work in. Have tried painting, been to a wine tasting at a vineyard, a talk from a local charity and a pamper session. Meetings are evenings.

We don’t sing Jerusalem, make jam or bake. Mine is in a big city suburb. The other group near me is exactly as the one you describe Sportycustard

the way the information was presented sounded really unfriendly and as if they are discouraging anyone from applying to join!

Which part of it gave you that impression?

I looked at joining in lockdown. I sent 3 separate emails as I had issues paying the fees. No one got back to me. No one ever bother to check why I'd attended 2 free meetings (online) said I'd join and then not.

Then I found out they let men in.

They do vary hugely. I think you'd have to turn up and see how welcome you feel, have a look at the programme etc.

There are three groups nearish to me. One said you had to be introduced via a member of the group and there were no spaces anyway. The one in my town had a short form you could fill in and a list of dos and don’ts. Another group called themselves ‘friendly!’

I’ve been a member of two, they were very different in terms of style, content and members. I think it’s great you get to try one or two meetings for free or just a few £s. If they have a Facebook or web page that’s a good way to see if they are the sort of group you would like to be involved in. The head office politics didn’t really have much influence on how things seemed to be run at branch level.
The only reasons I left was 1) moved home 2) started to work evenings and nights.

I am now looking at U3A as locally they seem to have more things on offer I fancy giving a try, plus less ‘politics.’

I am. There are some members in 20s, 30s and 40s, but probably the majority are retired, or semi retired. We have a book group, walking group, weekly knit and natter, lunch and dinner socials. We have a really interesting variety of speakers, mixed up with workshops - belly dancing, samba, keep fit, flower arranging, glass pendant making, dotting, gin tasting, all sorts. I'd agree with pps, each WI has a different flavour, even though ours is more weighted towards middle and older age it is friendly and welcoming. Visit local ones to find out which would be the best fit for you.

I’m a member of a small rural one. We have some good talks and there’s a good range of ages. I like the all-female company. We’ve done some good activities.

I joined recently. It’s in my village and I like being able to walk up the road to it.

As with any group, there’s some people I’ll like and some not so much but that doesn’t bother me. I like meeting people and am looking forward to getting fully involved this year. The women are older, I’d say 50 plus, some still working, but very lively and intelligent. I feel that I’ll enjoy being part of it.

Everyone one is different. Don't necessarily go to your nearest but to the one that suits you best.

My WI is ladies from 20s to 70s. Lots to do including pudding club, craft group, book club, colouring club, walk and talk and others. Some of our events are online and some face to face.

Give it a go. If you don't like it try another.

What area are you in?

I would love to join The Rural at it’s known here but I don’t think any here have really got younger members

I really wanted to join but they let men in who wear dresses and present as women so it wasn’t for me.

Maybe see if there's an NWR group near you instead, I think they seem a bit more open minded and welcoming. I did join a WI group when I lived very rurally a few years ago and they were lovely but very old fashioned. I enjoyed it but they weren't like me at all.

I’ve been a member of a city centre group since my early 30s - groups are all completely self run by volunteers under the umbrella of the WI so you’ll find all groups are very different depending on where they are, who has stepped up to committee etc.

In a decade as a member I’ve never once sang Jerusalem or made jam, but those groups that do are catering to the ladies who love that and good for them. We’re more likely to drink wine and we do have speakers/craft activities and I’ve made some absolutely brilliant friends.

My advice is try a few groups, and find one that fits you :)

Ooo I’m intrigued about the dos and don'ts list!! Invite via a member is unusual but normally WIs are full if they’re to capacity on their venue and they don’t have a huge budget to move anywhere bigger.

If you want a women only space, forget the WI.

I'm a member of a small rural SWI group in Scotland. Everyone was very welcoming, mostly a little older than me at 54, all lovely to chat to. We've had some enjoyable activities and interesting speakers. I don't always stay around for the tea, coffee & biscuits at the end of the evening, but it's a good chance for a catch up.

I'd recommend visiting your local groups to get a feel for what they're like. Our group let's you pay on a session by session basis, which is great for trying on for size, so to speak.