Written by Samantha Mosedale, Committee member of Poringland WI

When my friend suggested joining the Women's Institute I laughed it off. I mean, the WI is for old middle class women who are retired who knit and crochet, make cakes and calendars. Its not for someone like me - a middle aged working class women, who works full time and is bringing up a child. But, being a good and supportive friend, I decided to attend  a meeting at the Poringland WI with her. I thought one or two visits, then I would politely tell her that it wasn't for me and I wouldn't need to go again.  My friend appeared keen on having me stay though, and even offered to pay my subscription for a year. However, on my first meeting I met lots of women who were thrilled at younger women showing an interest. (I may be presumptions with the younger part as I am almost 40! But in comparison to some of the members, I'm a spring chicken!)

After visiting for a couple months with some very interesting and informative speakers, I found myself paying for a subscription and looking forward to the monthly meeting,. I even enjoyed singing Jerusalem at the beginning.

Each member is treated as an individual and there is almost a neighbourhood watch situation, if a member is ill, some one would check on them and keep the WI updated on them. The November meeting is when the members vote on a new committee. I was very surprised when many members approached me to ask if I minded if they voted for me. I was flatted to be voted onto the committee less then a year after joining.

Since being on the committee I have felt more involved in all aspects of the WI, from organizing the traditional jumble sale, to helping with the organising and arranging of the whole programme for next year, including speakers, competitions and exhibitions.

The WI began in 1896 to give women a voice, both politically and educationally. In those days it  was not commonplace for women to have access to much education so it was to empower women to realise their potential, but also realising the strengths of many women in home skills - cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting etc. In the 1945's Denham college was developed to continue encouraging women to further their knowledge and skills. Denham is still gong strong and offers  over 500 2-4 day courses for a reasonable fee (which includes all meals  and accommodation).

Poringland WI is 95 years old now. Speaking to some of the older members, there is a real concern of this particular branch literally dying out if younger members do not join. I have been desperately  trying to think of way to attract women of my own age to join, to dispel the assumptions that it is for old people. So, let me bullet point some advantages to joining  the Women's Institute.  

    *  The WI introduces you to a new range of friends and acquaintances.

    *   It helps women to have a voice, both politically and intellectually.

    *   It proves that some traditions  are worth keeping, but it is not averse to change and  
         modernisation.           

    *   It is a charitable organisation.

    *   It may help you to discover new interests and new places (outings to various places 
are


         arranged on a regular basis.  You do not have to to go every one!)       

     *  It is all-inclusive, and does not care about race, colour, experiences, situations.

     *  The members all care about each other, and are almost like another family.  

     *  The competitions and exhibitions are voluntary, but you gain points for entering.

There are many other advantages, but, like anything you get out what you put in.

In conclusion, the WI may be full of crotchety old women but that should be a testament to the institution that is the WI, as many of these women joined in their 30's. They are simply waiting for the baton to be taken up by the next generation, who will maintain  the tradition but also help to  make it more attractive to younger women. So, if you want to be a pioneer, just like our  predecessors and champion the Women's Institute, look up your nearest meeting on the WI website. (www.thewi.org.uk)

Samantha Mosedale

Aged: almost 40!