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 instigated 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.
Anne Hulse – Treasurer.
or just come along to a meeting, you will be made most welcome.
Reports from Recent Meetings
Asby WI - 12 June 2018
How to Break a Horse to Harness
A different venue for something quite different. That was the aim for Asby WI's June meeting when members and six guests gathered at High Plains, Drybeck at the invitation of Louise and Steve Reeve.
Louise explained that, as she had previously spoken about carriage driving to Asby Mothers' Union (of whom a number of members were also WI members and present), she was going to approach the topic from a different angle. Choosing the title 'How to break a horse to harness' she led her listeners through the relevant necessary stages of doing this with help from Apple, Trigger and Robbie, plus husband Steve and WI member Anne Hulse.
Read the full report
Asby WI - A Busy May 2018
Resolutions (Meeting of 8 May)
As is customary for all WIs, Asby WI's May meeting was primarily concerned with discussing the resolution for the national annual meeting. This year the subject was around mental health and its treatment being as important as that of physical health. Members also made plans for the 'Bountiful Button Bonanza' being held a few weeks later. Following the discussions, and refreshments provided by Rachel Forrest and Gwen Hadrill, members finished the evening with a few rounds of Knockout Whist. Helen Cooper won the raffle prize and the winners of the competition for a posy in an egg cup were Rachel Forrest and Helen Cooper.
Coach Trip (16 May)
Read the full report
Asby WI Meeting 10 April 2018
British from the Bottom Up!
Members of Asby WI weren't quite sure what to expect when Shirley Crisp's return visit was billed in the program as 'British from the Bottom Up'. But 19 members and one guest were soon fascinated by the story she had to tell.
In the two or more years since Ms Crisp had spoken in Asby she had given up her lingerie shop in Windermere and single-mindedly set up a brand new company called UNIBU - uni-British-underwear.
The trigger for her change of direction was the fact that the quality of the goods she was ordering for her shop began to dip. On enquiring, she discovered that lingerie was no longer being completely made anywhere in Britain: it was being made in places like India, Turkey and China. Following the outsourcing the fabric used had been downgraded and quality consequently lost.
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.