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:-
or just come along to a meeting, you will be made most welcome.
Reports from Recent Meetings
Asby WI - November 2021
Annual Meeting & Members’ Supper
November has traditionally been the month for the WI's Annual Meeting plus 'a something'. And November 2021 was no exception - much business was followed by a soup and dessert evening meal prepared and served by Lisa Harrington, Anne Hulse and Pat Bevan.
The Annual Meeting was preceded by a normal monthly budget of business in which the President announced that Asby WI had been successful in obtaining a £100 grant from Asby Parish Council; Susan Renshaw and Pat Bevan had an honourable mention (equivalent to joint-second) in the Federation's biennial Reading Aloud Competition; and those representing Asby at the Federation Quiz Night had enjoyed an evening of fun and good food at Soulby.
Sudan Renshaw reported on the Federation Annual Meeting which had been very well attended, had excellent guest speakers, and at which the Federation Treasurer reported a slight deficit for the year. This was not surprising considering all the Covid restrictions and additional communications that had gone through the Federation.
Read the full report
Asby WI - October 2021
Life in the Arctic
'Life in the Arctic' was the theme for October's Open Evening which again brought along a number of guests from Asby parish and also Shap WI. The speaker, Vivienne Tregidga, dressed in regional Norwegian national dress (Bunad), described her experiences of living in Norway from November 1980 when she first set foot in the country to join her fiance 2 hours inland from Tromso and well north of the Arctic Circle. She thought she knew what she was coming to but was entirely unprepared to step out of a stuffy atmosphere in her plane onto an icy landing strip where the temperature was -42C, and then into an over-heated house all in a matter of an hour or so!
Read the full report
Asby WI - September 2021
THE OWL SANCTUARY
Asby WI members and four visitors welcomed guest speakers Paul Rose and Nic Dawes, plus five owls, to their September meeting! Paul and Nic had come to talk about the work they do at The Owl Sanctuary where, to date, 36 owls have been rescued.
Paul explained that he had started the sanctuary when, as a result of diabetes, he had had his right leg amputated and had to give up a career in the RAF. Nic joined him as a volunteer 5 years ago. As he talked, Paul introduced the owls one by one, giving each one's name, telling each one's story and, at the same time, providing an incredible amount of information about owls generally: their food, hunting patterns, sleeping habits, and the fact that those they had rescued would always have to remain in the sanctuary.
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.