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 second and fourth 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:-
or just come along to a meeting, you will be made most welcome.
Reports from Recent Meetings
Asby WI - July 2022
Flower Arranging
Speaker: Irene Nelson
Asby WI programme is a varied one and July's meeting proved to be no exception. The guest speaker, Irene Nelson, came to demonstrate some simple flower arranging which she entitled 'It's a Gift'.
However, for her first two demonstrations she broke away from her theme and, using small pieces of flowers left over from a Flower Festival, she created a flowers-and-floating-candles arrangement in a shallow bowl suitable for a dinner table and a Trio of Vases display based on small matching vases but of slightly different sizes. These arrangements were both most effective and easy to do.
Read the full report
Asby WI - June 2022
Visit to Larch Cottage
Asby WI June meeting fell on a sunny afternoon, which was spent in the open air, at Larch Cottage Garden Centre, Melkinthorpe (near Penrith). It’s a very relaxing venue where one can wander at leisure around beds and beds of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees, just enjoying the displays – and, of course, be tempted to buy!
Members met at Asby bus shelter to determine car-sharing. Once there they spent an hour or so just soaking in the beauty of the site and finished the afternoon - where else? – in the café for tea and cake! Thanks go to Helen Cooper who acted as chauffeuse and whose car boot became a safe haven for plants and other purchases on the return!
Read the full report
Asby WI - May 2022
Resolutions + Quiz
Traditionally, across the WI in England and Wales, May is the month when branches consider the resolution(s) to be put forward at the National Annual Meeting in June: resolution(s) that determine the WI’s next national campaign hoping to improve the world we live in. Earlier campaigns led to the formation of the anti-litter charity, Keep Britain Tidy, and to improving housing - a WI ‘model’ house was exhibited at a post-war Ideal Homes exhibition and made a real difference in new estates from then on.
More recently there have been ‘eco-resolutions’ and, not surprisingly resolutions relating to women’s health. Once a resolution is agreed upon, the WI campaigns in Parliament, nationally through the media, and locally through enthusiastic WIs and individuals.
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.
