Australia Day

As Australia celebrates its national day today (26^th January) we look back through the NFWI archives at a fascinating trip to Australia, taken by then NFWI chairman, Lady Albemarle, in 1951.

With Australians preparing to mark their Jubilee year in 1951, the Australian Government invited the NFWI to attend the celebrations. The NFWI annual review that year proudly reported on this invitation:

“The federation received a signal honour through the invitation to its chairman, Lady Albemarle, from the Australian Government to attend part of the 1951 Commonwealth Jubilee Celebrations. Lady Albemarle was able to accept the invitation, and flew out to Australia early in the New Year, taking with her a gift of a footstool for the Australian House of 

Commons. The gift was gratefully acknowledged by the speaker.”

Lady Albemarle presented a gift of a footstool to the Australian Government. The footstool, pictured below, was a replica of the Speaker’s stool from the UK House of Commons. The plaque on the stool reads:

“Presented by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes to the Commonwealth of Australia on the occasion of its Jubilee Year of 1951”

Her Majesty The Queen took great interest in the trip, and Lady Albemarle received the following letter before she flew to Australia:

Dear Lady Albemarle,

The Queen has heard with interest that you have received, and accepted, the invitation of the Australian Government to their Jubilee Celebrations this spring, and that the invitation came through the Australian Country Women’s Association. 

It is a delightful compliment to the work that is being done by country women all the world over, and the Queen bids me tell you how Her Majesty rejoices to think of all the greetings and good wishes that you will carry from the Women’s Institute members here, as well as the wonderful welcome you will receive from other Australian Associations.

The Queen desires me to say how much Her Majesty will look forward to hearing all about your visit.

Yours Sincerely,

Delia Peel,

Lady-in-Waiting.

If you would like to find out more about the history of the WI, please see our website where you can read about the WI’s campaigning history, or the history of the WI as an organisation. 

Stoke Road Sisters WI

Guest blog by Laura Wise, President of the Stoke Road Sisters WI

Stoke Road Sisters WI was formed in July 2014 with just a handful of interested ladies who had never been to a WI before yet wanted to make friends, learn new interests, and also contribute their existing skills and talents to others. It was very exciting getting to know each other and talking about what we would like to draw from our new WI. Very quickly a name was chosen, a strong name that would reflect our WI, and then we formed the committee, the back bone of our WI. Soon we had 70 members and we very quickly got organized and started to plan events and socials for our WI. It was amazing- before we knew it speakers were booked, newsletters were being printed, nights out organized and it really felt like this WI had been running for years and not only 4 months.

Our first speaker was a local historian, Andrew Negus, a very humorous and knowledgeable young man who talked to us about the villains and whores of old Portsmouth. It was a great start to our WI. This was followed by a chocolate making demo by a fellow WI advisor who kindly offered her talents at very short notice. We then proceeded to have a quiz night organized by two of our committee members. This was such good fun, and as we mixed people around, lots of new friendships were made. Then we had a craft meeting in which our ladies enjoyed making pin cushions and hanging decorations.

It was after this meeting that one of our committee members, a keen crafter asked if we could make felt poppies for Remembrance Day. The other committee members loved this idea and it was suggested that we could make a wreath. We agreed it would be a wonderful tribute to give this wreath to our community in memory and tribute to our armed forces. This seemed so fitting as Gosport is a military town and has strong connections to the armed forces. Many of our members are military wives, mums, Grandmas or ex-service personnel themselves. One of our ladies even has an MBE for her time in the Royal Navy.

The only problem was that Remembrance Sunday was just over four weeks away and this was going to be a real challenge. I got on to the British legion the very next day as I was determined to get the ball rolling for our ladies who were so passionate and determined to do this project. The British legion was very interested and within two days the Chair of our local British legion, Andy Brown, was in touch. Andy came along to our next meeting and met all our ladies. He was totally overwhelmed with their enthusiasm and admitted after the meeting that he had been expecting to see about 10 ladies with knitting needles not 60+ ladies full of the joys of life with laughter filling the air. Andy asked if we would like to present our Wreath at the Remembrance Service at Northcott House, a residential home set in lovely grounds in Gosport which is a living memorial for war veterans. We felt so honoured and proud to be invited alongside local councillors and local dignitaries to such a special event.

