To wonder what happens at W.I. meetings?

[Funkyslippers]

Just that really. A local one is starting up again next week. Very tempted to go along. What general things can I expect? Thanks

I've been to one, I would describe it as grown up girl guides.
There was a talk from someone, and an activity. The meeting also covered some decisions that needed to be made, I think about the calendar or something.
It was a welcoming bunch but I decided it wasn't for me.

Depends on the group, My mums branch usually have a guest speaker, sometimes a quiz. They had belly dances once!!! He group are mostly over 65 (many over 75) there are younger groups.

Talks, tea and cake. I miss WI. I went in my twenties but we’ve moved and our local one has an older demographic. Talks could be anything from a straight “this is what I did when I worked for the met police” to burlesque or wreath making workshops.

I'll be disappointed if it's not like calendar girls - talks on broccoli and rugs/carpets!

I too have considered joining but am only 30 and from photos it looks like I'll be the youngest by about 45 years. Plus everyone here seems to have known each other since primary school. I understand some can be a great cross section of demographics though.

The one I go to is an absolute riot, I love it and there are so many outings and groups- walking, craft,cooking,reading. All of them usually involve copious amounts of wine

Go and see!

I'm interested in this too but I thugs our local WI is mainly older retired ladies.

@RubyFowler

I've been to one, I would describe it as grown up girl guides. There was a talk from someone, and an activity. The meeting also covered some decisions that needed to be made, I think about the calendar or something. It was a welcoming bunch but I decided it wasn't for me.

Adult girl guides about describes mine - some weeks there are talks, others an activity. Ours was quite "young" - we ranged from about 23 to 80, but with most people sitting in their 30s to their 50s. We've covered everything from retro hairstyles to bee conservation, from car maintenance to cake icing and everything in between.

I'm taking a break at the moment because I can't stand zoom meetings as a leisure activity.

We used to have a spread of cakes every meeting - easily enough to have several slices each. Some people I know go to a different one and they have a savoury buffet and no one needs to have had dinner. The downside of that is circa once a year you and a few others end up having to produce said buffet.

I made some of my best friends there, but I did have to steel myself to go and talk to people I didn't know and be really friendly. If I hadn't made an effort I think I could have sat round at meetings and only made acquaintances.

I’ve been a member of the WI for a few years, I love it and I’ve made some great friends.

Girl guides for grown ups is a pretty good description really! We have a talk, or an activity, tea & cake, sometimes wine.

The topics are decided group by group, by the committee, there’s no set agenda all WIs follow so every group will be very different.

We have sub groups too, a book club, craft club, ad hoc days/evenings out, depending on what anyone wants to arrange.

I’d definitely say give it a go, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done

Oh and there's also a bar so you can have free tea/coffee etc or paid for wine/cider.

My group is a great mix from 30+ but don't rule out older women, they can be so much fun,age shouldn't really be a factor- plus,you'll be older at some point! Go with an open mind.

If I were you OP, I would just go along and see. It’s often easier to be a part of a group from the beginning.
If you decide it’s not for you, you don’t need to continue.
I tried WI for a while, but I wasn’t really confident enough to join in with a well established group which was mostly about socialising. My DS belongs to one, and loves it.

*DSis, that is.

Depends on the group. Often speakers on a wide variety of topics, visits, craft events, quizzes, social get togethers, campaigning. It can be a safe space for women to express themselves away from domineering husbands and a chance to develop skills (public speaking, committee work etc) in a supportive setting.

My WI has an age range from late 20's to early 80's and we've just gone back to meeting face to face rather than zoom which is brilliant. Our speaker last night was telling us about sustainability in clothing, she was really interesting and there are tips I can bring into my life that I might not have thought of on my own.

We have a mix of speakers, activities and entertainment, there is also 'WI business' to cover. We have sub-groups and try to put on an annual trip, in the past we've been to Hampton Court Palace and Bletchley Park.

You can go as a visitor and try it out, see if it's for you!

I would love to join one! The activities and the cakes, sounds like a great afternoon!

I'm on the committee of mine. They are all different, some have an older demographic but some (mine included - which is about 10 years old) are moving away from this.

We have just started meeting again in person after 18 ish months on zoom. We have a main meeting once a month with a speaker on a subject, after that there's drinks and LOTS OF CAKE. Then people chat until it's time to go home.

There's various subgroups usually, book club, knitting / sewing, lunch meets, walking / running etc. Some of these we'll be starting up back in person in the next few weeks.

I love my WI. I'd just say try one, and if it's not for you, try another. If you want to pm me with your location, I'm happy to find one that's local to you.

Our local one had a lot of speakers. There’s planned trips you can join etc with other groups in your county. Go along and see! I’m part of a group called tangent they are nationwide.

Please don't write off the retired members These are the women who were young when Elvis, the Stones, the Beatles were starting out. They lived through the summer of love and punk. They were the women who protested against nuclear weapons at Greenham Common, burned their bras to get women greater rights. The sexism they faced in the workplace would horrify new entrants to the workplace. They have so much experience and are still actively contributing to society.

There are two in my town: a more traditional "older" afternoon group and a younger evening group which I'm in (I work full time) although in my 50s I'm probably one of the oldest. Tonight we're doing cocktail making

If I moved to a new place and needed to make friends I would definitely join the WI.

Go along and check it out! And if there are a few groups within a reasonable distance try those too, my first WI wasn't the right one for me. I have been a member for 10 years, and joined in my mid twenties. I met my close friends there, and have been on the committee in various roles for most of the time as I enjoy being involved.
My WI does a mix of traditional and contemporary activities, and always has a good supply of tea and cakes

@Hathertonhariden

Please don't write off the retired members These are the women who were young when Elvis, the Stones, the Beatles were starting out. They lived through the summer of love and punk. They were the women who protested against nuclear weapons at Greenham Common, burned their bras to get women greater rights. The sexism they faced in the workplace would horrify new entrants to the workplace. They have so much experience and are still actively contributing to society.

Well said, Hathers!

My WI was so much fun. We had speakers, events and tea/coffee/cake. There were various subgroups focused around the community, charity work, hobbies etc that were all really active in the month. You could join a subgroup or stick to the meeting.

There isn't one where I live now and it's such a shame!

They don't all do prayers? I went to two that were local to me before I moved and both had a religious feel that wasn't for me. I freely admit, it put me off totally and hadn't considered attending meetings at more groups.

I would love to join a WI! I've never been able to find a local page to see who's a member / what they do on social media, only the listings of times they meet. Makes me nervous to go!

@DairyFogMother

They don't all do prayers? I went to two that were local to me before I moved and both had a religious feel that wasn't for me. I freely admit, it put me off totally and hadn't considered attending meetings at more groups.

No prayers, no singing Jerusalem!