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Womens Institute

As I have recently turned 60 I thought it was time to get out there again and widen my horizons, so I joined the local WI. I have not been going very long but I am enjoying it even more than I hoped I would. The ladies are good fun, intelligent and very welcoming. I can now take part in craft days, walks, supper evenings as well as listening to speakers giving us an insight into all manner of topics. Last night we were entertained to a slide show and talk by a local teacher who used to be a mountain climbing guide. He told us about his trips with scientists to Antarctica. This was amusing as well as informative, giving us a small insight into how global warming is affecting our planet. I know the WI is not for everyone, but to any woman out there who is looking to join a friendly group of women, have a look in your area and see if there is a branch near you. You can go for a visit to see what it's like before you make up your mind whether it's for you. I know I am glad I went to see what goes on. I have now made new friends and discovered new interests.


Created By on 15/07/2016

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celtwitch
18th Aug 2016 10:57:22
0
Thanks for voting!
My application for membership of the WI was declined; I sometimes wonder if my address at the time, being HMP Holloway, and the fact that I had a brief flirtation with communism as a 20 year old had anything to do with it?
Alan247
7th Aug 2016 22:35:31 (Last activity: 18th Aug 2016 00:34:23)
1
Thanks for voting!
You Ladies are lucky, us blokes don't have anything like this, I love baking and cooking, recently I was loaned a sewing machine, the lady forgot to give the power lead with it, as she was packing up to move she said when she unpacks, she will let me know. She never found it, she said if I get a lead, I can have the machine for as long as I need it
Response from ginntonic Original Poster made on 17th Aug 2016 17:01:54
You could start a group for like minded men Alan. I'm sure there are many out there. Have you found a lead for your sewing machine? They are great fun once you get going.
Response from Alan247 made on 18th Aug 2016 00:34:23
Think best option would to be buy a new machine
ginntonic Original Poster
17th Aug 2016 17:06:05
0
Thanks for voting!
I still haven't made any WI cakes yet as they are now on a summer break, but I have been on a couple of nice walks with them now.
Saphy
8th Aug 2016 08:45:35
1
Thanks for voting!
Alan247. Perhaps you could find your local U3A. (University of the third age). For men and women and have lots of activity groups and outings. I go to our local WI and was a bit disappointed there wasnt any cake or jam making going on They do have outings and activity groups for rummikub and scrabble. But only meet once a month in the afternoon so only good for retired people, reflects on the age group. Noone under 60 at ours.
jeanmark
15th Jul 2016 20:10:55 (Last activity: 16th Jul 2016 11:05:25)
2
Thanks for voting!
The good thing is you can join at any age and you don't have to be able to bake cakes!
Response from ginntonic Original Poster made on 15th Jul 2016 23:33:24
Which is good news for me jeanmark as my cakes are rubbish.
Response from jeanmark made on 16th Jul 2016 11:05:25
So are mine.
CarmenB
16th Jul 2016 10:37:51
1
Thanks for voting!
I joined when my marriage ended 3 years ago and I realised that I didn't really have any friends of my own. It has been the best thing I've ever done. I now have a great group of friends who I can go out with. We had a 1920's party this month and had a dance teacher come in to teach us the Charleston. Such fun! I have laughed more often in the past 3 years than in the previous 30. Many of the members of my group are much younger than me, but shared experiences completely remove any barriers.
jobubblejack
15th Jul 2016 20:30:14
2
Thanks for voting!
Hi yes I agree about the WI. I am a recently widowed 69 year old. After nursing my late husband for a short time I then found so much time on my hands. My sister suggested i joined the WI. I was reluctant to take the plunge at first because of pre -conceived ideas that the women would all be older than me and a bit fuddy duddy. what I found was a lovely bunch of ladies who were all friendly and welcoming.
In just a few weeks i've been on two coach outings and attended a garden party and attended an afternoon tea to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.
So come on girls give it a go.
JL
15th Jul 2016 19:36:14
2
Thanks for voting!
I can agree after early retirement I tried different things, some of which I continue, and now through recommendation tried the WI. After the shock of singing I must agree with ginntonic everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I have found about other group activities in the area and soon to be off on a coach trip. I cannot recommend it enough.

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