SINGING, speakers and sisterhood – what is the Women’s Institute really like? Is there a place for younger women, or is it just for those above retirement age? I went along to the WI to see what it was all about.
The Women’s Institute is a well-known organisation that started in Canada in the 1800s, and groups are now spread across the country.
One such group is based in Newchurch Parish Hall in Culcheth, and I went along to see what it was really about.
I must admit, as a woman who is arguably much younger than the typical demographic, I had some preconceptions about the organisation walking in.
I asked myself if a young woman can really enjoy going to the Women’s Institute, or if it’s something that I can look forward to later in life.
Despite being slightly unsure, I have always been interested in the group and was looking forward to seeing what they really get up to.
Walking in, I was aware I stood out like a sore thumb. However, any awkwardness soon melted away when I was greeted by the current president, Eileen Griffiths, who has been a member for the past 12 years.
She passed me into the safe hands of two other members, who were delightful to talk to throughout the meeting.
Starting at 2pm on the dot, the WI meet in Culcheth every third Tuesday of the month and have a variety of guest speakers.
Before the speaker took to the floor, Eileen shared some very sad news with the group that a beloved member, Helen Slattery, passed away over the weekend.
It struck me that while outsiders may look at the WI as any other hobby or club, this group means something much more to those who are a part of it.
The bonds that these women clearly form are something beyond small polite chit-chat on a Tuesday afternoon – it is almost akin to sisterhood.
Some members were brought to tears at the news, and a powerful minute silence was held in Helen’s honour.
After a moment of reflection, the group erupted into a rendition Jerusalem, as is tradition at the start of each meeting before the guest takes the floor.
This week’s speaker was Brian White, a resident of Bolton who enjoys travelling around the world and taking pictures of wildlife.
He shared memories of his recent trip to Costa Rica with the women, projecting his stunning photography onto the wall as he told them how he managed to secure the breath-taking images.
“Costa Rica really is one of the most biologically diverse places in the world,” he told the group.
Pictures of hummingbirds, snakes and even vultures were shared with the members, as Brian explained each part of his trip and the different species he luckily managed to capture.
Genuine gasps and murmurs of ‘wow’ could be heard as Brian shared each new image with the women, who listened so intently that the talk seemed to fly by.
When it did conclude, a round of applause erupted from the members, who thanked him for sharing his wonderful photography before asking him questions about the animals.
Before moving on to their business, the members enjoyed a tea break, during which I asked Eileen what being a member means to those who join.
“I think the best thing about the WI is the friendships,” she said.
“We go out once a month for lunch locally in the village so that people that are on their own can go out a bit more. We do enjoy it, and we have been out on trips.”
Many of those who join use the meeting as a way to connect with others and get outside the house, when they otherwise may not get a chance to.
But is the group just for those who are retired, or is there space for younger women to become members too?
“You can be a member as long as you’re over 18,” said Eileen.
“We have got no younger members mainly because we meet in the afternoons, but there is space for one in the evening.”
Membership is £45 a year, and members can listen to speakers each month and go on a wide variety of trips every year for an additional cost.
For those wanting to try it out, you can go three times a year for free to see if you’d like to join permanently.
So, if you’re looking to form close friendships with other women and hear from a range of speakers on a variety of topics – why not join the WI?
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