The Welney Website

Welney Women's Institute - the "W.I."

 page created Apr 2006, last updated Saturday, 11 July 2009

The W.I. movement originally began in Canada in 1897, and the first WI in the UK was formed in Anglesey in 1915. Throughout the First World War, the W.I.s were funded through government departments.

Welney W.I. is a branch within the Isle of Ely Federation of WIs, one of 70 federations which make up the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, with over 215,000 members.

The branch has about 12-14 members.  President is Amy Markham, Secretary is Bettine Watson, Treasurer is Jean Newell. Members include Jennifer James, Blanche Markham, Queenie Johnson, Sheila Dore.

For many years up until the end of 2008, meetings were at the Parish Hall on the first Wednesday evening each month, starting at 7pm.

FROM January 2009 most meetings will be at Jean Newell's home, Maywood Farm, Wisbech Road, still on the first Wednesday each month, but from 2pm to 4pm. For details, please contact Jean on 01 354 610 251, or Amy Markham on 01354 610 340.

Membership is £22 (?) a year.

 

WIs offer a range of activities including an music evenings, whist lunches, scrabble, darts, dominoes, quiz evenings, town walks, outings and short break holidays.

 Some of the visions of the WI is for women to:

• improve their lives and the lives of those around them 

• learn traditional and new skills, lead fulfilling lives and to be of value in the community and nationally

• provide a friendly atmosphere where women can be inspired and enlightened.

• influence local, national and world issues affecting the social, economic and environmental life of families and communities

FAQ    (Frequently Asked questions)

• Why does the WI sing Jerusalem?

• What is the jam connection?

• Why is Denman College so called?

• Is there an official WI Prayer?

• What are the badges and logos of the WI?

• Have there been any Royal members?

• Has the WI ever had a uniform?