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:-
President – Annie Johnson.
Vice President – Pat Bevan.
Secretary – Jackie Smart.
Treasurer – Anne Hulse.
or just come along to a meeting, you will be made most welcome.
Reports from Recent Meetings
Asby WI - June 2019
A Walk in Maggie's Wood
When the Asby WI Committee planned their midsummer meeting - a guided walk in Maggie's wood - they would have had hopes for a beautiful, warm sunny evening and, afterwards, refreshments out in the garden before the sun set. Unfortunately, the order of the day was warm clothes, rainproof outerwear topped off with beanies or hoods, following a very wet day!
However, the rain held off and the twelve members plus a guest were able to concentrate fully on the woodland walk with Dr Simon Smart, senior research scientist from the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Lancaster University. Heading for the wood, the group initially went through a magnificent field of buttercups where Simon indicated his first items of interest - pignuts, members of the carrot family, which to most members appeared to be 'yet another umbellifer!'
Read the full report
Asby WI - May 2019
Afternoon Tea & Resolutions
Fine china, delicious sandwiches, scrumptious cakes and smiling waitresses were in evidence in the village hall when Asby WI held a formal afternoon tea in aid of the Ankoma Outreach Project. Despite rather poor weather the event was well attended and raised £181 for the Ghanaian charity - an endeavour warm to the hearts of Asbeians as it is the project of local couple, Asha Richardson and her husband, Craig. The money raised will go towards the charity's work in Ankoma's Presbyterian Primary School, the Health Clinic there and the community in general.
The monthly meeting saw 12 members gather for the annual 'Resolutions Evening' at which resolutions going before the national Annual Meeting are discussed so that the local delegate to the meeting can be informed and vote accordingly. The resolutions represent the national membership's recommendations on policies about which the national federation should be campaigning.
Read the full reportAsby WI - April 2019
"Is it True, Miss?"
'My Mum doesn't work. She's a teacher.' was one of many anecdotes that the Rev Canon Carole Marsden quoted when she visited Asby WI to give her talk 'Is it true, Miss?'.
The previous month Mrs Marsden had had to cancel her visit at the last minute because of flooded roads. However, members, knowing how entertaining a speaker she is, were delighted that she was able to stand in at short notice when another's booking fell through. In her talk Carole described her time as a Primary School teacher in less affluent parts of Lancashire. Her talk was interspersed with short poems about the characters and events involved in the school year: people such as the dinner lady and the caretaker. Events highlighted by anecdotes were parents' evenings, school assemblies, children choosing team members, parents' letters, and the visits of Nitty Nora! Children's news books were also a source of entertainment.
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.