The following month we made the poppy wreath at our November meeting. Lin and Jo, the two committee members who had suggested the idea, cleverly made a template for all of our ladies to draw around and cut out a poppy. These were then stitched by hand. Some of our ladies wrote names on the back of their poppy in memory of loved ones. All our ladies wore something red to the meeting and a local photographer offered her services. We had the Military Wives and similar music playing, and it was a respectful and moving meeting.

A few days later we went to pay tribute and respect at Northcott House. Some ladies came with their partners, some turned up in military uniform. The service was beautiful, the sun shone and we were made to feel very welcome by all those involved. The local councillors were very pleased to see us there, representing not just the WI but our community too. It really was an honour to be a part of the service. We all had big lumps in our throats during the last post; it was very moving. Afterwards we were all invited into Northcott to meet the residents, and for tea and cake. It was so welcoming and lovely to meet not just the residents but the carers too. One resident we met was 99 years young and was actively chatting to us all and proudly displaying some beautiful medals. We agreed that our wreath would stay at Northcott House on display for all to enjoy. We have been invited back to the Remembrance service next year and we have also offered in return to support and help in any future events at Northcott House, from fetes to afternoon tea. We feel so honoured to be affiliated with Northcott.

The Stoke Road Sisters I am sure will grow from strength to strength, the participation in the poppy wreath and service has not only united us as friends with each other, but also with our community. We are so very proud of all that we have achieved so far and this has started the key stones for us to carry on as a strong, committed and passionate WI. We are a very mixed WI of all ages, which makes our group very fresh, fun and current, yet still keeping the traditions and ethos of the WI. We love to make new friends, try different experiences and learn something new.

I think we can proudly say we are the new generation of the WI. We look forward in continuing to make new friendships, support our community and current issues and keeping the WI traditions alive. Not bad for a WI that has only been running for 5 months.

100 Years of WI Campaigns

2015 marks 100 years since the first WI meeting was held.  The WI’s early aims - to ensure that women are able to play an effective part in their communities, to improve and develop the quality of life for everyone, and to influence local, national and international affairs on the issues that matter to members remain relevant today. Over the past 100 years, WI members have been fulfilling that remit through tireless campaigning. With roots in villages, towns and cities across England, Wales and the islands, members nationwide get behind WI campaigns, building pressure and often maintaining momentum over a period of years until they see a result. 

With new campaigns launched every year the WI has tackled many of the big issues facing our society, raising awareness of taboo issues and helping to deliver real change along the way. Here are some highlights of these campaigns:

• In 1943 a resolution was passed calling for 'equal pay for equal work' and the WI was represented for many years on the Equal Pay Campaign Committee. Members kept up momentum for decades, lobbying the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1950s and then campaigning for equal pay in professions such as teaching. By 1970 the NFWI was backing Employment Secretary, Barbara Castle’s Equal Pay Bill.

• In 1954 a resolution to 'inaugurate a campaign to preserve the countryside against desecration by litter' led to the formation of the Keep Britain Tidy group and was influential in transforming litter policy following the introduction of the 1958 Litter Act.

• The WI first campaigned on jury service in 1921, urging women to 'accept their full responsibilities as citizens in whatever way they may be called upon to serve their country'. In 1964 the WI were still campaigning on jury service, now calling for the removal of restrictions against women serving. This was finally achieved with the Juries Act of 1974. 

In celebration of the WI Centenary we have put together a snapshot of campaign highlights, examining the WI's role promoting women's rights, fostering health awareness, encouraging sustainable development and building a fairer society. It can be found on the website here: 

http://www.thewi.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/111949/CampaignAchievementsFINAL.pdf

For more information about the history of WI campaigns, please see our website: http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/the-wi-history-of-campaigning

The Diary of the NFWI Centenary Baton in Suffolk West Federation: 11th- 18th November 2014

The Centenary celebrations began for us on Tuesday 11^th November, when we were invited by the trustees of Norfolk Federation for afternoon tea at the United Reform Church in Thetford for the handover of the baton. 

Eleven trustees attended this enjoyable afternoon, where we heard of the travels of the baton around Norfolk by public transport. 

