Welcome to the Asby branch of the
Womens’ Institute.
In 1915 the Womens’ Institute set out to give women a voice, to be a force for good in the community. A trusted place for women, run by women of all generations – an opportunity to share experiences, challenge yourself or learn from someone with real experience, first hand.
The same is true today.
For many, the WI is an opportunity to share knowledge and learn new skills with other women, coming together socially where you will be listened to and be heard. Whether it’s Family History, Spring Cookery, Experiences of a Himalayan trip or Poetry & Plonk there’s an interest for everyone and always something new to learn.
Some join to campaign; the WI has a voice on the issues of today, from climate change to children’s diet, from human trafficking to supermarket expansion. And it’s a voice people really listen to.
For everyone who joins the WI there is the freedom to make what you want of it. Whatever you choose, the WI promises to be a source of friendship, inspiration and enjoyment.
Asby WI meet regularly on the second Tuesday of the month (except January) at 7.30pm in Great Asby Village Hall. There is a speaker, activity or demonstration and the chance to chat over a cup of tea. See the Diary of Future Events opposite for further details of our current programme.
We also organise occasional outings and visits and there is the opportunity to join other WI’s in the local area at their events.
Below you can also read the reports of our most recent meetings.
Asby WI also runs a Knit & Natter (craft) group who meet on the first and third Mondays of the month in members’ homes. Bring your own craft to do, perhaps knit squares for blankets, or just come along for coffee and a chat.
WI members and non-members are all very welcome.
We meet at 2pm. The dates and venues are published on the ‘What’s On’ Calendar on the front page of this website and in “Asby Matters”.
The WI is arranged into Federations; Asby WI is part of Cumbria Westmorland Federation of WIs (CWFWI). You can find lots more information about them at their web site. We all receive a monthly newsletter, “WI News”, from them with details of lots of events in our area. You can check their 2017 Diary of Events.
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes represents all the WIs in England, Wales and offshore islands. Your annual subscription includes 8 copies per year of a glossy magazine, “WI Life”, which is delivered directly to every member. Lots more information about the WI nationally is available at their web site.
If you would like to come along, with no commitment to join straight away, or simply get more information, then contact:-
Annie Johnson – President.
Jackie Smart – Secretary.
June Sowerby – Assistant Secretary.
Anne Hulse – Treasurer.
or just come along to a meeting, you will be made most welcome.
Reports from Recent Meetings
Asby WI Meeting 12 September 2017
Circus Skills
Fourteen members of Asby WI and a guest were a little apprehensive and unsure about what to expect when they arrived at the village hall for a meeting entitled 'Circus Skills'. But there was no cause to worry for, guest speaker Rosie Kelly, had everything under control and there was definitely no sign of a trapeze!
An enthusiastic presenter, she began her talk by explaining that she was an Applebian and had taken part in circus activities since the age of eleven. She had worked in modern circuses but now concentrated on talking to community groups and introducing young people to circus skills.
Read the full report
Asby WI Meeting 8 August 2017
Bags for All Occasions
Fourteen members of Asby WI were delighted to welcome nine guests (just one from another WI) to their August meeting. It was an open meeting (hence all the guests) at which Suzanne Herbert was the speaker. Suzanne's subject was entitled 'Bags for all seasons'. She brought with her an amazing display of skilfully hand-made bags of all types together with additional items illustrating her talk. As well as making bags of her own design Suzanne tests bag patterns for forthcoming books, particularly those by Lisa Lam.
Read the full report
Asby WI Meeting 11 July 2017
A year In a Cumbrian garden
Fifteen members of Asby WI met in the village hall for their monthly meeting when the speaker was Brenda Austin. Brenda's theme was 'A year In a Cumbrian garden'. In her talk she told how, 19 years ago, she had moved from Clifton in the Eden Valley to a 16th century house near Burneside which, at the time of the move, had an overgrown garden. This, to Brenda, was not a drawback as it meant she could indulge her love of gardening and create a garden of her own design.
Read the full reportNote: To access ALL the meeting reports from the last 12 months just choose to read the full version of any of those above, then select from the list of past meetings.