Is the WI only for older people?

[SheAlreadyDoneHadHerses]

I like going to local groups etc with my baby but quite fancy doing something for grown ups. I'm 34, WIBU to join the WI?

Any members that could shed a bit of light in what the groups are like or what goes on?

TIA x

My local WI is mostly attended by older ladies, but it's open to anyone. They have baking and flower arranging competitions, but also have really interesting talks from people from all over the world who do all manner of things.
Its a nice way to get to know people in a gentle way I think. I'm very tempted to join but have no one to look after the kids at the moment so will need to wait until they start school.

Maybe contact them and ask if you can go along a couple of times to see what it's all about?

I go to my village WI and love it. At the very least it is ‘protected time’ away from home and the kids once a month. I’m in my 30’s and I am amongst the youngest but there is a group of us all of the same age range. Saying that, I talk to them all regardless of age and have a good laugh with all of them. It’s an awesome people watching opportunity too! We have talks from all sorts of people and I’ve learnt lots of skills too.
Do it! What’s the worst that could happen?

There are growing number of younger members now. Our group has members from 18 up to mid 80s. One group in the city centre is predominantly younger women. If you have a few groups you can get to you can try them all out and see if they ‘fit’ . The woman who started our group was in her 30s at the time. We do really interesting activities and there’s a lovely supportive and fun atmosphere. My DD said she would love to join but her local group meet too early in the evening for her DH to get back to put the little ones to bed. But no, it’s definitely not just for older women. You might have to explore a few groups though to find one with younger members as some do have an older membership.

There are lots of different groups so I agree with the suggestion to go along as a visitor for the first couple of months. A number of WIs describe themselves as ‘new wave’ WIs specifically set up to attract younger women. Have you researched your local WI on line? I have been involved with the WI for over 20 years now (was one of the younger ones when I joined), have moved around & it is a great way to meet new people in new areas.

Give it a go, even if most members are older than you there’s no reason that you won’t enjoy their company and make new friends. Our group now has all sorts of sub groups, book clubs, walking group, coffee mornings , meals out, theatre trips etc. You won’t be bored .

Someone asked the same question yesterday.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3467495-to-join-the-wi?msgid=83796040#83796040

Thanks for the replies. There's one very local to me, I think I'll try to find out a bit more about the demographic. I like the sound of the new wave WI!

@Daedric ha! Wonder if the WI have been doing some weird subliminal advertising 😂 or maybe it's a New Year thing.