The Women’s Institute – a Newbie's Tale

It was bound to happen eventually, a friend asked me if I fancied going along to the local Women’s Institute to see if I would like to join up and become a member.

Never a one to venture into uncharted territory, I first did some research to see what this well-known and historic entity was all about. The institute was founded in 1915 with an aim to encourage women to increase their input into the war effort and to communicate with others outside the home. In the 95 years since its creation the organisation has far outgrown its original remit to create its own genus. Over the span of the twentieth century it established itself into a household name, providing a conduit for women to share their metiers, to support each other and evolve individually in life affirming ways.

The 21st century has seen huge leaps in technological advances which the organisation is embracing to improve inter-federation communications and attract new members. It still serves its original functions, plus giving a burst of fresh air to hard working women who need a brief respite from their daily lives to rediscover themselves. I realised at this point my previous impression of a dusty society made up of dignified matrons was quite far of the mark and I was keen to plunge in and get involved.

Henceforth, I attended my first meeting and was instantly caught up in the colour and vibrancy in the hive of activity taking place all around me. It was instantly obvious the social committee seek (and achieve) to create a well organised monthly meeting, with a feature event and interaction with group members regarding future local, regional and national events. In between activities the buzzing bees take full advantage of a range of beverages and a wonderful display of sweets treats to fuel their creative endeavours.

It was refreshing to note the enthusiasm, articulation and individuality of the women in the group, created no doubt, in no small part by the opportunity to belong to an organisation allowing them to learn new talents, to share their own skills and just to have the chance to shake off their responsibilities for a couple of hours.

The Women’s Institute protects the life skills which may otherwise become lost in our hedonistic modern world, giving its members the opportunity to take pride in their new achievements and to build up a whole range of talents both ancient and modern. I was excited to view the range of crafts the group was planning, as there were many gaps in my own skill set I was eager to plug. It’s encouraging to know the organisation is working away behind the headlines of doom and gloom we read in the news every day, ensuring that the female side of the populace have a safety net to drop into, giving them an alternative to the prescriptive.

Listening to members of the social committee talk made me realise we were just a small part of a huge network encompassing the British isles, it made me feel proud to be there, one small new stitch added to the fabric of this amazing creation.