Handover from Norfolk to Suffolk West Federation

The baton then made its way to Coney Weston, where the Blackbourne Group hosted our first SWFWI event. A delicious soup and pud supper was served and we had the opportunity to look at scrap books and memorabilia which the WIs displayed, covering the decades from 1915. Some ladies had also ‘dressed for the occasion’ in clothing from those different decades.  The evening was a wonderful start to our baton week.

Day two

The following morning, Wednesday 12^th November, started with a coffee morning in Great Barton where three suffragettes attended. It was then taken by trike motorcycle to Charlie Fellowes  training stables in Newmarket, where photographs were taken with a racehorse.  That afternoon it was entertained to afternoon tea at Barton Mills, courtesy of Forest Heath Group, again a lovely afternoon of delicious food and chat.  That same evening the Gallops Group held a ‘Newmarket’ sausage bake when members got together at Wickhambrook for supper and were entertained by Chevington WI.

Charlie Fellowes stables, Newmarket

Day Three

After all the food the previous day, the baton started day three, Thursday 13^th November, early with a workout at Haverhill Leisure Centre, where Chris Thompson, took it on an exercise bike. Then everyone went along to Sturmer Village Hall where bacon butties were served.  How nice it was to see members from the Stour Group of WIs and a lady who had come along just to check out the hall for her child's birthday party. I think she was quite impressed with the warm welcome she was given. The baton was then taken in a 1953 Morris Minor 1000 named Alice from Sturmer to Clare, where it was met at the village sign again by three ladies dressed in costumes of the early 20th century, carrying Clare WI’s two banners. These ladies then led a procession through the streets of Clare until it reached the Old School, where warm soup was waiting.  After a bowl or two of very tasty soup, the baton left on its next journey, by Rolls Royce to Glemsford and the Gainsborough Group.  In Glemsford it appeared as though the whole village was out to greet the baton.   

Sturmer WI bacon breakfast

On the green in Glemsford, the baton transferred to an amphibious vehicle called a DUKW, colloquially known as a Duck. With a group from  Glemsford WI waving the baton from on high, the Duck led a convoy of cars, including the Rolls Royce, through the village where the whole school came out to wave flags they had made, and the children chanted “the WI, the WI, the WI’, then along the narrow lanes of Suffolk,  until it reached the green in Long Melford where it was met by a 1913 vintage Ford; a very elegant car in contrast to the big bulky military DUKW! 

Having transferred the baton into the capable hands of two ladies from Long Melford, it was driven in this vintage car into the grounds of Melford Hall, where suddenly lots of elegant ladies appeared to meet the baton and the occasion was captured in a photograph outside the entrance to the Hall. 

Melford Hall, Long Melford

From there, the baton continued its tour of the Suffolk countryside, with the convoy now led by the 1913 Ford, to Great Waldingfield; by this time the sun was going down and it was getting a little chilly.   Despite that, a group of hardy ladies came out to receive the baton, where it was handed over to the driver of a large modern tractor.  The tractor driver then headed up a convoy of cars, including the vintage ford, which then drove into the centre of Sudbury handing over the baton to a group of WI members  at the Friends Meeting House, where afternoon tea was being served.  Here again, the WI showed how well it can bake with lovely sandwiches and cakes.  This was yet another occasion when we had the opportunity to chat to members and strengthen friendships.  Four members then prepared to head off to the railway station to catch the train to Bures, but before leaving, a tap broke in the ladies toilets and all had to be put on hold whilst a search was started to locate the stop cock and to mop up the hot water that was gushing into a very small vanity sink and over on to the newly renovated floors.  Trains as we know wait for no one, so a group remained behind to wait for a plumber and mop up the water.  Thankfully, Rachel Thomas located the stop cock under a shelving unit and managed with aid of a walking stick to move it into an ‘off’ position and the plumber arrived shortly afterwards.

Great Waldingfield

The baton was taken with a free ticket on the train, courtesy of Greater Anglia Railways, to Bures, where it was met by four ladies dressed in 1915 costume.  They then took the baton on to their WI meeting where they had cancelled their booked speaker and arranged an open meeting for other WIs in the group.  Members were entertained with a quiz and then with a musical session of early 20th century songs by a delightful and accomplished young singer and her accompanist. Supper just added the icing to the cake that day.

