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 - January & February 2019
Annual Lunch
Asby WI celebrated the first month of the year by enjoying a delicious festive meal at Mrs Miller's, Culgaith. Committee member Carol Smith was responsible for the arrangements which included making sure members' dietary requirements were all met. As on a previous occasion the meal was very well received indeed.
Rainbow Dyeing
February's meeting was a hands-on, practical evening led by Louise Reeve (Committee member) with Annie Johnson (President) helping. They introduced the WI to the craft of rainbow dyeing. Each member chose between working with a 100 gram hank of white Aran or darker Gottland wool and up to three dyes from a wide range of colours.
Read the full report
Asby WI - October & November 2018
My Life in the Gutter
Asby WI was the host for the Crossfell Group's half-yearly meeting. Asby's President, Annie Johnson, opened the meeting by welcoming 40 members from Asby, Bolton, Colby, Ormside and Kirkby Thore WIs, and the CWFWI Treasurer. Following a short business meeting Annie then introduced the evening's speaker - Mr Archie Workman.
The title of his extremely interesting and entertaining talk was 'My life in the gutter'. In it he described how he had begun his professional life as an engineer working initially on ships' diesel engines and later supervising work in the dry docks. Work then took him to Russia for 2 years after which he returned to Cumbria and spent time on Cumbrian development, finishing as the part-time Managing Director of Ulverston Business Centre.
Read the full report
Asby WI - 11 September 2018
Cobbling & Shoes
President Ann Johnson welcomed thirteen members and a guest from Ormside WI to Asby WI's meeting and introduced Tommy Thomlinson, the evening's speaker whose topic was 'Life through shoe repairing'. Despite admitting to an initial reluctance four years ago to doing any form of public speaking Mr Thomlinson proved himself to be a competent and most entertaining orator.
He explained that, as a teenager, he had been determined to escape school as soon as he could, and, having been told by his headmaster that he could only leave if he had a job to go to he responded to a window advertisement for an apprentice shoe repairer. He was successful with his application and began a 5 year apprenticeship which lead to his lifetime profession.
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.