Photo credit: Dan Tookey
A resurgent Women’s Institute (WI) will open a new branch in De Beauvoir this April, the third to start in Hackney since 2010.
National WI membership rose from a record low of 201,000 in 2008 to 212,000 in 2013, with 128 new groups approved across the country last year.
De Beauvoir WI founder Amanda Lovegrove said: “It’s something that really seems to be coming back in at the moment. As soon as one group opens in one area of London, another usually opens up right next door.”
A great way to meet new people
The De Beauvoir WI is to hold its first meeting on 3 April in the refurbished crypt of St Peter’s Church, hosting regular crafts workshops and lecturers provided by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. It will join over 50 other London based WI groups.
Ms Lovegrove said: “We got the idea during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee [in June 2012], when we got together in the church crypt to sew bunting for our street party.
“I know it sounds really old-fashioned, but it was a lovely way to meet new people and get everyone together. We thought it would be wonderful just to have something like that more often.”
Third Hackney branch
The WI’s national revival coincides with growing interest among young city dwellers, with new branches opening in Dalston in 2010 and Hackney Wick in 2013 .
WI spokesperson Joanna Rayner said: “A lot of the new groups are urban-based and lots of young women have found it a great way to spend their evenings after work.
“The recession may have also had an effect on the membership increase, as more women appear keen to learn traditional skills without spending much money.”
Lovegrove hopes the new WI group will attract interest from across the De Beauvoir community.
She added: “I’ve been approaching the residents associations of some of the estates round here to encourage everyone to come along. Membership is £34.70 for a whole year. It’s not a huge amount, so hopefully that will be something people can afford.”
Hi Betty, great to hear you’re interested. If you drop Amanda a line at debeauvoirwi@hotmail.com I’m sure she can provide you with all the info you need.
Hi Betty,
I don’t think there would be an age limit but it would probably be best to contact them directly to find out.
Is there an age limit for joining the WI. As Iam 74 and would be interested in joining
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