Train from Sudbury to Bures

Day four

The baton started the day, Friday 14^th November, in Bures and was taken by motorcycle from there  to Hadleigh, where the Three Valleys Group had arranged a coffee morning in the Guildhall. Yet again, many ladies were dressed in costume or wearing hats and gloves.  The Guildhall is a beautiful building, and with views out over the well-tended gardens, was a beautiful venue for yet another quiz, and delicious cakes. 

From there it was taken to Hartest, where the High Suffolk Group had arranged for a 1943 jeep to meet the baton.  Here again, the school came out to wave to the baton as it passed the school on its way to the Hartest Institute, where it was met by women dressed in WW1 nursing uniforms and other members from the group.  Each WI had prepared displays showing highlights from both the past and present; a nice way to share ideas and experiences.  Yet another quiz accompanied by more delicious cakes rounded off yet another wonderful event. 

Day Five

A change of pace for the baton on the Saturday when it was displayed on a market stall on Bury market.  We had a promotional stand with information about the WI along with centenary balloons and a bran tub for the children.  The stall was (wo)maned by members from several WIs who spoke to many women who showed interest in our organization. 

Bury market

Day Six

A day of rest – a duvet day, and we do have the photos to prove it!

Day Seven

Monday morning, 17^th November, Lark Valley Group arranged a coffee morning at the Odd Fellows Hall to which  the mayor of St Edmundsbury, Robert Everett, had been invited. Each WI in the group dressed in clothes from the different decades since the start of the WI, so many colourful and outlandish outfits were being worn.  After coffee, the members took the baton to the Magistrates Court, the venue for the first Suffolk West Federation meeting. Photographs were taken before the baton was given a send off from the Elizabeth Frink statue of St Edmund.

Ladies from several WIs cycled with the baton from Bury to Thurston Church.  Members from the Thedwastre Group had arranged refreshments in the hall behind the church for the cyclist and supporters.  After more delicious cakes the baton was taken in yet another vintage car to Pakenham, where warm punch and sausage rolls awaited everyone.  Here the baton was handed over to a rider on horseback, who then rode through the green lanes to Norton where the ladies from Norton WI were waiting.  A pleasant time was then spent in the pub enjoying a cup of tea and a chat. 

That evening, the baton was taken to the Blackbourne Hall at Elmswell, where the Thedwastre group had arranged a 1915 themed party, with visitors from other local organizations. Many members wore 1915 style outfits and the baton was brought in by the ‘baton-mobile’, a ‘vintage Rolls Royce’, driven by one of Elmswells senior members who had been to her first WI meeting at the age of four with her mother on a visit to Canada.  The guides brought in banners and flags of the guiding movement and the WI parading through the hall to music. Entertainment was provided by a group of young people who sang songs and read poetry from the early 20th century and of course delicious refreshments were served on arrival. 

Day Eight

The final day of our baton week - the sun was shining as the baton left Elmswell in another vintage car, with a vintage tractor and various cars making a procession through the village. The baton then went on to Woolpit, where again more members of Thedwastre Group were awaiting its arrival.  After photographs were taken in front of the village sign, everyone headed into the church for a warm cup of coffee and yet more wonderful cakes.  After an opportunity to chat, the baton was taken on for lunch with the trustees.

Our trustees and WI Advisers had invited their counterparts from Suffolk East Federation for a lunch in the Woolpit Institute.  Over a lovely lunch, provided by members of the catering team, everyone chatted and discussed the adventures the baton had experienced over the previous week. It was handed over to Jane Collier, Chairman of Suffolk East, to continue its travels around the country before reaching the Royal Albert Hall in June 2015.

I have to say that I am very proud to have been involved in so many wonderful events, where the strong spirit of the WI was evident.  We talked, ate and enjoyed one another’s company - it was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better, and to see the WI at its very best.  It will be a week I shall remember for many years.

By Elizabeth Lansman, Chairman of Suffolk West Federation

A Norfolk perspective on Resolutions and Campaigns

Guest blog by Liz Barker, Resolutions Adviser for Norfolk Federation and member of Brundall Evening WI

Imagine a Village Hall in rural Norfolk filled with over 50 WI members, all talking in a very animated fashion- not about cakes and jam- but instead discussing everything from equal pay in Norfolk to education of women worldwide, from food waste to internet safety, from organ donation to safe use of antibiotics.

