• Why W.I Lite?

Recently, the WI has seen the launch of several new “Lite” groups across the UK, with membership about as far removed from the stereotypical perception of the WI as possible.
The concept came to the attention of a group of friends in Sutton Veny who decided to test whether it would be welcomed in this area.
At a meeting in February with two representatives from the Wiltshire WI Federation, women from all over BA12 rallied together to show their keenness to get involved, and over tea and biscuits, discussed everything that was involved with setting up a WI, from fundraising to sourcing speakers.
In the end, the response was unanimous, prompting the official set up of Sutton Veny WI Lite. Sutton Veny WI Lite is part of the Wiltshire Federation of WIs, which in turn is part of the National Federation of WIs.

Despite the modern agenda, the principles and traditions of the WI are still said to be of utmost importance to WI Lite groups.
The Women’s Institute was formed in 1915 with two clear aims: to revitalise rural communities and to encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War.
Since then our aims have broadened and we are now the largest women’s organisation in the UK. We celebrated our 90th anniversary in 2005 and currently have 205,000 members in 6,800 WIs.
We play a unique role in providing women with educational opportunities and the chance to build new skills, to take part in a wide variety of activities and to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities.

  • Why Join?
WELL...

..we could tell you that the WI is a true British Institution, providing its members with the opportunity to have fun, try new things, meet new people and connect with their communities through a variety of events and bringing heightened awareness to extremely worthwhile charities and campaigns.

WE COULD ALSO TELL YOU...

..that the WI leads you down paths you never expected to travel and gives you the opportunity to develop and grow in confidence, as well as learning new skills.
Upon joining the WI, you are able to take residential courses at our Adult Education College, Denman College, near Oxford, as well as nearer home. You will also get regular updates of the WI’s membership magazine WI Life, as part of your subscription.

IN ADDITION...

..the voice of the NFWI (National Federation of Women's Institutes) is often called upon by the government to gain an understanding into the views of WI members.
The WI even started the 'Keep Britain Tidy' initiative that we all know today, and has actively campaigned against many other causes (e.g. the trafficking of women and children, domestic violence etc). So you could be helping to make a difference!.......and this is all true...

HOWEVER...

..the crux of the matter is that Sutton Veny WI Lite girls think we work bloomin’ hard in our everyday lives, juggling being domestic goddesses with careers and families and we deserve a bit of “me time” with our friends, having lots of laughs and the odd glass of wine, and maybe discover some hidden talents.
So we’ll be steering clear of any boring talks- our time is too precious!