That venerable institution is quite a force to be reckoned with in the small village I now live in. I know it is a force to be reckoned with in lots of places but never one in which I have lived before.
I have been asked by several of my new neighbours if I will be joining but have not made up my mind yet – I avoid an absolute yes or no by saying that I can’t rely on OH getting home from work in time for me to attend the monthly meetings.
I am in no way anti-WI just not sure if it is for me.
I did come across this book in the charity shop recently:
![DSCN2862[1].JPG](https://mendingmakingcrafting.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/dscn28621.jpg?w=656)
It was a good, informative read. I have read other books by this author, she is a good writer of social history. Some fascinating figures in the early days of the organisation – hardly surprising considering what they achieved with the setting up of the WI.
I am not sure it has made any difference to my ability to make a decision over joining or not but I did enjoy learning a bit more about it!
Any WI ladies out there reading this blog? What am I missing by not joining?
Until tomorrow…
mendingmakingcrafting 
I think I told you I had intended to go to the new members night at the beginning of this month but got my days mixed up. I, too, am unsure if I will join. I have looked at the list of events etc. they did last year and not sure I would have attended many of them. Also, I am, as you I think, a good 20 years younger than most of the ladies who already attend. I have no excuse/reason not to make the meetings as they are literally across the road from the house and Jon is home in plenty of time. I will go next month and see how I feel. I suppose I can just join in with anything that takes my fancy and leave the rest.
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The one here is full of very elderly ladies so it probably could do with some younger members, there is also one in a small town five miles away which is much ‘younger’ and have a programme of events which is varied and more appealing. I feel that, if I join at all, I should go to the local one as it is a two minute walk away. I might see if any of the other mums at school feel like it…
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Oops, meant to say I bought the same book for my mum as a present last year I think and regret not reading it first. The first ever WI was founded on the Isle of Anglesey, you probably know that from the book, and I think Welsh ladies are very proud of the fact!
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It is really fascinating how the whole organisation evolved.
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Always fancied myself as WI-er. The nearest one to me is Manchester City Centre though which I definitely wouldn’t put myself out to travel into. I’d go with a friend or if I’d been invited by somebody but wouldn’t fancy just turning up on my own. Also having come across cliques at church I wonder if the WI would also be like that. I’m probably best just sticking to making my own jam and cakes at home. xx
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It’s difficult isn’t it, I know I could just go along for one meeting and see what it is like but if, then, I don’t think it is for me I have to find a tactful way of saying why I didn’t return. This is a small village and you bump in to people all the time!
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