Yes, you have guessed correctly- on Thursday 20 November, Norfolk Federation were discussing Resolutions and Campaigns, covering both the current campaign on talking about organ donation and the 7 shortlisted resolutions for voting on in 2015.

The shortlisted resolutions provoked much lively discussion, led by members of Norfolk Federation’s PA Committee.  We all hoped that more than one resolution could go forward to the National Annual Meeting at the Royal Albert Hall to make for a meaningful debate of the issues.

Campaigning is very important here in Norfolk and we have had several resolutions taken forward as national campaigns – think Care Not Custody and No Smoking in public places for starters! 

Then in the afternoon we turned our attention to the current campaign about discussing organ donation and we brainstormed ideas for talking about this difficult subject with our loved ones:

NORFOLK’S TOP TIPS FOR TALKING ABOUT ORGAN DONATION

·         Ask members of your family whether they have considered organ donation for themselves

Give them a copy of the WI leaflet, with the form to sign up for organ donation in it, and say “I’m up for it, are you?” Perhaps put a leaflet in their   Christmas stocking!

·         Use “triggers” such as WI Life, attendance at this meeting, or news items to start the discussion

·         Involve younger members of your family. Grandchildren might be more receptive to a discussion

·         If you carry emergency details such as allergies, medication advice, phone numbers with you, then add your wishes about organ donation

·         Have a notice in your kitchen saying “Please take my organs when I no longer need them”

We then moved on (because we are a thoughtful bunch of ladies who have lots of ideas – like most WI members!) to discuss possible future resolutions and explored ideas including internet safety, road safety and children’s language skills.  Even buggy design attracted our attention!

So overall we had a really good day and went home full of ideas. This is what the WI is all about – learning from each other and constructive discussion sprinkled with a dose of humour! This sounds like a recipe… so we are back to cakes and jam again! 

For more information on the #WITimeToTalk campaign, please see our website:

http://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/current-campaigns-and-initiatives/time-to-talk

Not in my Name Campaign

A blog post by Ann Jones, NFWI Trustee and Chair of Federations of Wales Committee

25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  It is also recognised as White Ribbon Day; a day when men and boys across the world pledge their support to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Since 2008, the WI has been campaigning to end violence against women with a focus on awareness raising and combating stereotypes about violence against women. It is shocking to note that up to three million women across the UK experience rape, domestic abuse, forced marriage, stalking, sexual exploitation and trafficking, female genital mutilation or so-called ‘honour’-based violence each year. As highlighted by the independent research commissioned by the NFWI in 2009, violence against women is a hidden issue happening in towns and cities across the country.  A survey of members undertaken back in 2008 found that nearly half of members surveyed had experienced violence themselves or knew of someone who had experienced some form of violence.

A culture change is needed so that violence against women is unacceptable and is not tolerated by society. Engaging with boys and men is crucial in challenging the inequalities and attitudes that cause violence against women.  Education and prevention must start at an early age and schools have a significant role to play. By addressing these issues from an early age it is hoped that children and young people will grow up in a culture of respect and equality.

The Welsh Government’s draft Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill is currently being scrutinised by the National Assembly for Wales.  In our response to Stage 1 of the consultation process, we highlighted our disappointment that education was omitted from the face of the Bill and emphasised the importance of education and prevention in schools. We called for high quality and consistent educational and preventative initiatives on violence against women and girls and healthy relationships to be delivered across all schools as a compulsory element of the National Curriculum.

In 2012 we joined up with Joyce Watson AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales to establish the Not in my Name Campaign which involves the recruitment of male ambassadors to make a stand against male violence against women. Over the years, the campaign has secured the support of a number of high profile clubs and groups including the Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey Team, the Welsh Rugby Union, Only Men Aloud, NFU Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales, the Wales YFC, Wrexham FC and Newport FC. This year, we are delighted to have the Cardiff Blues rugby club supporting the campaign. Sportsmen are role models for the future generations and their support has an important part to play in challenging those attitudes that persist.

WIs have engaged many local groups such as male voice choirs, rotary clubs, local football and rugby clubs and businesses to pledge their support. By using their strong links in the community, they have been able to raise awareness about violence against women and gather the support of men in publicly condemning such behaviour.

