ChaddertonWI

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Meet the Committee

President - Linda Jones-Hargreaves

I set up Chadderton WI as I've always wanted to be part of the Woman's Institute and  wanted to be part of the wider community where I live.  The WI fits perfectly with who I am, as I love making things and learning new skills and I absolutely love being part of a group of women who want to make a difference. 

   

If anyone is thinking of setting up a WI I'd say, go for it!  There is a lot of hard work to keep everything running but its worth it and your WI adviser helps you along the way.  You also become part of the wider WI community, I've only ever felt supported and welcomed by other WI members.  In my spare time along with crafting I also enjoy reading, photography, family & local history and getting out in the fresh air for a walk.  


I worked as a counsellor for 13 years and I have an interest in self compassion based mindfulness and yoga.  I believe strongly in equality and I'm currently exploring 'craftivism' which is activism through the medium of craft, watch this space!

Treasurer - Alison Jones 

I joined the WI as I have very few interests outside of my job and the socialising I do with my husband and close friends.  I wanted to be part of something new that was outside of my usual friends, interests and routine.  I was particularly keen to join a new group and be there from the start.  I love the company of other women and the WI is what you make it - It's not and never really has been about making jam - which is a good job because I'm not the best at these things.  


I love the diversity of our group, the learning opportunity and seeing new members arrive, sometimes alone, and then leaving having made some new relationships.  As Treasurer of our group I also get to learn a new skill.  I have had to push myself out of my comfort zone as I'm not a natural with figures.


I don't really have any exciting hobbies but I absolutely love to read.  My husband and I have a houseful of books (no kindles for us) and I generally read a book a week when I'm not too tired.  I love language and the written word.  Reading helps me relax before bed.  I'm also a massively into food.... eating it, cooking it and talking about it....I'm always on a diet because of this!  


I'm inspired by other successful women/people - not necessarily people that earn lots of money or are successful in traditional terms.  I think success is best measured by how happy you are.  I'm inspired by happy people and massively interested in what makes them so.  My goals around this are to try and start to live a simpler life with less "stuff" - experiences and the creating of great memories is more important to me.

I love way too many books to have an all time favourite but for the moment it's Kill Your Friends by John Niven - it's a dark, absolutely outrageous comedy/satire that makes me screech with laughter (it's not for the faint hearted!). I haven't seen many plays but I did love The Woman in Black.   I have two favourite films:  Night of the Demon (an old black and white from 1957 - genuinely creepy and atmospheric) and also Goodfellas (I love Martin Scorcese films, and this one is a belter) 

Minutes Secretary - Barbara Thompson 


Hi. I’m the Minute Secretary for the Committee which, basically, involves recording all business discussed and decisions made at both the Committee and full Chadderton WI branch meetings.


What I like about the WI is the way in which it looks at issues from a female perspective and attempts to make a difference but also the coming together of like-minded people to enjoy each other’s company and to pursue various activities.


I am also a member of the craft club as I am interested in a number of various crafts including dolls house miniatures, patchwork, tapestry, sugarcraft and bookfolding. I also enjoy exploring my family history.


Over the years I have worked in advertising, personnel, the NHS, outplacement and patent administration. I have also taught shorthand and typing, GCSE English Language and Literature and English, Maths and IT Functional Skills. I am now retired (although not of retirement age yet, I hasten to add!) enabling me to spend much more time on my hobbies and with my two (soon to be three) grandchildren.


Secretary - Cheryl Nelson 


I joined the WI because I was curious and I wanted to know more about the WI and if it would be for me. I knew from the first meeting that I wanted to be involved in Chadderton WI.    

I absolutely love being part of Chadderton WI, the people I have met at Chadderton WI are so friendly and there is a real sense of community spirit amongst the group.

I like the fact that there are lots of people who have a variety of experiences,  hobbies and interests so we are always learning new things which we would not have had the opportunity to do without the WI.     

I don't really have many hobbies due the fact that I don't have much free time. I am a mum of three, a full-time student paediatric nurse and I also work part-time, so there is not much time for anything else. 

The WI gives me the opportunity to try new things and form some fantastic friendships along the way. I like the fact that the sub groups are flexible and that I can join in as and when I can so it fits in with my busy lifestyle.   

Refreshments Coordinator - Karen Lund 


I joined the WI as my neighbour was so passionate about it I was intrigued.  I love meeting with women of all ages who are all there for the basically the same thing, new friendships and socialising.  We care about each other and look out for each other.  


I only offered to wash up and my role on the committee was formed! The speakers we have had have opened my eyes to things I would never have known. I look forward to every meeting with Chadderton WI and seeing all of our lovely ladies. I am so happy to be involved. 


I work full time, have a lovely man and two beautiful little girls.  The meetings are local to me so I can still have family time before I go which means the WI fits perfectly with my busy life. 

Vice President - Michele Ward 


I joined the WI to gain new interests outside of work and home. It is great to be part of a group and get the chance to chat about all sorts of issues. To date our WI have had speakers that have really been eye opening and given us plenty to think of as well as being extremely informative and educational.

The sub groups are a great idea. The craft group gives you the chance to experience new skills and share any you have with new friends. Being creative is something I love - I always have some project on the go! 

Being in the WI is a great balance to my work. I spend my days with 5 year olds being a primary school teacher so getting adult company a few times a month is great!

Vice Secretary & Social Secretary - Susan Hall 


I joined the WI to meet up with ladies in the local community and learn from new experiences. The WI has exceeded my expectations I have made many new friends, I thoroughly  enjoy the meetings, and would encourage any lady who is considering it to come along - they won't be disappointed.  

I work full time from home for an Insurance Company as an account manager and have worked for the same company for over 10 years.  I have 4 children and whilst they are older now my family, (including Billy, our dog) and my job takes up most of my time. I live for my holidays and enjoy catching up with family and friends at weekends.

Meet and Greet & New Members Secretary - Jackie Armstrong 


I joined Chadderton W.I. as I had been looking for a branch for some time and was really pleased to hear that one was starting up close to where I live. It has been a great experience so far, I really look forward to each month’s meeting, everyone is so friendly and the meetings are fun and interesting, I have met lots of people, some who live close to me who I have never met before, others are old friends from the area who I have not seen for a while who it has been lovely to see again each month. I have joined the Book Club with the aim of reading at least one new book a month, and the Craft Club hoping to improve my very limited skills.


I am the Meet and Greet person on the Committee which means that I am usually the first person you see when you arrive at our meetings, and I hope that I am a friendly face if it is your first visit and that I can encourage you to join us as a Member, or that I can help out any existing Members if they have any questions.

I love the mix of ages in our Group and believ

e that the W.I. should be a welcoming place for all women, and hope that we will be able to provide something of interest for everyone at our meetings.

Outside of the W.I. I enjoy travel and theatre and cinema visits with my husband, and we are kept very busy with our family and especially our 5 lovely grandchildren.