Women's Institute - what to expect

[chickenss]

Hi,

On a few of the loneliness threads I've noticed people suggesting WI as something to try.

I have to say I never heard of them until now. I looked at our local one's website but all I get is a form to fill in if I want more information/ have to create an account to read more.

I'm 44, mum, immigrant, various interests, self employed, crafter. Would you say this is for me? Is it a paid membership?
If you joined did you make friends eventually?

Thank you

Sorry I don't have any answers but I'm following because I'm interested too.

I was in the WI about ten years ago. Was only in my 30’s but had moved to a new area. It was great, I met loads of people. I would go for it. I don’t have a local WI near me now. I think when I retire I will start a group🤣

I'd say it's possibly too old for you ? Unless you live rurally. The wi can have younger age demographics in rural areas .
Are you living in a town or city ? If so have you tried the app called ' meet up. It's ace. You meet up with people for walks, meals, or if you have special interests there are groups for everything and you just head along and join... it is NOT a dating app. Just a social app.
Have you been along to your local library they usually have loads of stuff on and leaflets of what's going on locally , worth a look or even your local council hub ? Try meet up app

If you are a crafter - these are your people,

I have spoken to a couple of hundred WI branches over the years. They are, by and large, a great bunch of outward looking ladies and really fun to meet.

You can also expect men.

My experience is , moved to a new area with dh , didn't know anyone.
Found out a new wi was being formed , so went along to first meeting , there was around 60 of us.
Joined up , spoke to a few women , but quite a few came with friends so was mainly alone .
Meetings are held monthly , it basically runs as , business first ( told about news of wi county wise , any coffee mornings / events by local wi's , any trips organised locally , any news about groups within your wi .) Groups are started within the group by a member , could be walking , social club , crafting , theatre , book group etc .
They are set up by a wi member by their interest , hobby and inclination to get it up and running.
After business is a talk by ( usually ) a non wi person , quite often local interest or a charity .
Then a tea break where you mingle with each other / chat.
Then sometimes a craft activity or feedback from your President about how the wi is doing moneywise / designated charity etc , then home .
Ours is around 90 minutes long held on an evening .
I've joined a few groups , but over the several years , now only attend one.

Do I enjoy it ? First will say I think it depends on it's members , I think that's what makes it .

I don't attend every meeting as mine is very cliquey , you either liked by the committee or not , so although I've been in it since day one , I don't feel fully integrated.

I can almost hear people saying join the committee then , but I can't join it because it doesn't fit in with my free evenings .
I remain every year because it's something to do and can be interesting .

In my area it is mostly older women and it would be lovely to have younger ones join .

I'd say join and see how it is , you might be lucky.
I've made a handful of friends I could go for a coffee with but besties , not yet . I've been going 5 years .

Thank you for the responses.

Is it free to join?
I was looking at local book clubs and was very surprised that they ask for a fee of £10, not covering the cost of your book/ a hot drink.

In reply to pp suggesting the meet-up app - I keep checking but there's nothing locally. I'm in a town. There's a library craft and coffee morning, and I'm planning to give that a go next week.

@Frostine thank you, this is very helpful.

In my experience, WI branches vary hugely, so you may or may not find your nearest one a good fit. They almost all offer a free drop-in/first visit, so you should be able to check before you join.

There are fees. It is about £50 for a full April -March year, but I think you pay pro-rata if you join later in that period (so about £12 membership until the end of March if you join now).

It's not free to join but many groups will let you go as a guest once or twice for a small fee. The annual subs are between 40 pounds and 50 pounds for 11 meetings and any subgroups and outings are self-funding

Hello again , no not free , every wi has a different new season due to when they set up . You pay every 12 months . Mine is due March and this year is around £48/£50 which is just over £4 a meeting ( joining sub groups you pay more for the activity / equipment ) as although fellow wi members they are run independently.
The subscription covers room hire , insurance , the federation fees , etc .

I think you're not going to know unless you give it a go. I believe some (the ones near us) have older members but it will depend on a particular group as to whether you gel with them. Give it a go.

If you look up thewi.org.uk you will find out more info and details of your local one.
You can go as a visitor a few times to get the feel of it . That usually is around £4.00 - £4.50 ish.

My local one is too old for me and I’m 52. It’s people in their 70s and 80s (including my mother in law). It’s still very much ‘jam and Jerusalem’ and has a 1950s vibe.

My colleague goes to a really cool sounding WI where she lives. They do crafts etc, but also have gin tastings and henna tattoos and slightly more fun things. Much younger crowd though.

Dont worry, OP , they are very up to the minute and progressive these days