A message from our W.I. President

Forget the stereotype WI lady - all 'Jam and Jerusalem', with hat and twinset plus pearls - some of us are intrepid travellers who fly in helicopters! Our WI members are people who enjoy socialising at our monthly meetings, and we welcome the chance to make new friends, particularly younger ones.

If you are a new resident in Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor, or the local areas of Hinton Waldrist and Longworth, why don't you come and see what we are all about? (see below for meeting times)

A bit about us:

You may have seen us at the Village Fete, or taking part in local activities, where we show that we know how to let our hair down! Some of us even got involved in the making of a film last summer.

We try to offer a varied programme of talks and events each year, covering diverse topics.We also aim to have events which husbands/partners can attend, including the Annual Dinner which takes place in January each year.

Some of our members take part in the village 'health' walks each week, and others attend the Keep Fit class, or swim (or both) - and to quote Bruce Forsyth ..... "Doddery we are not!"

Each month we meet to hear an entertaining speaker, to chat to friends and enjoy delicious refreshments.There is usually a light-hearted competition too, plus a small raffle.Our programme is shown on the website, for easy access, and is also be available from Kingston Post Office.

Our membership benefits include a monthly newsletter from our Oxfordshire Federation which has details of local trips, events and happenings; also your own copy of "WI Life",the WI's national magazine.This has news of UK and worldwide WI events and campaigns, plus holiday offers and the usual health/domestic topics found in similar women's magazines.

Opportunities, too:

Did you know that, as a member of the WI, you are able to take advantage of the many courses available at Denman College, just down the road at Marcham.(see link on home page)You can do practical things like making edible gifts, learning a language or new skill; or artistic things such as calligraphy, watercolour painting or jewellery-making. 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 WI 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, both locally and nationally 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 nationally 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. Nationally, we have campaigned against excessive packaging, and have instigated the 'carbon challenge' to encourage members to reduce their carbon footprint by recycling etc. This is an ongoing project! 

Would you like to know more?

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.You will be made welcome, and we won't pressurise you into becoming a member, although of course we hope you will want to!

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 have nothing to lose, and perhaps plenty to gain from joining us.

*Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall, Southmoor.

Sue Melling

(Tel: 01865-820867)