A message from our W.I. President

What do you think that the W.I is like? Do you think that the members are all pensioners? You are wrong! The W.I. is a friendly outgoing organisation for all ages, and is made up of women of all interests who share a common desire to improve their local community.

Are you are a new resident in Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor or the local area of Hinton Waldrist and Longworth? Are you are at a loss for social contact and mental stimulation - not to mention a laugh or two - well, hopefully, KBS W.I. can help you. Come and Join Us!

Firstly, do you realise what fun we have ?

We try to offer a variety which will suit most people, including walks (often with lunch included) theatre trips, musical entertainment and garden parties. We take part in village competitions like the Blandy Boffins Quiz, and have appeared in the village pantomimes. In this way we can get to know each other better and make friends. Through taking part in the ‘health walks’ through the village and surrounding area, not only do we visit areas previously unfamiliar, but usually bump into friends. We have excellent speakers on a wide variety of topics, and enjoy delicious refreshments (never just tea and biscuits), with chat and lots of laughter. This year’s programme is shown for you to download and keep, and talks range from Silk production “from cocoon to scarf“ (April), to practical demonstrations (December) and lots more in between.

Lots of opportunities are offered

Did you know that as a member of W.I. you are able to take advantage of the many courses available at Denman College, just down the road at Marcham. You can learn to do practical things like cake making or soft furnishing, artistic things like calligraphy, watercolour painting or drama. The tutors are second to none, and the surroundings are gorgeous. Also, the Oxfordshire Federation (OFWI) organises all kinds of mad and adventurous opportunities like skid pan driving and white water rafting as well as cultural events which we can take part in.

The W.I. can have a huge influence on policy and decision making, both locally and on a national level, on many issues that matter to women. For example, we support British agriculture, the campaign for better school meals, exercise and health, and oppose the closing of village shops and post offices. We have campaigned to end trafficking of women and children, and the transportation of live animals; and for the introduction of modern apprenticeships, and housing developments on ‘brownfield’ sites. Last year we passed resolutions on ‘Farm Gate Milk Prices' and 'Care of our Environment', and this year we will be discussing the effects of ‘Deep Level (Bottom) Trawling’ and the ‘Inappropriate Imprisonment of the Mentally Ill’.

Want to discover more about us?

Why not come along to one of our meetings - on your own or bring a friend with you. If you don't have anyone to come with, ring me or our Secretary so that we can arrange to meet you. We have left leaflets about our W.I. and how to join, at Kingston Bagpuize Post Office, and the Southmoor Stores. These leaflets hold contact telephone numbers. You are welcome to come as a visitor several times, after which I hope you will want to become a member.

Come and meet us at Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor WI and enjoy friendship in your own community. Have a night out with a variety of talks and demonstrations - leave your husband to look after the kids (it’s only one night a month, after all!)

You will be surprised - it's much more than just 'Jam and Jerusalem', [which we hardly ever make and hardly ever sing!] Please come visit us - we don’t bite!