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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To join the WI at age 41?

20 replies

RoseDelatour · 13/05/2021 20:14

I’ve always wanted to join the WI and now that I’m going to be wfh most of the week, I’ll finally be able to go to their 2pm midweek monthly meeting!

MIL seemed a bit surprised when I mentioned it (she lives away and isn’t a WI member). I suppose she’s a youngish 68 year old, whereas I’ve always been older than my years. I love the programme of events my local branch has on the website.

Are there any other 40-something WI members? Sounds a bit silly, but I’m a bit nervous about just showing up on my own. Any advice very welcome. Thanks 😊

OP posts:

neondino · 13/05/2021 20:49

I joined in my 20s - there were limited things to do in my area so it was a needs-must, but ended up being one of my favourite things to do. I was the youngest by 20 years, then a couple of 40 somethings, then most were retired ladies. Didn't matter, we aligned way more by our interests than our age, and I ended up being exposed to a much wider range of activities (and brought something unique to the group too)

I later moved to another area and tried to join one of the trendy younguns WI groups that were popping up about a decade ago, and found being in a group with just my own age range much less interesting, as all the activities were stuff I'd be doing anyway. Ended up sacking off the WI at that point, as I missed my old ladies!

Nanny0gg · 13/05/2021 20:56

I'm of the usual demographic but there are loads of WIs out there with your age and younger members.
There are very traditional WIs, some activist WIs, some WIs in prisons, some in universities and now some online.
They cater for every age, you just have to find one that 'fits'

LawnFever · 13/05/2021 20:59

I joined the WI in my early 30s, our group has members of all ages and I love it.

I’d suggest trying a couple of groups as a guest before joining up, because the programme and general feel of all groups are all completely different.

Enjoy!

Original poster

RoseDelatour · 13/05/2021 21:02

Thank you all.

@LawnFever that’s a great idea, thanks!! There are 3 WI groups all within 5-10 mins drive of my house, so it will be lovely to see if 1 feels like a better fit than the others

OP posts:

Priddypuddycat · 13/05/2021 21:06

Look into your local soroptimist group , very similar to WI, I joined in my 40s, strong emphasis on empowering women and children , lots of fundraising and lots of friends!

Priddypuddycat · 13/05/2021 21:09

And fun 😀

IndieKate · 13/05/2021 21:13

I joined in my thirties I've been chair of the committee several times and am currently treasurer.

I love going and have made friends younger and older than me there.

IndieKate · 13/05/2021 21:15

And I'm also a member of my local Soroptimist group, it's a bit more activist than my WI but I enjoy them both

theruffles · 13/05/2021 21:25

I'm in my early 30s and I've been a member of the WI for 5 years. I love it! My WI has people aged from 30 to 95 and it's a brilliant group of supportive, hilarious women from all different walks of life.

I second the idea of trying out different WIs as a guest first to make sure you find the right group for you as it will make all the difference. There is a group local to me that didn't feel like the right fit (aimed at an older, retired generation) so I joined a group a bit further away.

LunaTheCat · 13/05/2021 21:29

I wish there was a WI where I live ( New Zealand)

PaperMonster · 13/05/2021 21:44

I actually joined at 41!

Serin · 13/05/2021 21:45

I'd love to join one but our local branch is very Tory and the chairwoman described herself as a "professional gypsy persecutor". I don't think I would fit in.

daisychicken · 13/05/2021 22:12

Another 40 something year old in the WI and current chair! Love it! We are a mix of ages from 40 upwards and age really doesn't matter. We've had all sorts of meetings and activities from craft to murder mystery and burlesque dancing! Give it ago! If one group doesn't suit you, try another one if you can.

Original poster

RoseDelatour · 13/05/2021 22:17

Thanks all. It’s really encouraging to hear your feedback. We moved a couple of years ago and all of my friends are NCT, school mums or work, so I’m excited to broaden my circle

OP posts:

Didicat · 13/05/2021 22:22

I’ve just applied to join aged 40, moving to a new area and know no one so seemed a good place to start.

Nanny0gg · 13/05/2021 22:32

@Serin

I'd love to join one but our local branch is very Tory and the chairwoman described herself as a "professional gypsy persecutor". I don't think I would fit in.

That is disgraceful and a word with their Federation would be in order. That is not how the WI operates these days

Nanny0gg · 13/05/2021 22:34

@LunaTheCat

I wish there was a WI where I live ( New Zealand)

www.wi.org.nz/

LawnFever · 14/05/2021 08:17

@Serin

I'd love to join one but our local branch is very Tory and the chairwoman described herself as a "professional gypsy persecutor". I don't think I would fit in.

Wow, the WI is non party political, I’d have a word with whichever federation they fall under if they’re actively going against that ethos and that’s an awful thing to say!

BiscoffAddict · 14/05/2021 08:36

I’ve just discovered there’s a WI at the church about five minutes from my house! I had no idea!

Georgeatemyhat · 14/05/2021 08:57

Research your local groups! I'm also 40's and went to the one in my local suburb, was the youngest there by a long shot and it was very clique, people moaning about attempts to set up a Facebook group was too difficult for people to use, activities held mostly during the day.

Then a colleague mentioned she was a member of the WI in our city centre, they met in a cocktail bar, demographic more like 30-60 and much more lively vibe with lots of people new to the city looking for friendships, they held talks on domestic abuse and human trafficking, did funky crafts, LGBT friendly, much more my cup of tea. I only made it to two meeting before the pandemic but can't wait to return.

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