crich area community news
Whatstandwell & District Women’s Institute
The year 2012 is going to be a very special for the Whatstandwell Women’s Institute because in April it will be seventy years since it was formed. During those seventy years members have come and gone but we still have a founder member who regularly attends our monthly meetings, along with new ones who have only recently joined.
Our meetings are always held on the second Wednesday of the month at Crich Carr School, Main Road, Whatstandwell. During 2011 we have had a wide variety of speakers whose topics have ranged from paper sculpture to the work of a magistrate. At every meeting there is always a certain amount of “W I business” that has to be addressed, but Peggy Fretwell our President does try to keep this to a minimum. This means we all have plenty of time to enjoy listening to the speaker, watching a slide show or practicing a new skill.
Another aspect of being a member of the Whatstandwell WI is being able to go on trips to places as a group. These trips are as varied as our meetings and have ranged from a visit to Mr Shaw’s house in Worksop to a Mama Mia Sing-along at the WI county house in Derby. I wouldn’t say that food plays an important part in where we go, but the evening with the baker at the Loaf in Crich was a very popular and enjoyable night out, as was the historic walk around Willington that ended with light refreshments.
As with all WI’s we are always looking to encourage new members to join. Everyone is welcome no matter your age and you can be assured of a very friendly and enjoyable night when you attend one of our meetings. It is a good place to make new friends, learn about new subjects and take part in different activities.
For more information please contact Peggy Fretwell on 01773 856748
Past Crich WI presidents meet
Left to right: Gill Stevenson, Sue Seals (present president), Margaret Rose (hiding behind) Margaret was the first president! Penny Chambers (centre), Ella Swift, Bess Bailey
Gill Stevenson was the instigator of Crich WI and is the V.C.O. (Visiting County Officer) for the Women’s Institute.