We are quite a small group of ladies but we still adhere to the ethos of how a WI should work which, in a nutshell, is to offer opportunities for enjoyable learning for life.
THE BUSINESS Our meetings are organized so that WI “business” is dealt with first. For example a typical evening starts with the reading of minutes from the previous meeting. The President will review everything that needs a follow up and gives notice of any other WI info that members need to know of. (Further details on the structure of the WI are given to you in our new member’s welcome pack). During this stage of the meeting the Secretary also announces courses or events being organized by the Gloucestershire Federation (also referred to as GFWI) that we are able to get involved in – these include a huge range of activities including guided walks, craft courses and taster days to try new things such as clay pigeon shooting, kayaking or croquet, to name but a few.
THE ENTERTAINMENT The speaker for the evening then takes centre stage and we either enjoy a hugely interesting talk or get involved in an activity brought along for us to sample. We have had speakers on so many, varied subjects and have been given many behind the scenes treats that the general public don’t usually get to see (or feel for that matter). Reports of the last couple of years speakers are published on this website, so we hope you can take time to take a look at the feedback.
THE INTERVAL After these two sections of the evening we break for refreshments. This gives everyone a chance to catch up on the gossip, have a cuppa, sign up for events, give our small change to ACWW*, bag a bargain on the Bring & Buy table and buy the winning raffle ticket for 50 pence.
THE FINAL SESSION After our break we regroup and the raffle is drawn and we usually sing Happy Birthday to the ladies who are celebrating their birthdays that particular month before leaving for the evening.
MAKINGFRIENDS Joining the Stonehouse WI is a great way to meet new people, get involved in new activities and make new friends, so come along and visit one evening. No charge is made for your first visit. Bring a friend along with you too!
If you would like more information or have any questions please phone 01453 765656. We hope to meet you very soon!
*ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) ACWW is an international charity supported by the WI movement. It is the largest international organisation for rural women and has a uniquely down-to-earth approach,offering mutual support, friendship and practical help to its members. It funds group projects on literacy, health education,nutrition, home economics, agriculture, income generation, water and sanitation, leadership end entrepreneurship. It also funds individual scholarships in social and community welfare. '