BELBROUGHTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

      MEETINGS FIRST TUESDAY IN THE MONTH AT 7.30P.M.

BELBROUGHTON CHURCH HALL

Contact: Undine Yates 01562 711118

The W.I. is an educational, social, non-party political and non sectarian organisation offering women the opportunity of learning, campaigning, friendship and sharing. The purpose of the W.I. is to provide a friendly atmosphere where women can be inspired and enlightened, and to campaign on local, national and international issues. The W.I. has an unrivalled reputation as a voice of reason, integrity and intelligence on issues that matter to women and their communities.

The National Federation of Women's Institutes is the largest organisation for women in the United Kingdom with around 205,000 members. There are 70 regional federations and the Worcestershire Federation has over 133 WI.s.

The monthly meeting of our local branch in Belbroughton usually includes a talk by an invited speaker, sometimes we may also have a demonstration. Occasionally we may invite another W.I. to participate in a team game of Curling, Bowls or even Line Dancing. We also participate in a Bowling competition organised between local W.I.s. During the year we organise walks and meet for an evening meal in August, not forgetting our Cheese and Wine after our AGM. Last Christmas we sat down to a hot meal cooked by some of our members.

Belbroughton W.I. is a member of the Hagley group of W.I.s which consists often local branches. The Group meets quarterly for social evenings, outings, walks, quizzes, fashion shows, craft demonstrations, speakers etc. There is also much on offer at County and National level. The W.I. encourages personal development in a supportive environment and members can attend courses at Denman College, the W.I.s own residential educational centre in Oxfordshire

Belbroughton WI has a long history and at one time had a waiting list for membership. Alas, at the moment the situation is very different, however, if you are interested in attending any of our talks, please come along and join us perhaps you will enjoy it enough to join us permanently. We do charge for visitors as Speakers are quite expensive these days, the charge is £2.00 to include tea/coffee.

Membership of the W.I. for 2009 costs £29.00 including receipt of 'W.I. Life' magazine. For Further information please contact Undine Yates 01562711118

Our Programme for 2009 is: -

January 6th               Curling followed by a Supper

February 3rd             Talk - "The Ifakara Bakery Project'

March 3rd                  Talk- 'From Ewe to You'

April 7th                    Talk - 'Fingerprinting'

May 5th                      Resolutions followed by Cheese and Wine

June 2nd                     Talk - 'From Bucket King to the Great Benefactor of Stourbridge'

July 7th                       Cookery Demonstration - 'A Taste of Worcestershire'

August 4th                  Summer Outing

September 1st           Talk - 'Fairtrade of Kenya'

October 6th                AGM followed by Cheese and Wine

November 1st           Talk - 'Geology'

December 1st             Christmas Celebrations