#iamwi update!

This is taken from Cambridge WI's blog (camcitywi.blogspot.co.uk) and explains much better than I can what the #iamwi is all about:

The hash-tag (iamwi) campaign was set up to give people a look into the many faces of the people who join the organization. In the UK, the organization is often seen as an outdated gathering only for ageing housewives, WWII survivors and "girly girls". When I mention I'm in it, I sometimes get the response, "Why would you want to hang out with old ladies?" or "Good lord, you're young still, do something with people your own age!"

However, the WI definitely has a very diverse membership including many from my generation and younger! Yes, some of us knit and bake. No, others don't. Some of us enjoy political debates about mandatory organ donation. Others cringe at the mere mention of the word "birth control". 

The campaign was a way of trying to break some stereotypes while encouraging women to show their true selves. It was designed to be empowering, engaging and (hopefully) intriguing -- in an effort to welcome new members. If you fit the old stereotype, good on you! If you don't, that's great too! What draws the WI together is a wild assortment of shared interests, shared skills, and a nearly boundless desire to learn more about the world we're in: whether it be new or old.So: while I don't generally love rocking the boat, and I certainly don't love posting pictures of me to the entire world ... I figured if I was going to show "what makes me a member of WI", then I should show my true core and what really empowers me. That's exercise and owning up to the fact that I like to rock the boat a little. Just a little. Teeeeeeeeny little bit. Ok. Maybe I'll just go back to posting only to friends now. 


Do you tweet? Are you on Facebook? If yes, today is the day to show the world who we are! Challenge the stereotype image of the WI! Take a photo of yourself with a card saying "I am W.I.  1st October 2014" and post it along with ' #iamwi '.
I think you will find it if you search for Women's Institute on Facebook (not the official NFWI page) or if you google #iamwi

There are plenty of smiling faces to see!
Here's a tweet, randomly selected from many:

If you think, like a lot of people do, that the Women's Institute is old hat, have a look at the #IamWI tag today! We are pretty fab

Have a look at these links, too, to see what people are saying about the WI:
The yorkshirepost.com  'The WI proud of it's past and looking to the next 100 years'
And this blog: annefoweraker.com/2014-so-what-does-a-typical-WI-member-look-like-#iamwi

here is one of the photos posted on Facebook, how great is this? 

Women in World War I - Autumn Group meeting

We were taken on a very detailed and emotional journey into the varied roles undertaken by women during the First World War. It is really fascinating to hear about the home front and the social history of the time. How lucky we are to be born now!
As a little aside I'm wondering if all of our spin doctors and PR companies have the Suffragette movement to thank for inadvertently causing the birth of their careers! It is quite plain now, with the benefit of hindsight, so see just how the government of the time was able to manipulate public opinion and behaviour. Hmmm.....

Programme Planning and Pimms....

...... went extremely well together! Thank you very much to Mary for the refreshing beverages, to our Pimms mixing expert, Sue R, to everyone who gave ideas and to those who came along to plan for 2015.
(Dare I say 'as usual'? I think so, as we always invite good speakers to our meetings!) As usual, we have a rather stunning programme planned for ourselves for the WI Centenary year: the highlight of which must be on June 4th when we will be streaming the live National AGM from the Royal Albert Hall into our own Memorial Hall! Put that date in your diary!

A big thank you, as well, to Mary for providing us with the calendar ready to fill in with our speaker suggestions and to Jan P for collecting together all of the ideas over the year.

Over the next few days we shall contact the various individuals so that we can book the dates!

What is the WI?

Have a look at this film, made by Dunham Massey WI in Cheshire to celebrate their 95th birthday. I think it captures the essence of being a part of the WI.
http://vimeo.com103258732
Or 'google' the Wild Indians of Dunham Massey and you will find the film.

Larkrise to Candleford

What an interesting insight! Behind the scenes indeed! I would like to watch another episode just to look at all of the buildings and background! I shall certainly pay more attention to the scenery and sets when I watch another historical drama!

Next month we have a short talk and then a 'have a go' session on ballroom dancing! Strictly comes to Leigh on Mendip memorial hall! (As long as the judges stay away we'll be fine!). Start sewing on the sequins now!

September lunch date at the Bell Inn

  5 members enjoyed a meal and chat down at The Bell last Friday.  It was lovely to have a relaxing time to catch up on all the news.  Hopefully, see a few more people next time!

Next time will be Friday 3 October.

A lovely day out together!

Yesterday, Shelagh, June, Marguerite and I had a wonderful day out together at the American Museum! We sampled the delightful lunch and then afternoon tea on the beautiful terrace overlooking the gardens. It felt as if we owned the place!

The purpose of the visit was to see the Kaffe Fassett exhibition - and wow! It was a real visual feast! A definite must-see if you are even remotely interested in textiles, craft or interior design. Fab-u-lous!