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 - October 2019
Book Covering
Asby WI's printed programme said, " 'Book Covering' by Irene Nelson" which led members to reminisce about having to cover new text books at school with wallpaper or brown parcel paper! And to wonder just what to expect on the evening in question! But they didn't need to worry.
Mrs Nelson spent her time giving a fascinating demonstration on how to make attractive, decorative, lined covers for books using Bondaweb, Pelmet Vilene and all manner of materials, ribbons, leaves, flowers, and other scraps. The results were most effective and were achieved, in some instances, by using what she called a 'Bondaweb sandwich' and, in others, a patchwork technique. Unwanted chiffon scarves were an ideal resource to acquire to enhance the designs.
Read the full report
Asby WI - September 2019
Life on the Mercy Ships
Asby WI's September meeting was quite different from the previous month's day out.
Guest speaker Judy Polkinhorn had been the Chief Executive UK of the charity 'Mercy Ships' for 14 years. She explained that the charity has at present just one ship, the Africa Mercy, which is the largest charity hospital ship in private hands. Another ship is currently being fitted out in China. The Africa Mercy was converted from a Danish train ferry into a hospital ship containing six operating theatres all with state-of-the-art equipment. She also has on board several Land Rovers which go to outreach clinics ashore and also ferry patients to and from the port.
The Africa Mercy usually works along the West African coast but during the recent ebola epidemic she relocated to Madagascar.
Read the full reportAsby WI - August 2019
Visit to Orton and its Dolls’ Houses
For a change, it wasn’t actually raining when members gathered together for morning coffee at the Orton Scar Café, and to await our guides for the day. The plan was to split the party into two groups, one to be shown round Orton by Wendy, a local historian and Blue Badge Guide, the other group to be taken by Jackie Huck to see her collection of dolls’ houses. After lunch the two groups were to swap around. As it happened, several members were only able to make the morning visit, so they made their way to the Old Mill with Jackie while the rest of us followed Wendy up to Orton Church to start our tour of the village.
Wendy is a very knowledgeable guide. She is currently researching the history of the church, something that is not well documented, and her observations about the exterior and the interior were fascinating. After the church we walked through the centre of the village where we learnt about the Market Hall, the Manor Court, the Old School (now the Chocolate Factory) and Petty Hall. We then crossed the road and the beck to a part of the village a number of us had never visited before to learn about, amongst other things, the old Rectories and the Methodist Chapel. It was then lunchtime, so we returned to the Scar Café where we had a good, but somewhat noisy lunch.
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.