New WI group on way for Linby and Papplewick

There has been a resurgence of interest in recent years for Women’s Institutes thanks to the Calendar Girls movie and television shows like The Great British Bake Off.

And with the organisation preparing for its centenary year in 2015, organisers are boosting numbers at groups already established and setting up new groups, including one for Linby and Papplewick.

“We have established WIs in Hucknall, Ravenshead, Newstead and Bestwood Village but we have noticed a gap around the Linby and Papplewick area,” said Kay Brown, support person for the Notts Fed WI. “We therefore want to test the waters to see if there is enough interest to start up a new WI.”

If you think you might be interested, then residents are invited to go along to a meeting on the 18th March at 10am in the Papplewick Village Hall and check out what the WI has on offer.

“Coming along is not a commitment to join, just an expression of interest,” added Kay. “There will be staff on hand to talk about how a new WI could be formed and to help make this happen.

“There will also be light refreshments on offer – some things never change.”

Crafts and creativity are drawing woman of all ages to join their local WI. With the new interest in baking, stimulated by the Great British Bake off, and a the Great British Sewing Bee increasing the demand for sewing lessons, the WI is finding greater numbers of women looking to them for guidance.

“Perhaps not surprisingly our membership is getting younger as more young mums and professional women join our ranks,” explains Kay. “Where else can they go to link in to their local talent pool, engage with their community or make new friends if they move to a new area?

“This means we have a great mix of members of all ages, interests and skills to help each other to learn new things, make new friends and have fun along the way.”

For more information about the WI event at Papplewick Village Hall, call Kay on 0115 9630553.

If you don’t live in Linby or Papplewick but are a woman of 18 or over who wants to meet like-minded people in your area to try out activities, sports, crafts or learn a new skill with, just seek out your local WI.

You can find your nearest WI by entering your postcode into the WI Finder on the national website www.theWI.org.uk.