To help spread the message that violence against women is unacceptable, we have set up a Thunderclap message to enable ambassadors to pledge their support to ending violence against women. At midday on 25th November, a Thunderclap message stating that violence against women will not be tolerated will be posted on supporters’ Facebook and Twitter accounts if we get 100 supporters signed up.  

Please do support the Thunderclap at http://thndr.it/1xuqNp6 and encourage others to do so also.

My experience of the NFWI Members’ Open Day – Wednesday 15th October

By Amy Middleton (Whiteley WAGs WI)

On the morning of 15^th October, I made my way up to London from Winchester. I have never visited the Fulham/ Putney area, so prior to my visit I did some research to make the most of my day trip to the capital, and my day off work! I came across Fulham Palace, home of the old Bishops of London on the tourism website. So on arriving in London armed with my camera and a map, I headed towards the Palace through the gardens which run along the river Thames. It was a beautifully crisp and sunny autumnal day. I spent a couple of hours enjoying the palace grounds, learning about the palace’s history and enjoying a lovely lunch at the café there- any excuse to have a cuppa and a piece of cake! 

Fulham Palace

After lunch, I headed over to the NFWI Office at 104 New Kings Road. Upon arrival I was shown to the waiting area, where who should I find but four ladies from another Hampshire Federation WI! It turned out that the ladies from Stakes WI meet about 20 minutes away from where the Whiteley WAGs are based!

Other ladies started to arrive and we were shown downstairs to the room where the board meetings are held.  There was a lovely array of cakes and biscuits laid out as well as lots of information leaflets on resolutions and various sub committees. I then found out that the ladies I was sat next to were from a WI twinned with a Hampshire WI, who are based 5 minutes down the road from the Whiteley WAGs and who we have dual members with! The WI world is a small one!

Once everyone had settled, we were welcomed by Janice Langley- NFWI Chair, along with Joy Thompson, Chair of the NFWI Membership Committee, her side kick for the day, and they explained about the work that is undertaken at WI HQ. After the introduction, all the ladies got an opportunity to have a photo taken with Janice and Joy, which was put on a mock cover of a WI Life magazine. Being by myself I asked the ladies from Stakes WI if I could join them and make a Hampshire federation photo; luckily they were happy to have me join them! 

Outside the door of 104...

After the introduction, several members of staff from the various departments gave an overview of the work that they and their teams carry out. Most of the teams are made up of 3-6 people and they have a great deal of work to do. In total there are about 90 members of staff over 3 sites that work for the NFWI, WI Enterprises Ltd and Denman College. The other surprising factor was the diversity of work that is carried out at 104 New Kings Road; everything from the website, Facebook page, to finance, HR, advertising, the magazine and the design of the centenary goods and logos. This is certainly a mammoth task for such a small (wo)man force!

The group was then split into two for the grand tour of the office; the first group were marched up four flights of stairs to the top floor and the second were taken to the Resources department on the ground floor (fortunately I was in the 2nd group).  On the tour we visited all the various departments and were given the chance to speak to the staff and ask questions. We were also given a sneak preview of the Christmas edition of WI life, which looks fantastic! One other notable thing about the tour was the amount of tea we saw…. There are cupboards full of it!  It doesn't matter where in the WI you are; tea is an integral part of the WI!

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable, and it was an eye opening opportunity to see behind the scenes. In our individual WIs it is easy to forget about the amount of work it takes to keep this impressive organisation running. Simple things such as ensuring your MCS records are up to date so every member gets their magazine will save the team there from having to process the hundreds of magazines which are returned each month. If you have an exciting event coming up, let the magazine team know in good time so they can arrange to send a photographer and cover the event - they are always looking for stories. Or if you have any ideas for guest speakers at events or a resolution suggestion- send it in!

The other outcome from the day for me was a new friendship with the Stakes WI ladies. As a relatively young WI (we turn 4 in November 2014), building relationships and learning from other WIs is important, and hopefully at our birthday party this year we will have two visitors from Stakes WI. I have also learnt that whatever WI event I attend there will always be a smiley and friendly face, so you needn't worry about going by yourself… the WI really is what you make of it. There are so many opportunities and events there really is something for everyone.