We all know that the WI is a fabulous organisation but how can we get the word out? Members were asked to write a piece of approximately 300 words which would be suitable for a press release to encourage new members to join your WI. The WI could be real or fictional but realistic. Any identifying comments relating to the WI were removed to ensure judging was totally impartial.

The judges will be looking for a piece which encourages the reader to read on and perhaps look at joining the WI

  • Paints a picture with words which is enticing to the reader
  • The article should be entirely your own work

We were especially thankful to the judges from several different WIs for their time and opinions. And most of all thank you for our very talented members who entered the competition and we hope it will give WIs food for thought about how we can promote our WIs in a new and exciting way.

First Place – Cathy Wallace – Fulshaw WI

The WI – you’re kidding? 

 “I’m not old enough for the WI yet thank you!”  I manage a quiet sigh and suppress my eye rolling but I really want to scream, “Forget the WI archetype of genteel retired women clad in floral pinnies, humming ‘Jerusalem’ and wielding jam spoons over a hot stove.”  

These days the WI is for women of any age. It’s the largest most influential UK based women’s organisation and been going since 1915 so they must be doing something right.  The WI is non-party political, non-religious and welcomes all, including LGBTQ community and trans women.  Name me one activity that wouldn’t appeal to any young woman.  How’s this for size? 

Speaker’s topics turn out to be revealing – Artificial Intelligence to the art of burlesque!  Day trips yes, but surely not skydiving, whitewater rafting or being hurled over a quarry on the world’s fastest zip wire!  Age is irrelevant when you’re away sampling activities of all dimensions on a fun packed weekend crammed with much more than tea and cake.  Did I mention 30,000 new members, 42 new WIs in the last year, the new Virtual WIs and now the Online Learning Hub? 

Got a bee in your bonnet about something? The WI is renowned for the strength of its campaigns covering such issues as organ donation, violence against women and clean rivers.  Make no mistake, the WI takes these campaigns very seriously and is not an organization to be messed with. 

Why would you not want to have new enriching experiences with a with a mass of dynamic, intelligent, diverse, supportive and friendly extraordinary women, spanning fifty decades or more?  So, it’s time you chucked ageism out of the window – I’m not kidding, the strapline says it all:      The WI Inspiring Women

Second Place – Stephanie Richardson – Audlem WI

Encouraging Young Women to Join the WI

Britain’s Women’s Institute’s put the “WOW” in Women. Yes, we are welcoming a New Wave of Wonder Women

The WI is turning a new leaf, and this time it’s in vibrant hues of diversity, equality, and flexibility! As we break free from the traditional moulds, the WI is extending an enthusiastic invitation to the dynamic young women of our country to join us in reshaping our narrative.

The WI has always been a pioneer, not just in history but also in embracing the evolving needs of women. We are thrilled to open our arms to the powerhouse women of the future who are seeking an environment that champions flexibility, equality, and diversity.

Flexibility is not just a word, it’s a way of life at the WI. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a passionate advocate for change, our flexible scheduling ensures you can engage at your own pace. Zoom in from your cosy corners and attend meetings in person, because we believe your commitment should be as dynamic as you are.

Equality is more than a buzzword, it’s the heartbeat of every WI. Every voice matters, and every idea is a spark that can ignite change. With a commitment to equal opportunities and representation, the WI is a space where your unique perspective will be celebrated, not just tolerated.

Diversity isn’t just in our roots, it’s in our branches. The WI recognises that strength lies in differences. We are weaving a tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and talents, creating a vibrant community where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.

Join us on this exciting journey of evolution and empowerment. The WI is not just an institute, it’s a movement, and we want you to be a part of the forward march toward a brighter, bolder future.

Joint Third Prize – Helen Gould – Wistaston Swans WI

A warm welcome to you…

You can be a complete newcomer or live in an area 40 years – and still feel lonely.

Us mums (and dads of course) can feel a profound loss of purpose when the kids move up to high school and they don’t want us walking them to the school gate anymore. We miss the other parents chatter at going home time too.

That sad feeling of emptiness when our older kids leave home for university or to work away in another town is hard too.

Maybe our own workplace isn’t the kindest place to be just now. Or maybe we’ve recently lost a partner, family member or a dear friend.

As the dark nights enclose us we can all feel sadness so much more intensely.

If this sometimes feels like you then Wistaston has so many welcoming groups just waiting for you.

We need to give ourselves a heartfelt hug and find new things to look forward to.

So take a deep breath, try to lift your head – and heart. And let’s look to the future and see what’s out there to help give you a feeling of belonging to something meaningful.

There’s plenty of volunteer run, affordable, group activities here in our lovely village of Wistaston to get yourself involved in.

And know this, woman of Wistaston, our modern Swans WI group are there waiting for you with open arms, a friendly face and many local women just like you.

We’re on Facebook or just come along to say ‘Hi’ to the Brittles Hall, off Church Lane, every 3rd Wednesday evening.

But whatever you do, please take care of yourself this winter and things will get easier by the time the sun comes out again.

Sending our love,

Wistaston Swans WI xx

Joint Third Place – Olivia Brewster – Siddington & Capesthorne WI

🕵️‍♀️ Top-Secret Announcement: The Women’s Institute – Where Tradition, Espionage, and Cupcakes Collide! 🕵️‍♀️

Top Secret Location!

In a world brimming with mysteries, the Women’s Institute (WI) emerges as a covert hub of unity, empowerment, and skill-building for women of all ages. Established in 1897 in the super-secret town of Stoneycreek, Canada, the WI has been weaving the threads of tradition and innovation into a titillating tapestry.

Entrenched in history predating the spy camera, the WI has been a nurturing ground for women to unite, learn, and grow. Beginning as a veiled response unit to rural communities’ needs, the WI has evolved into a dynamic organisation embracing women from all walks of life – because even spies need diversity.

Our doors are open, and our secret handshake awaits both the seasoned and the young, creating a unique blend of wisdom and fresh perspectives. If you can keep a secret, you’re halfway in!

Being a WI member is not just about tradition; it’s about acquiring skills for undercover missions. From traditional creativities to cutting-edge espionage technologies (shh, we can neither confirm nor deny), our members delve into a myriad of activities. Whether perfecting cupcake disguises, gardening in the cover of night, mastering the art of public craftiness, or diving into the mysterious world of digital marketing (even spies need a good hashtag), the WI offers a supportive environment to hone skills and discover new ‘classified’ passions.

Join us in preserving the legacy of camaraderie, learning, and growth – and maybe pick up a few spy tricks. Become a part of the Women’s Institute, where history meets the future, and every woman has a story – as long as it doesn’t compromise national security.

For more information on joining without blowing your cover, visit www.thewi.org.uk or contact AGENT HUSH-HUSH.

This news release will now self-destruct! 🚨💥